Festus AKINBUSOYE
@FestAKINBUSOYE
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Proud dad. Fmr. Police & Crime Commissioner, Fmr. Board Member College of Policing and Chair, Eastern Region Special Operations Unit. I too, have a dream 🌍
London
Joined March 2013
VIDEO: My full interview with @BethRigby on @SkyNews . "I think we talk down this country a bit too much, and some of our major achievements also. We should celebrate it much more than we do.".
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I look forward to the Home Secretary and Prime Minister flatly condemning this awful assault on police officers. Like others, I call on police leadership and powers to seriously reconsider the current position on releasing video footage at times like this. The world has changed.
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We did it. Thank you Bedfordshire for your trust and confidence. I am truly humbled. The real work now begins. 💙.
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When I met King Charles last year, he said "I hear you are one of my graduates who is now a Police Commissioner" All I could say was "Yes sir" 🤣. He was referencing the life-changing support I received from @PrincesTrust when I was 23yrs old to setup my business. #Coronation
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A friend shared this & it really moved me. If I had a wish as PCC, apart from wanting officers to have superpowers to spot a crime before it happens, it would be for each member of the public to spend a week as a Police Officer. Ordinary folks doing extraordinary things -daily 💙
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Here's a young man on way to a job interview. He's being helped with his tie by an older gentleman after the man's wife noticed the young man struggling to do his tie. She then shields the men during this exchange. Do you see anything other than humanity in this picture? I don't
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🧵 This afternoon, I visited Luton Police Station. The plan was to spend a few hours out on patrol with the officers. It didn't work out that way. As I have said before, I am yet to meet a police officer with nothing to do. Read on.
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Final of four assessments in one week now done. I passed.
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This officer deserves a medal. but he probably won't think he deserves one because he'd simply say "I am just doing my job" even when off duty. Huge credit to @metpoliceuk, his team and the uniform. Thank you officer. Policing isn't always pretty and it takes courage to do it 👏🏾.
The shock I got while driving to see a man grab a white boy from his neck off his bicycle and struggling forcefully with him- OMG. Got out to try to stop it/make sure the boy was OK. It was an off duty police officer-he said the boy had a knife & had threatened other kids.
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In between meetings in Westminster, I stopped to say hello to these fine @metpoliceuk officers on foot patrol, having seen them assisting a member of the public. Community policing at its finest. Huge credit to the uniform and their force. 💙💙💙
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👮🏽♂️ I will be joining @bedspolice as a Special Constable, starting my training on Sat. 25 July. 😇 Thanks to @BedsCIP, @BedsSpecials & BCH teams for helping me get this far. Can't wait to support our #ThinBlueLine team. 👮🏻♀️ To #BeASpecial follow this link
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. and so it begins. Protecting People and Fighting Crime Together in Bedfordshire. "Happy days" ~ Sarj. C. Proud to be a Special Constable with @bedspolice @BedsSpecials @BedsCIP
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#GeneralElection2019 is the time to #GetBrexitDone . Despite the rain I am out campaigning for a @Conservatives majority, @Ben_Everitt & @iainastewart in #MiltonKeynes. #VoteConservativesActually @ToryCanvass @MKConservatives
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As Police and Crime Commissioner, and during one of my public accountability meetings with the Chief Constable, I sought reassurance that there would be no banning of police officers and staff from wearing a Thin Blue Line badge. There was no issue at all. There doesn't have to
Policing has been referred to as ‘The Thin Blue Line’ for a very long time. The blue, refers to the colour of our uniforms, in a post war era where we moved from black; to dark and then lighter blue to differentiate us from Naval or Air Force uniforms. The thin, quite simply
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Dear Journalists and British Media,. Can we have some positive news about British policing please? I will gladly, and personally provide you with as many accounts as you wish. Drop me a DM. I will work with you to make this happen. This is necessary💙. Your Favourite PCC,.Fest'
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I confess to not having all the answers to stop and search BUT if I was in uniform, I would search ALL of these boys not just the one in grey hoodie. I'd happily explain myself to skipper or scrutiny panel if necessary. Saving lives comes first. ALWAYS
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Dear long in service, 'experienced' or retired Police Officers,. PLEASE stop slagging off new recruits or questioning their ability. You were new once! These officers need your support, as much as they need the public's. Thank you for your service. Cheers.Yours favourite PCC💙.
