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Paul Maleary's Ex-Job Downloaded Podcast
Paul Nicholls QPM
Paul Nicholls is a former Dog handler with Essex Police.
He is originally from Chelmsford but comes from a family of Police officers. His grandfathers and father were also with Essex Police.
Paul trained at Shotley and was posted to Harlow where he worked with a great team of characters. He was posted to "Rural Essex" where he had to use a repeater radio when speaking to control!
After 13 years he secured his boyhood dream on the Dog Section. He describes his love for the job and the dogs who were without doubt his best friends.
Paul carried out training in Finland with Ilkka Hormila and was encouraged to introduce body recovery dogs to Essex Police. His love for Police dogs is such that he raised £65k to place a memorial at Oaklands Parks as a national memorial. he also instigated a medal in recognition of the service provided by dogs in Police service.
He was ably supported by Mandy Chapman and Linda Belgrove of Essex Police Retired Dog Fund www.essexretiredpolicedogs.co.uk/ Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund Twitter
Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson's and had to take medical retirement as a result. However, his illness wasn't going to slow him down. He was instrumental in organising a table tennis league for Parkinson's sufferers. He also runs the England Walking Football team for Parkinson's sufferers, which follows on from the great work carried out by his inspiration John Roche.
Paul makes no bones about his dark thoughts and his consideration to take a "One way trip to Switzerland" He has undergone radical surgery that has improved his quality of life!
Paul has become an Artist and has been displayed at the OXO Gallery , Paul has been awarded the QPM for services to Policing and was presented by Her Majesty the Queen. Whilst waiting for the ceremony he met Sir Mo Farah .
Sit back and listen to this charming guy.
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105. Former Met Police Chief Kevin O'Leary - Where The Evidence Takes Us
01:33:14||Ep. 105This episode is brought to you by LIFESAFE Technologies Stay safe "All In 1" Fire extinguisher. Click on the link and your discount will be applied Kevin's inspiration to join the Police was prompted by a robbery where at the age of 14 he was held at knifepoint and his pedal cycle was stolen. He went on to see the suspect in a local park on the stolen bike. The police were contacted and when they arrived, they arrested the suspect and seized the bike. The rest as they say is history.Kevin was 20 when he joined the Metropolitan Police, and the year was 1983. His service commenced in Edmonton and after 6 years transferred to King Cross. This area was not the affluent location that it is now!The Harrods Bombing, The murder of Yvonne Fletcher and the Broadwater farm riots took place in his early years in the job. Kevin describes the significant events and the Tottenham riots in particular; he was patrolling Southgate when he was told to return to base pick up his public order kit and travel to the infamous Broadwater Farm.Kevin's love for cars help directed him to the stolen vehicle squad. It was during this time that he honed his skills as an investigator. He went on to lead a team at Kings Cross and headed missing persons enquires. One such was Paula Field, Her body was found minus its identifying features in a holdall in the canal at Camden. He was invited to apply for the role in SO10 which specialised in undercover deployments and stayed in the role for 8 years. He found the role particularly political, and we discuss the issues in managing undercovers and the associated issues. During his time he became a hostage negotiator and recalls vividly the kidnap of a 10 year old boy.He concluded his services a s Chief Superintendent and was an operational lead during the 2021 Olympics .A memorable day during his service was the nail bombing in Old Compton Street at the Admiral Duncan Pub. He talks about a member of the public Named David Morley who had been injured in the explosion. This mans nickname was Cinders. He survived the bombing and was a very kind individual. A few years later Mr Morley was murdered on the South Bank by a group of youths.Since leaving the Police Kevin has been behind the television shows “The Hunted” and “The Heist” He is now a published author and his book “Where The Evidence Takes Us” Is available from all good book sellers. John Sutherland and Adam Kay were inspirations and John has written has written a recommendation.104. Former Chief Firearms Instructor - Scott Williamson
01:30:18||Ep. 104Contains Distressing ContentScott Joined the Police in 1995. He had been a professional footballer, and his selection process was extremely smooth! He had played for Alloa Athletic and Scotland under 16 and played against Saudi Arabia in the Youth World Cup Final alongside Paul Dickov .Prior to joining the police Scott worked in the travel industry. His first day at training school wasn’t the best start. He had been told to wear casual clothing. However, the drill sergeant had other ideas and a public telling off and was one of a handful who had to put their uniform on in the car park! He has fond memories of his time in training school and it was a platform that served him well throughout his career. His conclusion of training he went to his force for local procedure. On his first day, as he sat in the canteen, he was informed that there had been a shooting at Dunblane primary school. Along with his young colleagues he was dispatched to the school and was placed on scene preservation and to prevent the press and parents from entering the area. He saw the aftermath of the shooting and he describes his experiences as unforgettable. His first week became even more memorable when he broke the wrist of a suspect who he had handcuffed.Scott served at the Court in Holland where the Lockerbie Suspects were tried. This experience was carried out in the spotlight of the worlds press. The camp was in lockdown at night and the staff worked hard and played hard. Scott discovered a liking for firearms and undertook the tough process to qualify. His skills were recognised and he became the Chief Firearms instructor. The success in the work place came at a cost. The impact on his family was such that it put an end to his marriage. His depression was overwhelming but the death by suicide of a friend had a significant impact, and he found that with the support of the PFOA he was able to make the changes he needed to put his life back on track.The motivation to retire from Police Scotland was as a result of the pension changes. He wanted to stay but it became cost prohibitive.Since retirement Scott has been working for a number of different organisations and concentrates on wellbeing and has supported organisations such as PFOA103. Former BTP Officer Mick Baker - Dealing With Death Takes Its Toll
