Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Laurie
I applied for the safety officer's job there a couple of years ago.
The sad events of this week have made me think that perhaps I'm glad I didn't get it.
However, if the present incumbent is a forum user, I for one would be interested to know what input, if any, they had to the incident and its aftermath, though I appreciate "reporting restrictions" will be fairly severe
Laurie
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Gareth Bryan
What events ?
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Andrew Gordon
20/10/2004 18:29
An RAF serviceman who sparked a major security alert at a Moray air base has been found dead.
A high powered rifle was discovered near the body of forty year old Flight Sergeant Phillip Herring at RAF Kinloss this afternoon. The station had been cordoned off following reports of a man in possession of a firearm.
Almost twelve hours after RAF and police were put on full alert after reports of a serviceman roaming RAF Kinloss with an unauthorised rifle, the body of Flight Sergeant Phillip Herring was discovered by teams combing the fifteen square mile base.
More than thirty civillian and military police had scoured the area since the alarm was raised at four o' clock this morning, with a Sea King Helicopter from nearby RAF Lossiemouth later joining the search. But late this afternoon it was confirmed that the operation had come to a tragic conclusion.
The operation had caused massive disruption in the village of Kinloss.
Police road blocks had paralysed traffic in the area throughout the day, with routes in and out of the base closed.
RAF personnel were told not to report for work and householders in the area were urged to stay indoors and lock windows and doors as a safety precaution while searches were carried out.
Tonight police confirmed Flight Sgt Herring's body had been spotted by the helicopter crew just before half past two.
The police said there appeared at this stage to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
All roads closed round the base have now been re-opened.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Struan
Very tragic although not unheard of.
The story went from "possession of a firearm", which could have been an intruder, then to unauthorised rifle, a more specific statement.
One can only speculate at how he got the weapon.
Unauthorised could also mean that he actually owned an illegal fire arm.
Armouries on bases are very secure, so
he may have been in a position of authorisation, so could very easily have obtained the weapon and "limited ammounts" of "undeclared" ammunition.
There is also the possibility of a "planned theft" from the guard-room during the small hours,distraction etc etc.
Only speculation. There will, no-doubt, be a full inquiry.
As for the role of (civilian???)base safety manager, I doubt very much if he or she would have had any say in implementing local controls to prevent such a terrible thing.
I don't think anyone can legislate for an occurance such as that.
There was a case about 12 years ago when a civilian (ex-MOD)was caught trying to sell plastic and dets to a taxi-driver, of all people. He got them through not declaring them. He got seven years I think. It had nothing to do with the base safety manager, and he was military.
You never know whats round the corner do you.
I may have caused a stir on this one!
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Laurie
Struan
I was not so much interested in preventing such an occurence - the regulations in place would satisfy any reasonable risk assessment, and you will never prevent someone who is really determined and who has a bit of knowledge and experience.
However, having been a (uniformed) safety officer on a service unit, and having been interviewed for the job on this one I am interested to know how much input the HSO had.
I would certainly regard the safety of everyone on the base, and those coming onto the base in reponse to such an incident, including civilian police, as my reponsibility, albeit in close consultation with operational mangagers. but having had experience of the military mind (and having been part of it!) over some forty years, it wouldn't surprise me to find that the HSO was not even officially informed of this particular safety risk.
Laurie
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By JD Daley
Struan,
He/She may also have had legitimate access to either a personal weapon, and/or, a RAF weapon. Some do!
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.