10-10

10-10 is the code for 'end of tour of duty': Last night was one of my best friends, John Giblin, retirement party after 32 years service. He's quite the character.

I first met John in 1987, when I was Custody Officer at Newport Central Police Station and he brought in a prisoner. In those days he had jet black hair. We chatted and I found out he'd just transferred from Greater Manchester and lived in the same village as me at that time. We became great friends. John is highly educated and has a phenomenal memory and can talk non-stop about any subject! I've listed his qualifications at the bottom. He's an expert on military history, especially 1st World War battle sites, and has amassed an amazing collection of medals and other militaria that if sold would raise enough to buy a really nice house! He loves Medieval and Roman History, and has lectured at Universities.

The story I like best about John was mentioned last night and had everyone in stiches, including the Indepenent Police & Crime Commisioner for Gwent who was present and did the presentation. Pic here

The UK Government were contacted by the Formula 1 committee to seek advice about road and safety training matters. This inquiry was passed to the Police and as a result the Federation were invited. John and others attended a meeting with F1 bosses and other dignitaries. John was introduced as the Police advisor for safety training. They chatted and were impressed with him. He and another member were then invited to attend a Parliamentary meeting with F1, Lords and other members of parliament. He couldn't understand why he was invited but didn't want to turn down such an invitation, so went. During the speeches he was introduced as The Police Expert on Road safety matters (which he knew nothing about), and invited to say a few words. He hadn't expected to be asked to speak but got up, and off the cuff did a speech which earned an ovation afterwards. He had bluffed his way through!

The story doesn't end there, as so impressed were those senior people present, that when The Moldovian Government contacted the UK about Road Safety they were put in touch with John. He was then flown out to Moldovia with a colleague and on arrival at the airport were approached by men in black suits. They put them in a limo and organised an extensive Police escort from the airport to the hotel where all lights along the way were turned green. They had this VIP treatment until they left. Thus the true story how John got the job and became an advisor to the Moldovian Government! All because of a misunderstanding. I told you he was a character.

This is his C.V. -

BSc.Econ History/Politics MA Education/Training, History, politics, education and training, 1971 – 1979
Trainer, facilitator and assessor.
Chairman Sergeants Central Committee (SCC) Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW)
PFEW Natioonal Lead on Roads Policing.
PFEW National Lead on Promotion, Direct Entry, Fast-track, High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) and Senior Command Course (SCC)
Former Secretary PFEW Professional Development and Police Professional Body sub-committees.
Activities and Societies: FCMI, CMgr, PGCE, PGCC, City and Guilds Adult/Further Education, Police Training Certificate