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Politics is a strange thing. I think of the number of jobs, livelihoods and businesses saved by furlough scheme, govt. backed business loans, huge gamble in ordering covid vaccines and rapid pace of rolling these out. Going from deepest econ. contraction to fastest growth in G7🤷🏾♂️.
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I have to say the Met Commissioner is right to do this, as unpopular as it might be. I would like to see a more coordinated response from policing as a whole to focus more on its core functions, not act as mental health practitioners. Enough talking.
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Here's my article in today's @thesundaytimes I discuss my childhood experience growing up on a council estate in East London, experiences with Stop and Search, and the need for an early intervention approach to tackling serious violence. It is doable.
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Dear @PoliceChiefs & @CollegeofPolice. Can you PLEASE put in a place a process that allows for body worn video footage to be released in full and unedited, where snippets are already in public domain?. The world has changed. So should police guidance on comms 🤦🏾.
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Around this time last year, I was coming to the end of my time as a Special Constable with @bedspolice. I had clocked up hundreds of hours as a volunteer officer while holding down a demanding day job running my business, dealt with and seen some pretty unpleasant things. 1/
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Longer than expected 13hr shift. Got first arrest for PWITS. Quite a number of drugs and paraphernalia seized, thanks to intelligence from member of the public. Paperwork for all exhibits meant a 2am finish = 6am sign-out. No complaints as lives were most certainly saved today.💙.
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When a 17yr old boy leaves home at 6am to work on a construction site, arrives back at 4pm, leaves for football match at 6pm, named in @stotfoldfc starting 11 for his debut semi-pro match and plays full 90 minutes in a 4-1 win vs Letchworth. hard work+dedication. Proud pops🖤
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I find the current pay deal being offered to our police officers inadequate and thoroughly disappointing. They have been asked to keep the peace during a time of a national crisis, putting their lives and health on the line, which in part helped to save the NHS. 1/.
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I support Rebecca Smith.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith seems to be using Nicola Bulley’s disappearance as a excuse to showcase her toned physique. Who wears a sleeveless dress in February? To those who say, does it matter what people wear to work? Yes, it does, when they are police officers.
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Been following the 'degree in policing' discussion for a while now. I hold a BA, MA and Pg.Diploma. I served as a Special Constable last year before being elected as PCC for Bedfordshire this year. I still can't see how a degree helps in catching criminals. What am I missing?.
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This is why I do what I do, the way I do it. This is Theo. I did an assembly talk at his Lower School several months ago. His grandma contacted my office saying he couldn't stop talking about this man who visited his school from the police. I honestly couldn't remember him. 1/
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The polls in the Mid Bedfordshire by-election have now closed!. I want to thank all those who came out to vote, my campaign team and my election opponents for their roles in a good campaign. It is a privilege to be a part of a democratic process in this great country of ours 💙
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This is excellent news, and is long overdue. Police officers are often not best placed to deal with person going through a mental health crisis. I look forward to the implementation of this agreement. Next up: children going 'missing' from care settings.
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I've been in my role as Police and Crime Commissioner now for just two years. One observations js that many people really do believe that public safety just happens. It doesn't. The @metpoliceuk and all involved in policing the coronation deserves praise.
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Yes, police officers cannot be everywhere at every time, but at any time, they are somewhere doing something to help someone. Huge respect to all police officers and police staff out there. THANK YOU. And to line managers who take the very best care of their teams. WELL DONE💙.
