Police World Edition 2 2013

Article IPAozfhzxcvum

Plans for the World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) are progressing across Northern Ireland, the host country for the Games in 2013. Vice President Mark Kernohan provides an update. 1-11 August 2013 in Belfast

S ince reporting in the last edition of Police World, I am delighted to say that volunteers for helping at the Games have exceeded the organiser's expectations. They had hoped for 4,000 volunteers - over 6,000 people actually signed up - including me! My daughter, Lynsey, was chosen to work on the volunteer interview panel which she described as a ‘daunting experience’. She has also been chosen to be a host ambassador for the Latin American countries as she is a fluent Spanish speaker. Entries from competitors were being received at a slightly slower rate than for some Games and at the end of January, Judith Gillespie, an IPA member and Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland issued a press release. She addressed those having second thoughts of visiting Northern Ireland as a result of watching some of the media pictures of protests and disorder associated with the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall. ‘I want to reassure you that the majority of recent protests have been entirely peaceful and any disorder has been isolated to a number of very small areas, mainly in one particular area of East Belfast. The vast majority of areas across Northern Ireland have been totally unaffected. In fact you could be in Belfast City Centre and be totally oblivious that there had been any trouble at all. There has also been some disruption to traffic but this has been largely dealt with by the Police,’ she wrote. I am pleased to announce IPA Section UK National Executive Committee, the International President, and International Vice President have all confirmed their attendance at the Games; it speaks to those who may be nervous of visiting Belfast. Fortunately, at the time of writing this article at the end of February, 55 of the 57 events had received entrants, the exceptions being waterpolo and netball. IPA member and wife of Assistant International Secretary General, Diane

Crockard is a regular competitor at the Games and she encourages all sports people, of any ability, to consider ‘having a go’. ‘As well as being professionally run, the Games are fun-filled and very friendly,’ she said. Indeed, the fun side of the event is transpiring with

the announcement that Kings Hall in Belfast is the chosen venue for the opening ceremony. IPA will have a stand at Waterfront Hall where, as well as greeting competitors from across the world and promoting the IPA, the IPA- WPFG Bronze Partner Committee will hand out tickets to the IPA hospitality event taking place during the Games. The function is a ticket only event for IPA members who are attending the Games. ‘Discussing the plans for entertainment, food and drink for the evening brought some real excitement to our planning. We’re so much looking forward to giving IPA members a very special ‘Section UK’ welcome,’ said Mandy Kernohan, Committee member. Finally, I am delighted that IPA has been able to support the organisers in promoting the Games, through its regular web news bulletins and international circulars. This edition of Police World carries a full-page advert on the cover and I would ask all members to help promote the Games. If you do not want to pass on your copy of Police World, the poster is available as a download from our website. You can also read all the latest news updates there and find out more information on how to participate in the Games. Visit our dedicated page: www.ipa-uk.org/IPA-WPFG-Bronze-Partner Mark Kernohan , UK Vice President and Chair, IPA-WPFG Bronze Partner Committee

Defensive Tactics Secretary Applauded

When Rob Stenhouse, Secretary of the Defensive Tactics Group, visited British Section Admin Centre (BSAC) during late February, female staff learned a slap, similar to an enthusiastic clap of the hands, is better than a punch against an attacker because you might just break your hand. Rob was attending a meeting at BSAC with Dave Taylor, UK Secretary General, to discuss the Group’s development. Communications Manager, Lib Jones, wanted to get some video footage and photos for IPA media and staff colleague, Jo Conway, very kindly agreed to be filmed taking a few brief instructions.

View the video here: http://youtu.be/Soc0zo9Psuo

status in a very short space of time. Dave Taylor said, ‘Rob and his team have worked very hard to form the Group, even creating their own badge which has been authorised. It just shows any interest can be catered for within the IPA and it is a very simple process. If any member has any interest group they wish to form then please contact VP Kernohan on vpKernohan@ipa- uk.org who will assist.’ Anyone interested in learning more about what the Defensive Tactics Group has to offer should contact Rob on DT@ipa-uk.org or visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Defensive-Tactics

Lib said, “ It was interesting recording some basic skills and Jo and Rob were good sports for being filmed without notice or equipment. Anyone watching the video will see Rob makes the student feel totally at ease and puts across a lot of useful information in a very short space of time.” Members of the Defensive Tactics Group have worked extremely hard at organising themselves into a properly functioning Group. The Group was elevated from ‘in foundation’ status to ‘full’

Police World Vol 58 No.2 2013

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