INSPECTION OF MESS CUPBOARDS AND PERSONAL LOCKERS

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:18 pm

The FBU has received a number of calls in recent days from members concerned at planned inspections by local managers of mess cupboards. In particular, members have objected to mess managers being required to hand over mess cupboard keys, which would then be stored permanently in the station safe, in order that the inspections can take place while the watch is off-duty. These concerns are particularly valid given the security issues surrounding mess tins etc.

There has also been disquiet at suggestions in certain boroughs that local managers are to carry out random inspection of personal lockers.

The FBU has been in discussion with Assistant Commissioner Dave Brown regarding these matters and can give the following advice.

Given that mess cupboards are a communal facility, management reserves the right to inspect them as and when they see fit. However, there is recognition by senior management that the proposed handing over of mess keys on a permanent basis has led to some unease. Given this, the brigade has agreed, in the first instance, to carry out a localised audit of mess cupboards to ascertain the general condition of these facilities. After consideration of the results of this audit, AC Brown will make a decision on future arrangements for mess cupboard keys. The audit will take place ordinarily when watches are on duty, so there is no requirement at this stage to hand over mess cupboard keys for off-duty inspections. However, it is recognised that some mess managers may have already handed over keys for local managers to conduct an off-duty inspection. In such cases, for practical reasons, it is not proposed that the keys be handed back until the audit has taken place.

On the issue of personal lockers, senior managers recognised the privacy issues surrounding these facilities and agreed that no random inspections would take place. The only circumstances in which the brigade has the right to inspect a personal locker is where there are reasonable grounds to believe there has been a breach of conduct. Even then, the brigade agrees that the member has the right to be present when the locker is opened. Local managers have no authority to override this agreement, and we would ask to be informed immediately where this might be happening.

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:57 pm

What are they ment to be looking for in these searches?

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:52 pm

In the case of Kentish Town, probably another shotgun.