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A few weeks ago, I was offered the opportunity to have one of the #CovidVaccinations as an #NHS volunteer. I accepted without hesitation. I decided to wait a few weeks to see if I have any side-effects. I have had none. I feel great and continue to follow govt. covid guidelines💙
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I am the @Conservatives candidate for the May 2021 #Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner election. I will:. ✅ Invest in ⬆️ number & retention of police officers.🚨Tackle gang & knife crime + causes.💙 Place law-abiding citizens & victims at heart of policing priorities
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I've had a small glimpse of being a police officer and now get a greater but different view as Police and Crime Commissioner. Let me tell you now, this is not a job for the faint hearted but yet police officers are very much human. 1/
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Yet again, the Met and IOPC will have questions to answer as to how it came to a decision described by a Police Appeals Tribunal as "irrational" and "inconsistent". 😳. What has been the cost to local taxpayers for this lengthy court case? How is the system sacking officers who.
BREAKING: Two former Metropolitan Police officers sacked over a stop and search involving British athlete Bianca Williams have been handed their jobs back. 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube
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PCC 0 - 1 TPD. I have learned a lot today. Police Dogs are worth their weight in gold. PD handlers are deserve more credit. It's always a bad idea to mess with a police dog. always (see video footage). Thank you @BCHPoliceDogs for the unexpected workout today 🫡 🥵 😅. #police
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I am swiftly running out of adjectives for describing the total lack of awareness, insight and humility by some Labour MPs, especially government Minsters. "You've had your rant!" SERIOUSLY?!.
“Angela Rayner had an opinion when Boris Johnson was getting money from donors…now you've got someone who has a luxury glasses habit who's taking money from pensioners.”. “Okay you’ve had your rant.”. Dame @AngelaEagle avoids answering questions on the PM’s new glasses.
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Why is this even an issue in 2020? That a black family is depicted celebrating Christmas in a Supermarket Christmas TV advert leads to calls from some to boycott the Supermarket? REALLY?! This is so heartbreaking. I cannot believe this. #sainsburys.
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Before I came to England from Nigeria as a 13 year old and as a lifelong Christian, Muslims celebrated Christmas with Christians and Christians celebrated Eid with Muslims. Never a problem then nor now. In Newham and Tower Hamlets where I grew up and went to school, again, no.
Annual Reminder. We MUSLIMS are not offended by Christmas. We are NOT bothered by you celebrating Christmas. We do not MIND you saying Happy Christmas. And we even enjoy an odd Christmas song or two too. Don’t let anybody tell you we are trying to cancel your Christmas!.
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👮🏾♂️ First shift now completed today with a superb supervisor. Fascinating 8hrs. 🤚🏽 Did my first Sec. 23. search. Turned on body worn video as per @bedspolice policy for all searches. 🚔 Gathering intel comes in layers over time before arrest sometimes possible. #patience.
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I will never forget the experience of today and will leave this tour tomorrow with some serious lessons as takeaways. I've shed a few tears today meeting families of officers we have been riding for. I have no words. It's been a very grueling & emotional day @UK_COPS
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I'm a strong advocate of much better communication by police with the public. THIS, is one example of such. The reality, pressures and trauma that officers deal with in saving lives are stark. Taxpayers also deserve to know what their police force is doing to keep people safe.
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Shame on @BBCNews for this headline. Quote in article different to actual headline. "Why join a force of people you are taught to mistrust?" in article quite different to 'Why join a force of people you mistrust?'. Awful way to handle a serious issue 🤦🏾♂️
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🧵This picture was taken in 2020. I remember very well the job I went to immediately afterwards. There are some things you never forget, even if you try. 1/12
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Statement on my leave of absence as a Special Constable to now return to campaigning to be next elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire. I have insufficient words to express my admiration for each police officer and staff member @bedspolice 💙💙💙. Work continues
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Unlike the Labour and Lib Dem candidates in this by-election, I live, work and am raising a family here in Mid Beds. This has been home for nearly 15 years, so I am part of our communities & share their concerns. On Thurs. 19 October, a vote for me will be a vote for a local MP.
