OFFICER SUPPORT
WELFARE VANS A ‘GODSEND’
PFEW is expanding its fleet of welfare vehicles as members give rave reviews of the service offered during some of the toughest times
a refreshment break or use the toilet,” explained Police Federation of England and Wales National Board Member Richie Murray who oversees the initiative. “They would have to find a shop or premises, or they’d have to use local houses, or to be fair, if you are rural, the only option would be to use the bushes which is not ideal and not sanitary. It is unacceptable for officers to work in these conditions - especially if you’re a female officer on your period for example.” Most vans can come kitted out
with a toilet, tea and coffee-making facilities, water, snacks, a table for doing paperwork, and charging points for phones, laptops, and wi-fi. Recently, some Federation branches have invested in welfare pods that can be towed and dropped off at remote locations. These pods have the same facilities as the vans. As well as attending crime scenes, the
At some point in a police officer’s career, they will find themselves guarding scenes of crime. Those who have performed this important service are all too familiar with the challenges it can pose. But some may have memories of a random act of kindness carried out by a member of the public with the gift of a hot beverage. Forensic scientists
acknowledge the most important aspect of evidence collection and preservation is protecting the crime scene – this keeps the vital pieces of evidence uncontaminated until it can be recorded and collected. As such, it is
26 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023
just as important the officers on scene day and night are protected. The Police Federation’s welfare vans have been on standby, ready to provide much-needed
“I definitely think the vans add value, even a tea or a coffee goes a long way and makes a difference”
respite to officers on the frontline carrying out these duties. “Before we had the welfare vans, officers would spend hours stood on scenes waiting to be relieved, to have
vans have road-tripped all over the nation – and across the border to Scotland to support officers on mutual aid deployments. Officers providing mutual aid can do up to 14 hour shifts in gruelling conditions. PC Alex Bellamy from Hampshire, who was at COP26 in Glasgow during 2021, is one of the hundreds of officers who have benefitted from the welfare vans. He said: “I definitely think the vans add value, even a tea or a coffee goes a long way and makes a difference – they are a godsend, especially when you’re out in Baltic conditions in November up in Scotland. If you are stuck out in the sticks without a bathroom, they turn up and you can use the facilities. When you find yourself in the middle of a
night shift, they are very useful. “At COP26, the vans were deployed in the early hours so they could support officers as soon as possible, because the shift patterns were ridiculous. Hot
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