Recommendation 1
IOPC recommendationThe IOPC recommends that Greater Manchester Police should review and update force guidance, policies and procedures, relating to ‘planned’ and/or ‘disruption’ operations that are intended to target the unlawful supply of counterfeit goods and ensure guidance on seizure, retention and disposal of material is up to date, clear and readily available to all officers.
This follows investigation undertaken by Greater Manchester Police and managed by the IOPC where officers from North Manchester Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were engaged in an operation relating to counterfeit goods. It was alleged the manner in which suspected counterfeit goods were seized, retained and disposed of did not comply with legislation policy or procedure.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Accepted action:
GMP have established a new team of officers and staff from policing and detective backgrounds to form Operation Vulcan. This is being led by a Superintendent.
The purpose of this pro-active initiative is to tackle the embedded criminality, including the sale of counterfeit goods, that blights the communities of Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.
The newly established team will be based in the area itself and comprise of an investigative team and a proactive / enforcement team of officers and staff.
The team will develop best practice and specialist knowledge of investigations. policy and procedures in relation to the seizure, retention, and disposal of counterfeit goods. They will lead disruption operations in the area providing a consistent approach.
Operation Vulcan the point of contact for any other branch or district carrying out such operations.
A new policy document has been drafted which is specific to the seizure, retention and disposal of suspected counterfeit materials. This policy document has been circulated to key stakeholders, including Operation Vulcan, for their feedback prior to publishing.