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I bumped into these two special men. They're @bedspolice Special Constables. The chap on my right has done over 1000hrs each of last four years. To my left is SC 'Hot Fuzz'. We were in same cohort in 2020. What an awesome team of officers. Respect to all you Special Constables 💙
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This is a totally inappropriate post by someone who sits on a supposedly independent Police Scrutiny Panel. Should the issue come before the Panel, he should recuse himself from the discussion. Not all opinions need to be aired, especially when in a position of authority.
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. so I did my first shift on the same day another did his last. We salute you, PC Andrew Harper. 💙💙💙. May God grant your loved ones left behind, peace, security and the strength to go on. #ThinBlueLine #ThisIsReal
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That moment you go to the recycling centre and a conversation goes like this:. Mate, are you Festus?. Yes sir. Are you still the Police Commissioner?. (In my head I'm thinking surely, not another complaint about something I posted on social media or "all the police are useless"
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@PetronellaWyatt Petronella, would you care to share your thoughts on what she should be wearing? Feel free to specify colour, length, weight of fabric, trouser or skirt, one piece or two piece. In fact, just don't!.
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I am not a fake 'local' candidate. I have lived here for nearly 15 years, my children went to or still go to school in Ampthill and Shefford. They play for local football teams in Shefford, Flitwick and recently Barton. They've represented County at National Sports tournaments. 1
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WE HAVE DONE IT! 💙💙💙. 202 miles done in three days with the most remarkable and inspiring @bedspolice team for the @UK_COPS @PolUnityTourUK 2022. We are all now arrived at the National Police Arboretum in Staffordshire.
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VIDEO DIARY 10:. 👩🏾⚖️ Pieces of the puzzle starting to come together nicely. Law, NDM, Risk, CJS, Personal Safety etc. 🚔 If need reminding, NO officer signs up today and is out tomorrow on your streets. N.O.N.E. 💙 It's ok to show some love to the police. @BedsCIP @BedsSpecials
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Policing evolves over time. A retired police officer of say 12 months or 12 years should not necessarily be considered an expert on a live police investigation. Unless they have access to ALL information concerning an investigation, their opinions are exactly as valid as mine.
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I love my kids, but seriously!?. I bought this yesterday afternoon! I am so looking forward to the 'not guilty' pleas later this evening 🤦🏽. PS: I do not have 23 kids.
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This is disgusting and absolutely sickening to see that it's actually happening in our country!!! Can there not be a law making it an offence to stand by and watch an emergency officer being brutalised like this? . If there is one, does it get enforced? I am fuming! Holy crap! 😡.
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This is policing. A @bedspolice officer saved a woman's life after she hung herself and suffered a cardiac arrest. The officer's quick action literally made a difference before an ambulance could arrive. This happened a few days ago. 1/
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The name of Clive Driscoll, former Detective at @metpoliceuk, his body of work, and indefatigability should remind us all that justice is worth the effort expended to secure it. This is why policing, effective scrutiny and oversight must never be strangers #Stephen Lawrence @ITV
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I got this message from someone a few hours ago. For the 'but that's their job' crew, I say - you miss the point. I have made enquiries to identify these officers & thank them myself (maybe in person or via email, not a framed certificate @DannyShawNews 😉). #SupportYourPolice
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The campaign to be the next @Conservatives Member of Parliament for Mid Bedfordshire continues in earnest. I am very grateful for the growing number of volunteers turning up daily to get my positive campaign message out to local residents. Thank you Team A 💙. #Fest4MidBeds
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I'm truly honoured to have been selected as the @Conservatives Candidate in the upcoming #Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner election. It’s going to be an exciting campaign, working with a fantastic group of activists! . We'll make a #SaferBedfordshire. 💪🏾
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This is another bladed object and dangerous person taken off our streets. As I keep saying and as someone who has been on receiving end of searches before, criminals rarely identify themselves and their intentions. Still not sure what better tool can be used instead of S&S.
Knife carrying man #JAILED after assaulting officers during stop and search in #Leytonstone. The 19 year old was sentenced to 14 months. #WATCH the officers detain the man on the tube platform.
