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Lord Mackenzie is Patron for BAPCO
In a move to gain a voice at the highest level of government, BAPCO has announced that Lord Mackenzie is to take up the role of Patron for the association.
Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Norton, President, BAPCO, said, “The association’s strategy seeks to develop the manner in which we link, interact with and influence government. Whilst lobbying may be to strong a term we certainly want to understand where government is heading and present our ideas and concerns to the key players. Public Safety people, technology and communications are a vital piece of the jigsaw in protecting the public, we therefore need to raise our profile with decision makers. We believe that Lord Mackenzie is the ideal person to take forward these issues with us.”
Lord Mackenzie was a chief superintendent in the Durham Constabulary and a former president of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales. He had been commended for outstanding police work on seven occasions, by the courts and by his chief constable.
Lord Mackenzie was also a special advisor on policing issues to the former home secretary, Jack Straw from 1998 to 2001, underlining the extensive experience he is able to give to his role as Patron of BAPCO.
Commenting further, Norton added, “The vast experience of a sitting Lord in the machinery of government, opening doors, seeking out supporting evidence etc. I believe that this appointment provides massive benefits to all members of the association in that issues raised at road shows, regional committee meetings and the conference can be used by the executive committee to brief the Patron and seek his advice and support on how to take forward.”
“I believe this further enhances the professional standing of BAPCO and significantly raises our credibility with government.”
Norton concluded, “A wealth of public safety experience at all levels. A keen interest in the aims and ideals of BAPCO. An active member of the house of lords. Access to senior politicians. Access to senior public servants. In effect Lord Mackenzie is our door opener to the government decision makers.”
