New Chief Constable for Kent - eastkentnarpo.org.uk

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The jobAward for sergeantfor tireless worktackling drugsThe dedication of Sergeant Howard Chandler in tackling drugs has earnedhim more recognition as he retires after 30 years.He received a commendation from the South East Regional AvailabilityGroup (SERAG). It is made up of officers from south east police forces,drug and alcohol action teams (DAAT), HM prisons, the Serious andOrganised Crime Agency (SOCA) and UK Border Agency. Howard alsobelongs to the national ACPO Drug Standing Working Group. A familiarface on TV and radio, Howard has represented the force on drugs issues Sgt Howard Chandler, right, with his award.for the last eight years. He has focused on tackling the impact of drugs incommunities, launching drug operations targeting the night-time economy, road networks and neighbourhoods,and drug awareness programmes. Some of the work has been adopted by other forces countrywide.Howard helped develop the Kent Police Drug Expert Witness Course and was one of the lead officers in the countryfor developing protocols in cash swabbing for drug traces. He’s played a key role in offering tactical support forKent in planning and running post drug enforcement operations and initiatives like National Tackling Drugs Weeksand has received several other awards including one from ACPO. Leigh Thompson, a drugs expert from ThamesValley Police, said: ‘Sergeant Chandler was extremely helpful in setting up our network of experts, not only in ourforce but in others across the south east, his enthusiasm and dedication in the drugs field cannot be questioned.His commendation is richly deserved.’Dog handlers recognisedfor achievementDog handlers PCs Sam Appleby and Jennifer Preston, who both represented Kent inthe National Police Dog Trials in May, have received awards in recognition of theirachievements.PC Preston with her dog Nap, pictured top left, is now officially the top female doghandler in the UK. Although he’s seven and nearing retirement, Nap came 11 out of ahigh standard field of 22 in the trials. It is the second time PC Preston and her dog haverepresented Kent in the event, reaching 16 out of 30 competitors in 2006.PC Appleby and Victor, pictured bottom right, were the 2010 force champions for KentPolice. Although relatively young and taking part in his first national trials Victor came 16out of 22 in the competition. Both handlers had won their places for the national eventthrough success in the force and regional trials.Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Leppard and chair of the Kent Police Authority, AnnBarnes, presented the two officers and their dogs with certificates in recognition of theirprofessionalism and dedication to duty.Protecting and serving the people of Kent The Relay extra – Issue 02 6
FeatureThe theme of cold caseinvestigations has beenplayed out several timesin popular televisiondramas. But the ability tore-examine cases usingthe latest developmentsin forensic science isbringing very real resultsto cases, and closure tofamilies who have neverstopped hoping for justice,no matter how long thepassage of time from theoriginal offence.The force’s Cold Case InvestigationTeam, CCIT, marks its secondanniversary in April. It investigatesunsolved murders dating back to1960 and stranger rapes back to1980 and has already had a numberof successes. They include theconviction of a rapist, subsequentlyjailed for 12 years, and the identityof the killer of a woman in 1987.They are currently reviewing themurders of Caroline Pierce andWendy Knell, from Tunbridge Wells,more than 20 years ago. They nowhave DNA which they believe is fromthe offender.Kent was one of the first forcescountrywide to set up a coldcase unit and others have sincefollowed. Previously cold cases wereinvestigated by major crime.The problem was as new crimeshappened, investigations on oldercases slowed or stopped. DetectiveChief Inspector Dave Withersrecognised the need for a dedicatedteam. He said: ‘In the case ofmurder there are always relativeswho want answers and closure.We have a duty to them, as well asa duty to the victims. The personresponsible might still be offendingand we must protect the public.Just because something could notbe detected 15 or 20 years agodoesn’t mean it can’t be detectednow. Nearly all of our cold cases aresolved due to advances in forensicscience.’‘Just becausesomething could notbe detected 15 or 20years ago doesn’tmean it can’t bedetected now’The Chatham based team is madeup of DCI Withers, three detectiveconstables and two investigatingofficers, who are retired detectives.Their successes include theconviction of former customs officerKelvin Cyde Bennett, jailed for 12years after being found guilty ofkidnapping and raping a youngmother in Folkestone in December2000. He was charged eight yearsafter the attack when DNA takenin connection with another offencematched samples from the victim ofthe Folkestone attack. Another casewas that of Evelyn Staples, whosebody was found in Boxley, nearMaidstone, in 1987.Protecting and serving the people of Kent The Relay extra – Issue 02 7
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New Chief Constable for Kent - eastkentnarpo.org.uk

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