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When someone makes a total tool of themselves. and so publicly as well 😒. Oh Julia 🤦🏾 they're evidence gatherers and collar number is on the orange epaulettes. Methinks a visit to an optician might be needed ma'am.
At the start of today's #FreedomMarch these two @metpoliceuk officers were filming us on the Reform TV bus. It looks like they've covered up their police badge numbers with the orange epaulettes. I can't see a number on them. Why? All officers are required to show their badge ID.
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This remarkable new police officer is my hero of the day. Thank you for your courage and service @ProbieDom A bright future awaits. A lion doesn't concern himself with the opinion of a sheep'. Do yo' thang bruh @MetBPA.
Being a new Black police officer has been hard for me during the current climate. I have been called a traitor to my race and told to choose between black and blue. I just a young black man doing an incredible job. @MPFed @metpoliceuk
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Something is going awry in policing with misconduct cases being overturned on appeal again and again. Here's another example of such following the recent high profile cases from London. Who is being held accountable for these decisions? Is anyone scrutinising the decision making
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While stopping to say hello to some of our officers in #Bedford this morning, this is what I saw! These weapons came from just two collections. Seeing this first hand has reminded me of the serious pressures our police force faces each day in #Bedfordshire. Shocking!
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. so this happened today. I hate #flytipping with a vengeance. This is an act of wanton and calculated degradation of our environment and neighbourhoods. Yes - I want there to be powers to seize, dispose of, or crush the vehicles used for fly-tipping on top of fines. Grrrrr🤬
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I received a message this morning, which I share with permission. I've no idea who the young person referred to is, or which school. It is a genuine privilege to have an opportunity to "inspire a generation". I might not be able to reach all, but I will certainly reach some.
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I remain extremely concerned about the risk that police officers and staff are carrying daily by filling roles of Children's Services and Mental Health nurses. What will it take before something gets done to address this crisis?!.
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I wish Mr. Tizard the best as Bedfordshire's next Police and Crime Commissioner. A good foundation has been set. On to the next chapter.
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VERY disappointing. The government was right to appeal the sentence given to the killers of PC #AndrewHarper. I believe, again, the wrong message is being sent out in this regard. My thoughts remain with his wife and loved ones. This is depressing!.
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VIDEO DIARY 1:. ⛅Long day but what an eye opener with the @BedsSpecials @BedsCIP team. It was fun, yet sobering!. 👌🏽Impressive cohort of prof. backgrounds & diversity. 🤯Tons to read and me learning a 'foreign language'. HUGE respect to #ThinBlueLine out there. WOW. #BeASpecial
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I think it is time that an immediate ban on the sale of fireworks to private individuals be put in place immediately. Has any Member of Parliament picked up on this yet? Can Mayors or PCCs push for this? Fireworks are now being used to literally terrorise people. How?!!!.
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Police officers must be on the list of priority recipients of #covid vaccine. There can't be any logical explanation for failing to do so given the level of exposure and risk they face daily on duty. and they have no choice as a public duty. Let's do the right thing now!.
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Attending #PCAndrewHarper's funeral in Oxford, I shall never forget the sombre atmosphere and so many officers in uniform. No one goes to work to be assaulted or have their life dragged away. May God grant his family peace. 🙏🏾. Assault of emergency workers utterly unacceptable.
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Son: "Dad? You know I wear same shoe size as you now, can I wear one of your Jordan 11s?". Me: Before step out the house, here's the contract's Terms and Conditions. Sign on the dotted line. Son: ok. Check out my beard!. Me: 🤷🏾. #FatherAndSon #MakeMemories #BoysToMen #FamLove
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Huge chest pound to both nuclear and extended police family for the way a majority stood up for the @metpoliceuk PSU officer wearing a hijab. Twitter is not all bad after all. Most people are not racists, Islamophobes, misogynists and anti-police. Thank you for doing good! 💙.
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The officers I was waiting to go out with had just been to a very tragic case of death by suicide, where they'd provided CPR on the person, but sadly he died. Very rightly, the Inspectors and Duty Sergeants decided that the officers needed a breathing space.
