Eight Merseyside Police Matrix Officers Suspended

Larking around in home they'd just raided, the photo that led to eight drug squad officers being suspended

Matrix officers have been credited with a 26 per cent reduction in firearms incidents in the last year.

Merseyside Police's assistant chief constable Andy Ward said: 'I want to be absolutely clear - high standards of professionalism are non-negotiable within Merseyside Police.

'Any suggestion that officers are not meeting those high standards is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.'

He said there had been a 'shake-up' of officers across the Matrix unit.

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Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

Posts: 1361 Join date: 2010-12-03 Age: 61

I'd rather have the cops take the piss out of the criminals as the other way round. lol

Guest

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Wow that's shocking. Excuse the ignorance, but what is a "Matrix" Officer?

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Posts: 879 Join date: 2010-05-18 Age: 38

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Do you not think a good talking to should do the trick.

Guest

cocky wrote:

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Do you not think a good talking to should do the trick.

Not for law enforcement. The integrity of the authorities is crucial to any conviction. The defence in any trial that had anything to do with Matrix or Merseyside Police for that matter will have a field day in court now. The defence can quite easily argue against any evidence adduced by the police, "well they've stolen from my clients or other clients, how hard is it to believe they would plant evidence?" etc etc. There cannot be any room for anything but the highest standards possible in the police, so they should all be sacked.

I can't even see how you could re-assign them to other areas. The police must be spotless, that's the job.

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Absolutely spot on L12, When the Police need policing we have a real problem, how can society feel safe if you cannot trust the police.

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Wrong.

Read the article properly. These officers were not involved on selling things on Ebay; that was a different allegation against 3 officers made prior to this incident. This is a new incident entirely.

Keep up and pay attention.

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Eight Merseyside Police gun crime officers suspended

Eight members of Merseyside Police's gun crime unit have been suspended for "inappropriate behaviour".

It follows allegations that three officers sold on eBay items seized during a raid, and the discovery of a photo showing officers behaving unprofessionally during another raid.

The officers are facing a misconduct investigation by the force's professional standards department.

Merseyside Police said high standards were "non-negotiable".

The Matrix unit leads the force's fight against drug-related gun and gang crime.

It played a significant role in targeting the gangs associated with the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, who was shot dead in Croxteth in August 2007.

'No charges'

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward said: "I want to be absolutely clear - high standards of professionalism are non-negotiable within Merseyside Police.

“The overwhelming majority of Matrix officers are a credit to our force but the actions of a small minority have a disproportionate impact on public confidence” -

Assistant Chief Constable
"Any suggestion that officers are not meeting those high standards is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated."

A sergeant and two Pcs were arrested for misconduct in March over the eBay allegations.

Three other Pcs were suspended and interviewed under caution last month.

It is understood the photograph, taken on a mobile phone, was uncovered during investigations into the first matter.

Two senior Matrix officers were also suspended from duty in connection with "wider managerial and conduct issues", Mr Ward said.

He added: "I would stress that no charges have been brought against the three arrested officers and a thorough criminal investigation is ongoing."

Merseyside Police has also imposed a shake-up of Matrix officers to try to restore public confidence in the specialist unit.

Mr Ward said: "Matrix is at the forefront of the fight against gun crime.

"Its officers do a difficult and demanding job, dealing with some of the most dangerous people in our society but high standards of professionalism and integrity are non-negotiable.

"The overwhelming majority of Matrix officers are a credit to our force but the actions of a small minority have a disproportionate impact on public confidence."

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This is a misconduct allegation arising out of the photograph only. There are some right clueless cunts on here.

Guest

Redguard wrote:

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Here's my two penneth worth. These images would not have been in the public domain had these officers not been investigated. They have committed no criminal act, just guilty really of arsing around. But when an organisation suppresses banter and high spirits then imo it's on a rocky road. This is human nature and manifests itself in many companies and organisations across the country. It smacks of a 'professional standards deprtment' being over zealous and trying to justify its existance; if only they spent more time as these Matrix officers do - doing the job that were intended to do in the first place - fight crime / grime.
Rolling Eyes

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Wrong.

