NEWS


VIEW FROM THE CHAIR


RELEASING BODY-WORN VIDEO’


raised concerns about the impact of video clips of police interactions on social media, including the effect they have on public confidence and justice. As a result of this campaigning, the House of


Lords debated the need for forces to be more proactive in releasing BWV footage. After this session on 7 July, John said: “It is


good to see this important issue has been raised. It is frustrating that only a handful of forces have adopted the new guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and many are not as proactive as they could be. It shouldn’t be taking so long to do something which would support our colleagues. “Not only are police officers being hung out to


dry when these incredibly damaging, one-sided clips are posted on social media with absolutely no context, but this also risks jeopardising public confidence in the service and undermining the criminal justice process.” John repeated his call for forces to take full


advantage of the new guidance and be bolder about releasing BWV clips or issuing a statement to add context to what is circulating. He added: “I completely accept that in some cases


we are unable to release footage and the new guidance recognises this. It is all about striking a balance.” In the Lords, Minister of State, Baroness Williams of


Trafford, said “speed is of the essence” when it comes to police publicising their interactions with the public. She stated: “Selective release of video can paint a


very different picture from what actually happened. This point has been made again and again. It is absolutely right that these things be released quickly and brought forward in a way that does not undermine the criminal justice system that ensues.”


Police must confront damaging social media clips – see Page 14.


05 I POLICE I AUGUST 2021


‘FORCES SHOULD BE BOLDER ABOUT


It’s been 16 months of ever-changing legislation with an awful lot of pressure put on policing. So, I was surprised when the Prime Minister lifted all Covid restrictions on 19 July. While it’s great that we’re getting back to “normal”, policing is inevitably facing a challenging summer. For those of you who managed to catch our annual


conference, I hope you found it informative. You’ll find our summary starting on Page 11. In my keynote speech, I touched on officer safety, the vaccine, pay and welfare – all based on conversations with members. I recently attended the first governance board meeting for


the Police Covenant. This was a significant step towards making the covenant a reality. I’m determined that what gets enshrined in law is meaningful and tangible to officers and their families. I’ve also been on the road visiting some of our branches. In


The Federation is urging forces to use new guidelines which enable them to release body-worn video (BWV) footage easier. John Apter, PFEW National Chair, has previously


Devon & Cornwall I congratulated the local Federation on the success of the work it did around the G7 deployment (see Page 27). I also did a late shift with the response team in Bristol. These are invaluable opportunities for me to hear directly


from members. It’s also an opportunity for me to thank colleagues and Federation reps for the amazing work they do. The Federation announced a vote of no confidence in the


Home Secretary following an emergency meeting of our National Council, with representatives from all 43 force Federations. We withdrew support and engagement from the Police Remuneration Review Body, labelling the police officer pay mechanism “not fit for purpose”. On Page 4, you can read about why we delivered a letter to the Prime Minister at Number 10 demanding an overturn of the zero per cent pay award decision. In this issue of POLICE, we’re continuing to highlight the


important area of mental health. We speak to a former officer who suffered horribly with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and found solace, and fame, thanks to wildlife photography. Our Lincolnshire Branch Chair speaks candidly about his


police officer father’s suicide. Back then there wasn’t the help that exists today, but it’s so important that officers reach out if they are struggling. We’ve also got a two-page preview of


our upcoming events including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, plus we meet the Pagan Police Association and your usual regulars. Enjoy this edition.


John Apter National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales


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