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Just under 25 years ago, I was told by a specialist that I'd likely be in a wheelchair by 40. I was one of those kids whose life revolved around school and sports. The choice was to get busy living or bemoan my luck. Well 40 is behind me, and I'm still getting busy living. 💙
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Introducing the special Special Constables of @bedspolice. Absolute blast to be a part of this truly special cohort of Aug. 2020. THIS is community policing at its finest. Greatest credit goes to the @BedsCIP & @BedsSpecials team for finding a way to make this happen with 💙💙💙.
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Being a Police Officer is a powerful role that comes with immense responsibilities. PCSOs contribute immensely to this role too. I would encourage anyone who cares about their community to definitely consider joining the police. You will change futures for good + save lives too💙
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Some pictures from today's swearing-in ceremony @BedsOPCC team. thank you for being a top team 💙
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This is simply heartbreaking and cannot be argued away. I am not sure that the Notting Hill Carnival can or should continue as it presently is without more serious incidents like these occuring. Spare me the 'whataboutery'. Someone in power needs to step in, have the courage to
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We cannot keep allowing criminals to get away with this sort of acts and expect people to join and stay in policing beyond a few years. No one should have to put up with this in the workplace. Is this going to be the norm? Sick of this 😡
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How can a Secretary of State for Education with responsibility for ALL schools and children be writing this sort of thing? Do all Labour MPs support what is being done in their name? . None of my kids went to fee paying schools and neither did I. However, this attack on those who.
Our state schools need teachers more than private schools need embossed stationery. Our children need mental health support more than private schools need new pools. Our students need careers advice more than private schools need AstroTurf pitches.
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@PFEW_HQ @PFEW_Chair I think it's fair to say, this proposal is one that will not stand the test of scrutiny under Human Rights legislation I think and is not a policy I'd support. Absolutely not. Yes, we must expect the highest of standards and recognise there are areas of improvement. But this? ❌.
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Over the last 12+ months I've been reminded that most people are perfectly pleasant, polite and personable - unlike what social media would have us believe. A key lesson learned of late is to spend more time talking with people and much less time typing to people. 🙏🏽.
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I thanked them all for their extraordinary work knowing the majority of the public are fully behind them. Sometimes, all you can do is just say 'Thank you'.
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Nonetheless, the level of professionalism, compassion and care I strength I witnessed in Bedfordshire Police officers today is remarkable. This is the norm for these men and women. Just wanted to share this with you, so that you know what is happening out there.
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Thank you @theresa_may & Philip May for your support today. It was great to see your strength on the doorstep and example of being solid campaigners. Incredible. Inspiring. Instructive. As a 'sneaker head', I love the #ChuckTaylors our former Prime Minister was wearing btw 👟
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VIDEO DIARY 14:. 🥊 I can't remember the last time I got thrown to the ground. 🤲🏽 I also can't remember the last time I got a slap at the back of the head. 🚑 But I remember thinking today - 'What if all this helped save someone's life while on duty?'. @BedsSpecials @BedsCIP 💙
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That moment when you're in Clapham, Bedfordshire and a gentleman recognises you as the man he just voted for. time for some street dancing 🤣. I can still bust a few moves despite being absolutely shattered 💪🏽
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As society becomes more polarised, it's easy to forget that the vast majority of those on 'the other side' are actually good, decent people who share the same concerns, fears, anxieties and hopes that we have. I really do wish all this meanness could be dialled down somewhat.🤞🏾.
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I'm now leaving scene of a very serious road collision with @roadpoliceBCH officer. We are going to find nearest relative of one of the parties involved. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT ASK OR TRY TO GO THROUGH A POLICE ROAD CLOSURE! IT IS THERE FOR A REASON.⚠️
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'Much ado about a uniform' 🤷🏽♂️. I am extremely proud of my time as a Special Constable on frontline duties here in Bedfordshire a few years ago and before being elected as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). This is not new, nor is it news, 1/
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