01:27:40||Ep. 103WARNING - EXTREME CONTENTIf you are effected by this podcast and need help please reach out to one of the brilliant organisations such as Samaritans or PTSD999Mick Baker was born in Kent and from an early age he wanted to join the Army. He went on to become a soldier and joined the Royal Army Medical Corp and went to training in Lichfield. He inadvertently became top recruit due to a negligent discharge by a colleague.He was based in Aldershot and his experience was full on. His medical training set him up for life. He transferred from the RAMC to the Royal Military Police and was immediately posted to Northern Ireland with 176 Provost Comp. At the conclusion of his tour to Northern Ireland he was posted to Colchester to serve 156 Provost Company and the larger-than-life Staff Sgt Sam Appleyard. Having arrived in Colchester he served with Staff Sgt Sam Appleyard and remembers L/Cpl Paul Lon who was killed in action.At the conclusion of his service Mick joined Hertfordshire Police and served in Hitchin and the regime was very structured and standards were very important to him and the rest of the team. During a fit of peak Mick walked away from the job and went travelling !Having run out of money he returned to the UK and whilst driving through Hertfordshire he decided to call into the headquarters and ask for his old job back. Unbelievably they took him back into the fold. Mick thrived on proactive operations and formed a relationship with members of the British Transport Police whilst conducting operations at the local train stations. He transferred to the BTP and started at Kings Cross. As an officer Mick was one of many who dealt people who died by suicide.He recounts a tragic time in Cyprus when he was called to a head on RTC where the occupants of the vehicles were seriously injured and resulted in fatalities. He felt that he had failed at the scene( which he hadn’t). and was advised that he was too emotionally attached to the incident. This advice assisted through his career until the emotional baggage became too overwhelming.Mick was having issues in the workplace that meant he went off sick. He found the senior management of BTP and Occupational Health as being underwhelming. He was accused of working outside of the job and the bullying tactics got the better of him. Mick has now retired and undertakes medical training including FREC 3 training and would welcome a meeting with the senior management from BTP102. Former Met Officer Paul Howes - Porches Doorways and Gates
01:20:06||Ep. 102Born in Islington and lived in 3 rooms with 4 in one bedroom and an outside toilet! His family moved to a home in Hendon and saw the cadets training and this was inspirational to him. However, he joined the army at 16 and became homesick and left. He became a floor layer and earned lot of money,. Sadly he bubble burst during the recession and ended up going bankrupt. This was an initial blocker to joining the police. He was encouraged to join the specials which he enjoyed and once her was eligible he joined the regulars.He was posted to Greenwich where he experienced a variety of jobs and was able to deal with them as the work load wasn't over whelming. He went from there Greenwich to DPG/ Firearms. He was at Cannon Row and covered Number 10 as part of the team. He worked with Keith Palmer who was murdered in the Yard at Parliament.The Thin Blue line badge is a bone of contention and if this is banned then so should everything else, from Pride to Breast cancer badges these should be removed too.During his service Paul found himself in Southwark Crown Court being prosecuted for dangerous driving following an on duty accident. He was found not guilty and the Sgt from traffic took his acquittal personally! the federation reps were outstanding and his legal team Since retirement Paul has become an advocate for individuals who face issues from the IOPC and PSD and is despondent at the crass way in which officers are targeted.Paul now works as a trainer and manages a property that he rents out.101. Dean Morgan - A life In The Welsh Guards
01:21:27||Ep. 101Dean Morgan is a proud Welshman who aged 16 joined the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. After training at Pirbright he was part of the Major Generals Parade and when he was spoken to the inspecting officer was surprised at his age and suggested that he shouldn’t mention it!He was too young to deploy with the battalion to Northern Ireland. When he reached 18, he badgered Company Sgt Major Nicky Mott to allow him to deploy as a joint team with the Irish and Scots Guards. He still remembers the mnemonic FATLAD. Dean transferred to 2 company and became part of the reconnaissance team and deployed to the Balkans. He would pass memorials to mass graves and there was a sense of loss in so many communities. Dean describes his time in Iraq and the fateful time in Afghanistan when Col Thorneloe was killed but he was one of a number who lost their lives. Dean recounts his leaving of Afghanistan and a chance meeting of a Coldstream Guard who he done a course in the Brecon’s with. He wished the Sgt well and told him to keep safe. This was the last Dean saw of his friend as he was killed.When Dean returned to the UK and was selected to become an instructor at Sandhurst. The process of selection was an 85km