REPS SPOTLIGHT
to highlight the value of the volunteer, successfully pressing for changes to the service threshold for bars to the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal (SCLSM), seeing it drop from 10 to five years, and the amendment of the QPM Royal Warrant so it now expressly states special constables are eligible for the KPM. Nicky has prioritised ensuring forces are working in ways that are compliant with police regulations and establishing the correct welfare mechanisms are in place
for specials to access. She also achieved national media coverage, publicising the good work of the Special Constabulary, including a television interview between then PFEW National Board Member Dave Bamber and SC Penny Lancaster, which was broadcasted on BBC’s One Show, and appeared with Ian Collins on TalkTV’s Policing Week. Nicky also organised a national series of wellbeing webinars covering topics such as PFEW (what we do), Operation Hampshire, Oscar Kilo and
the National Police Wellbeing Service, Police Treatment Centres and police finance. These received excellent sign up with the sessions being recorded and are still available on PFEW’s YouTube channel. PFEW would like to thank Nicky on behalf of all its members and the public for the work she has done during her time as a police officer and with the Police Federation. Officers such as Nicky embody the very best of British policing and we wish her every success for her future.
EXPERIENCE IS KEY
Dave Hussey’s been a frontline officer for 21 years. The experience acquired from being a response officer helps him robustly represent members of West Mercia Police Federation
Dave Hussey became a West Mercia Police Federation rep in 2021. His commitment to helping others and ensuring the fair and just treatment of police officers meant it was a natural fit.
“It was my grandfather who inspired me
to serve the community. He was a retained firefighter, special constable and fought in World War II”, he told POLICE mag. “I had a lot of respect for him, so I wanted to do something similar.” Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Dave joined the Metropolitan Police in 2002 aged 21. Dave worked in Soho and West End Central from 2003-2008 before transferring to West Mercia Police in 2008. He initially began his time with West Mercia based at Worcester before being moved to his home county of Herefordshire. “I now police the community that I grew up in,” explained Dave. “It’s strange how things went full
circle as I never really planned it.” Dave has spent his entire 21-year career working on the frontline as a response officer which has given him invaluable experience. “Many people look at me like I am a mad man when I tell them I’ve been on response for so long, it given me a very well-rounded skillset,” he said. “I have undergone almost all the training available to response officers including initial pursuit, MOE, Taser, PSU Medic, etc. These skills and experiences stand me in good stead when I represent our members. Many of them are from
great to be able to give my colleagues support or advice when they need it.” It’s no secret that British policing is under the microscope and Dave explained how the influx of new officers and the exodus of experienced officers has resulted in a lack of experience on the frontline. “Often the officers on response teams have very little experience or time in service,” he said. “Newly qualified officers and supervisors aren’t given the mentor support they would have received a few years back. It’s something that is happening across the country.”
As a trustee of
“Many people look at me like I am a mad man when I tell them I’ve been on response for so long, it has given me a very well-rounded skillset.”
different departments and to have an understanding of their role is vital to ensure they get the best support.” Although he had planned to do it earlier, Dave joined the West Mercia Federation 2021 and soon became a trustee of the branch. When asked what he enjoyed the most out of being a rep, he said: “It’s the satisfaction. Many times in this job we help someone, but we often don’t see it all the way through for various reasons. It feels
the West Mercia Federation, Dave plays an active role in the management of the West Mercia Branch
scrutinising the finances to ensure members’ money is used fairly and delivers the best support for members. When asked if he had any advice for someone looking to become a Fed rep, he said: “Do it. If you are someone who is passionate about helping your colleagues and feel you can make a difference, then do it. It won’t always be easy but being that voice for your colleagues is an extremely satisfying thing to do.”
29 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2023
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