WEBINARS


Equality Advisor Jayne Monkhouse OBE. Attendees were reminded that regardless of the capacity of the work, be it paid or voluntary, the office of a Police Constable is covered by the Equalities act. SCs should not think that as volunteers they do not receive the same protections from the Equality Act as their full-time colleagues. The Equality legislation protects SCs as they are ‘employees’ of their respective forces under this legislation.


There are currently nine


protected characteristics which are covered by the legislation and attendees learnt more about each characteristic and what inclusion means when it comes to everyday application of the law. Jayne explained: “There’s a difference between ‘unfair’ and ‘unlawful’. It’s important to know that if someone is discriminated against under one of the nine categories, then the likelihood is that there may have been a breach of law.” The legislation that surrounds the


Equality Act is there to protect everybody in the workplace. Its purpose is to empower individuals to function to their fullest capacity and not to be hindered by way of mistreatment. The nine protected characteristics being areas where abuses were previously commonly reported. Everyone should expect to be


protected by the Equality Act and the purpose of the webinar was to make sure that police officers who serve as special constables understand the protections afforded to them but also their responsibilities in protecting the rights and well-being of others.


The seminar is just one of many which the Police Federation has been organising for SCs. The webinar was sponsored by AXON and it joins sessions on other topics of particular interest to special constables.


INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWING The latest Detectives Insight Webinar focused on investigative interviewing techniques and featured help and


any particular time. Also highlighted in the session was the


importance of pre-interview preparation, even if time is constrained. All of these tips are aimed at police officers who conduct formal interviews on a regular basis. Professor Shaw also told attendees ‘It’s important to recognise that a confident and professional approach to formal questioning makes the process more effective and valuable for all concerned’. Professor Shaw also told


“It’s important to recognise that a confident and professional approach to formal questioning makes the process more effective and valuable for all concerned.”


guidance on the complete process from detention through to interview stage. The webinar, hosted by the Police


Federation National Detectives’ Forum Chair Ben Hudson, was led by Professor Gary Shaw, MBE. He holds the position as National Interview Advisor and also lectures at the University of Sunderland. Professor Shaw has 40 years of policing experience, and he explained how the use of effective investigative techniques has changed during that time. He also spoke about improvements made to the interview process and how good practice is of benefit to all concerned, not just police officers but also solicitors, legal representatives and those who are being questioned. The webinar focussed in on good


practice which moves away from the old style of ‘confession based’ questioning, instead obtaining an accurate account of somebody’s whereabouts and actions at


delegates about various diploma, degree and post degree accreditations which are on offer. Officers can work towards formal accreditation as part of their professional development


with a focus on applied working practice rather than solely upon external study. Officers enrolling on one of these


courses should expect regular contact with a course leader who will help with essay structure along with other academic aspects. The diploma courses run for a few months while degree courses take a few years.


If you would like any information on upcoming webinars, then please contact our events team events@ polfed.org the sessions are held online and there are free to attend.


You can also visit PFEW’s YouTube channel to watch previous webinars: www.youtube.com/@ PoliceFederation


13 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2024


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