Tab across the Black Mountains this meant he was up to speed in his physical and mental fitness. He taught cadets from across the world. At the conclusion of his time at Sandhurst he returned to Battalion and found himself in the stores.Dean was promoted to Regimental Sgt Major and returned to Kabul which was different to his previous experiences in Afghanistan. He applied for and was subsequently selected for a late entrant commission. However, Dean undertook the new role of Command Sgt Major and the role meant that he went to Fort Bliss in El Paso where he attended the Sgt Majors course. Upon his return he was posted to Home Command and worked with the strategic military leaders. He served in post for 2 years.Having been promoted to the rank of Major, Dean undertook a role which effectively removed him from frontline duties and gave him a more detailed insight to defence procurement.Having just left the Army Dean was kind enough to take part in this podcast. We wish him well in his new role with NHS Wales.100. Former Met officer Allan Dorans - Son of a miner who took on Boris Johnson
01:56:51||Ep. 100Proud Scott Allan Doran is the son of a scottish miner. He decided at the age of 16 that he didn’t want to go down the pit. He applied for and was successful in his application to join the metropolitan police cadets.During his cadet service he carried out a variety of attachments including an attachment at Stoke Mandeville where he met Jimmy Saville!Allan vividly recalls the murder of his class mate Steven Tibble by Liam Quinn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Stephen_Tibble Policing in the Met was fantastic for Allan. He did so many great things they even taught him to drive!He was posted to Acton where he worked within a very diverse community and every officer worked as a team. The camaraderie went beyond the shift times and there was a social side of police work.Having passed his Sergeants exam his score was sufficiently high enough Allan was able to apply for the special course a Bramshill. He was unsuccessful and to this day Allan believes that his normal Scottish education he was not deemed to be suitable.Australian woman from UCL had been stabbed by an attacker in central London enquiries identified the suspect and his mental health issues were such that he had a hatred for Tartan! Former officer John Birbeck went onto claim this investigation as a success much to the amazement of Allan.Allan served as part of the team investigating the Brixton riot in 1981 identifying and arresting suspect for local officers to deal with.He went to West Yorkshire on the miners strike despite having no public order experience. He recalls his visit to the pit in Scotland when I saw his father working below ground and knew the struggles the miners faced so his approach to the striking miners was very reflective.Following a meeting with career development he made the decision to move back to Scotland a variety of roles and eventually joined Butlins as head of personnel. After 10 years he was made redundant and moved to the USA under the fullbright scheme. Having arrived he began to teach at a school in Maine.His return to UK gave him opportunity and ran his own company and eventually went into politics. He was elected as a SNP Member of Parliament this gave him opportunity to raise the question of prosecution for the man behind the murder of Yvonne Fletcher in 1984. Both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak refused to intervene and release vital information.Allan served on the standards committee and was present during the investigation into Boris Johnson took place following party gate. Allan holds the view that Boris should have gone to prison.99. Former BTP Officer Mark Bishop- I was in the Met for 3 days
01:24:48||Ep. 99Born in Islington where he was brought up. He went to school with members of band Spandau Ballet and was very friendly with Tony Hadley.Aged 15 he decided to join the cadets but after a lot of medicals the Met Police decided that his eyesight was not up to standard and was unable to join. At 18 the Metropolitan Police wrote to Mark and offered him a job.He accepted the role, and he joined on a Monday and by the Wednesday he left Hendon! He went on to become a telecom engineer he then opened a dance wear shop which subsequently closed.During a shopping trip to Letchworth he saw the recruitment team for Hertfordshire and decided to apply and was accepted. He was sent to Bruche for training which he found particularly difficult. His initial posting was Hatfield, and this is described as not being very nice and is the subject of the books written by Charlie Owen. Mark took on the beat at Codicote where he got to meet Kim Wilde. Upon the closure of the rural beats Mark was posted to Hitchin.Having been posted to Boreham wood Mark decided to apply for the Metropolitan Police and was accepted. He was posted to Islington and his dreams were shattered. It wasn’t the force that he had hoped it would be.He returned to Hertfordshire for until 2005 when he applied for and was accepted to British Transport Police and was posted to Kings Cross. During his time he experienced the delights of traveling football fans and people who had jumped in front of a speeding train.Following the Borough Market/London Bridge attack Mark became the spoc for PC Wayne Marques and was disappointed at the reaction of the senior BTP management.98. Former FBI Undercover Robert D'Amico - US Marine Who targeted the real Sopranos
01:24:38||Ep. 98Rob D'Amico is a former member of the US Marine Corp and served as a reservist and regular. He is also an FBI Unit Chief who spent time as an undercover operative combatting organised crime in the form of the Mafia in New Jersey. Rob spent 4 1/2 years in Afghanistan as well as seeing active duty in Iraq. He is now retired and works in security including negotiating with hackers who demand money under the guise ransomwares.#fbi #usmc #afghanistan #iraq #lawenforcement #truecrime #undercover #sopranos #nbc #abc #news #USA #QuanticoTrailer - Rob D'Amico - Former US Marine and FBI Agent
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