Superintendent Michelle Dunn departs Stansted Airport

This week sees the departure of the Essex Police Divisional Commander at Stansted Airport, Superintendent Michelle Dunn.

During the two years she has been ‘The Boss’, some of the challenges faced at the airport have included the policing measures taken around the 7/7 terrorist alerts and the threat increase to aviation on the 10^th August 06 which in itself had a considerable impact upon what items passengers can take with them as they transit the airport.

There have also been some notable successes including an operation to tackle a culture of criminality within certain groups of baggage handlers which resulted in thousands of pounds worth of stolen property being recovered and more importantly the rooting out and dismissal of the ‘bad eggs’.

Michelle will also be remembered for her staunch support for the introduction of the crime reducing ‘Thumbprint’ initiative which saw a virtual elimination of car thefts overnight, and the increase in performance including a detection rate which currently stands at 56%. This must be one of the highest in the Country yet sits alongside a year on year reduction in crime.

After two extremely successful years, Michelle has taken up a well earned promotion working for the Home Office. From all of her colleagues and friends at Stansted Airport Police Station, we wish her well.

The Stansted Airport Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) launched a ‘Get to know you’ week on the 14th May where they visited and introduced themselves to all of the business and retail outlets within their ‘beat’. They discussed areas of concern and a surprising amount of intelligence was forthcoming which is currently being acted upon.

The focus was mainly on the North, Central and South neighbourhoods and consisted of a high visibility approach by the officers tasked with responsibility for those three areas namely, Pc John Jackson, Pc Fiona Clements and Pc Garry Munoz respectively. This was supported by PCSOs and will receive further support in the future by Special Constables who are currently in the process of being recruited.

The NPT intend to tackle all none urgent policing issues or community based problems and they ask that if you have any policing related concerns that adversely affect your community or you have an idea that you think could improve your quality of life then please just give them a call or speak to them as they patrol your area.
 

Vic Murphy
Criminal Investigation Department
Essex Police, Stansted Airport