Police Authority Tunes In

Tue, 16 March 2010 Courtesy of: Greater Manchester Police Authority

A television campaign to improve awareness of Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) has launched on Channel M today (March 15).

The 10 day run of an advert which promotes some of GMPA's key duties is part of national efforts to boost awareness of police authorities.

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said "We're always looking for innovative, cost-effective ways to communicate with local people. In a place like Greater Manchester where posting out information can cost in excess of £50,000 for delivery alone, this is vital."

“members of the public do not fully understand what authorities are all about”

It is believed GMPA is the only police authority to advertise on television and it's the second time the Authority has taken the approach. The first was in 2008 when a campaign was delivered over the Christmas period.

The latest one minute advert features scenes from all across Greater Manchester and some of the policing activities which are daily duties for officers.

A voice over is used to highlight work undertaken by the Police Authority including scrutiny of Force performance, holding the chief constable to account and involving local people in policing through volunteer schemes.

Work to ensure the best use of police resources and consultation with local people is also mentioned.

Cllr Murphy said "Police authorities across the country accept that members of the public do not fully understand what authorities are all about. Hopefully this advert will help address that and encourage people to get in touch with us to find out more."

The advert cost around £5,000 to broadcast more than 20 times a day over 10 days. It is significantly cheaper than using printed media to reach communities all across Greater Manchester.

GMPA's website will be used to store the advert both during and after the Channel M campaign.

The Authority will also use the footage in presentations and other projects which are aimed at helping raise awareness of the Authority.