Police power to name and shame

Greater Manchester Police will be allowed to name and shame criminals on the internet — but only for a month, under new guidance from the Ministry of Justice.

The force says it is leading the way in naming and shaming local criminals that have been brought to justice.

Posters and leaflets with the offender’s photograph, the offence including burglary and vehicle crime and details of their sentence are being displayed in the local communities to show how they are being brought to justice. But the new guidance says officers must have specific reasons for publishing pictures, and police and council officers should take into account the affect it will have on offenders’ families.

Greater Manchester Police says the initial feedback to its naming and shaming campaign has been encouraging.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: “People in Greater Manchester want to know what happens to the offenders who are plaguing their communities.

“We recently produced posters of two convicted killers showing the ageing process they’ll go through behind bars.

“This had an extremely positive impact. Criminals across Greater Manchester should be warned that they could end up being named and shamed within their own community.”

To find out more and have a say about how your local area is being policed visit the website at gmp.police.uk/neighbour hoodpolicing.

Alternatively, call 0161-872 5050 for details about Neighbourhood Policing Teams.