Read the article properly. These officers were not involved on selling things on Ebay; that was a different allegation against 3 officers made prior to this incident. This is a new incident entirely.

Keep up and pay attention.

Ok I have re-read and you are correct. Only 3 of those 8 were involved in the EBay scam. And a ninth Matrix officer was also being investigated today over a separate allegation that he was involved in dealing Class C drugs – believed to be steroids.

So 5 only involved in the photograph. Still don't think an exception should be made for them. If they are given a warrant to search premises, I'm pretty sure it doesn't include in the warrant taking pictures and posing with the persons gear. It still compromises the whole investigation and brings into question the professionalism of the police force. These aren't new recruits, one of these is a sergeant. If they don't understand the sensitivity with which someone's premises should be searched they're in the wrong business. In any trial it is the reputation of the police and their officers as much as the accused that is on trial. Why should I convict based on evidence recovered by a police force that is posing for pictures and acting like a couple of drunks having a party?

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

L_12 wrote:

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Wrong.

Read the article properly. These officers were not involved on selling things on Ebay; that was a different allegation against 3 officers made prior to this incident. This is a new incident entirely.

Keep up and pay attention.

Ok I have re-read and you are correct. Only 3 of those 8 were involved in the EBay scam. And a ninth Matrix officer was also being investigated today over a separate allegation that he was involved in dealing Class C drugs – believed to be steroids.

So 5 only involved in the photograph. Still don't think an exception should be made for them. If they are given a warrant to search premises, I'm pretty sure it doesn't include in the warrant taking pictures and posing with the persons gear. It still compromises the whole investigation and brings into question the professionalism of the police force. These aren't new recruits, one of these is a sergeant. If they don't understand the sensitivity with which someone's premises should be searched they're in the wrong business. I still don't think it makes a difference red guard, they should still be sacked. In any trial it is the reputation of the police and their officers as much as the accused that is on trial. Why should I convict based on evidence recovered by a police force that is posing for pictures and acting like a couple of drunks having a party?

No it wouldn't include acting as such in the search warrant, neither does it include having a drink of water, farting, urinating, scratching ones arse, etc. Does their conduct amount to frustrating the conduct of the search? Probably not. Were the occupants present? Probably not. Was this just a juvenile prank? Yes.

In fact I'd say that in the Armed Forces, Police and a host of other organisations, all officers, of all ranks have at some time taken the piss.

I don't see why they should be sacked though. What happened to words of advice? I'd rather have lads who do their job, know how to do their job and are willing to do their job, than a sneeky bastard PC jobsworth who's sole empire is trying to fuck about with the workers and suck up to the chattering masses.

Question - who was it in the 'professional standards department' who leaked this image to the media and why?

Posts: 1833 Join date: 2010-04-24 Age: 32

L_12 wrote:

cocky wrote:

L_12 wrote:

They have committed a criminal act. I read that story too and it reveals that a number of items disappeared from those homes they were searching and ended up being sold on EBay! They stole. The lot of them should be sacked. It should definitely be on the front page of the ECHO and it shows a clear pattern over the last few weeks of a number of scandals Merseyside Police has been involved in. A number of confidential files where found on a street the other day and handed to the ECHO. I have no confidence at all in Merseyside Police, I think they're corrupt, lazy and incompetent.

Do you not think a good talking to should do the trick.

Not for law enforcement. The integrity of the authorities is crucial to any conviction. The defence in any trial that had anything to do with Matrix or Merseyside Police for that matter will have a field day in court now. The defence can quite easily argue against any evidence adduced by the police, "well they've stolen from my clients or other clients, how hard is it to believe they would plant evidence?" etc etc. There cannot be any room for anything but the highest standards possible in the police, so they should all be sacked.

I can't even see how you could re-assign them to other areas. The police must be spotless, that's the job.

