GMP put hope in 'New Tricks' cops

Retired and former officers returning to boost policing

- NEAL KEELING

GMP are putting their faith in a "New Tricks" approach to bolstering the thin blue line.

Just like in the long-running TV drama the force is hoping the return of retired officers with nous acquired by years of service will help crimefighting.

In the show, which ran for 12 years and starred Amanda Redman, James Bolam, Alun Armstrong, and Dennis Waterman, old cops were brought back to investigate unsolved crimes. GMP have previously done the same to help with its Cold Case Unit and support for the Major Incident Team.

But now the force has recruited 30 former officers, who will be used across several departments. One returning officer is Detective Chief Inspector Lee Hopwood, who spent almost 30 years at GMP in Rochdale and Oldham, and last worked in counter-terrorism.