Agree completely. If you're going to enforce the law, you have to abide by the law. If you don't, your entire integrity is in doubt. When dealing with criminal cases, you can only convict if you are sure of the evidence beyond reasonable doubt. If your arresting copper has been done for breaking the law himself, that introduces a level of doubt which could then jeopardise the case itself.

Posts: 1833 Join date: 2010-04-24 Age: 32

Redguard wrote:

L_12 wrote:

Redguard wrote:

Wrong.

Read the article properly. These officers were not involved on selling things on Ebay; that was a different allegation against 3 officers made prior to this incident. This is a new incident entirely.

Keep up and pay attention.

Ok I have re-read and you are correct. Only 3 of those 8 were involved in the EBay scam. And a ninth Matrix officer was also being investigated today over a separate allegation that he was involved in dealing Class C drugs – believed to be steroids.

So 5 only involved in the photograph. Still don't think an exception should be made for them. If they are given a warrant to search premises, I'm pretty sure it doesn't include in the warrant taking pictures and posing with the persons gear. It still compromises the whole investigation and brings into question the professionalism of the police force. These aren't new recruits, one of these is a sergeant. If they don't understand the sensitivity with which someone's premises should be searched they're in the wrong business. I still don't think it makes a difference red guard, they should still be sacked. In any trial it is the reputation of the police and their officers as much as the accused that is on trial. Why should I convict based on evidence recovered by a police force that is posing for pictures and acting like a couple of drunks having a party?

No it wouldn't include acting as such in the search warrant, neither does it include having a drink of water, farting, urinating, scratching ones arse, etc. Does their conduct amount to frustrating the conduct of the search? Probably not. Were the occupants present? Probably not. Was this just a juvenile prank? Yes.

In fact I'd say that in the Armed Forces, Police and a host of other organisations, all officers, of all ranks have at some time taken the piss.

I don't see why they should be sacked though. What happened to words of advice? I'd rather have lads who do their job, know how to do their job and are willing to do their job, than a sneeky bastard PC jobsworth who's sole empire is trying to fuck about with the workers and suck up to the chattering masses.

Question - who was it in the 'professional standards department' who leaked this image to the media and why?

Would they have acted that way had the occupants been present? If not, then there is clearly something off with their behaviour. I would expect them to act the same way if the occupants had been there or not.

Is being juvenile at a crime scene something we REALLY want from our police officers? I expect higher standards than that, as I'm sure most people would.

Wow that's shocking. Excuse the ignorance, but what is a "Matrix" Officer?[/quote]

Yep, I'd like to know also - what is a Matrix officer?

nevermind my question i used google.. he's very clever occasionally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merseyside_Police#Matrix_Disruption_team

Matrix Disruption teamThe Matrix Disruption Team led by a Chief Inspector, consists of syndicates made up of Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables. Each syndicate works with other Matrix units to provide the Force with a level two response to gun crime, faction based criminality and cash-in-transit robberies. They are the first response to any major large-scale disorder within the Merseyside force area. These officers are specifically trained to deal with a variety of disorder situations, ranging from small protests to large-scale crowd disorder.

Public Order is one of the main functions of the department and therefore all officers receive the required training and are subjected to rigorous training scenarios. Matrix has a number of Baton Gun trained specialist officers, consisting of two Sergeants and ten Constables.

The Matrix team also have specialist search teams and rope access teams. They use yellow Mercedes Sprinter police vans with special markings on the side to show they are Matrix. The team also uses a marked Vectra Estate but this does not have any Matrix markings on, just the usual Merseyside livery.

Last edited by L22Red on Thu May 05, 2011 2:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

DutchRed wrote:

Wow that's shocking. Excuse the ignorance, but what is a "Matrix" Officer?

The "Matrix Team" is a fast response team used to combat drugs, gangs/gangland and gun related crime. I think it's a Merseyside Police name for this time of team, rather than a nationwide thing.

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