OFFICER SUPPORT
WHAT ARE OTHER OFFICERS SAYING ABOUT FEDERATION WELFARE VANS?
drinks and porridge were given out for breakfast, and more subsistence was provided throughout the day, to keep their energy levels up for the long shift ahead,” added Richie. It was all vans on deck for the State
Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the largest policing operations in the UK to date, and they are expected to make the same journey for the Coronation of His Majesty The King on 6 May.
There are currently 13 welfare vans, with a handful of others expected to join the fleet very soon.
The cost-effective vehicles are funded through benevolent funds and group insurance trust funds, while the local Federations pay for the stock. Some branches, including Cleveland
Police Federation, have started joint ventures with their cash-strapped forces.
The compromise is that the force pays for insurance and fuel, while the Federation pays for the rest. “Forces should take responsibility for the welfare of their officers, but we do have a part to play in it and a duty to look after officers as a Federation. “I have heard some forces state they will look after their officers, committing to let them relieve themselves by rostering in another officer to take their place, or trying to make sure someone goes to check on their welfare. If they are doing that and it works, then fine – but I can guarantee from looking at the demand placed on forces that this isn’t feasible. “We would encourage the forces to provide welfare vans and, if necessary, the Federation, or its group insurance, could come to an agreement together with them if they are finding it difficult to organise,” concluded Richie.
“We regularly execute large-scale search warrants across a number of days and welfare vans have become ingrained in our planning stage for those operations to help officers. “The vans are a really good idea and, when used properly, they are a good tool – that has been reiterated by my colleagues who have seen and used them. I would say, the more of them the better.” North Wales PC Lewis Davies, Eastern Operational Tasking Team
“I am well indebted to how I have been supported by the Police Federation during COP26. I made use of the welfare vans no less than five times, as I had serious concerns for the welfare of my team. The support I received from the visible reps was first-class. They are invaluable and were turning up on site when people weren’t getting breaks, or delayed breaks, working long and tiring shifts. It gave us the opportunity to speak to Fed reps to nip problems we were encountering into a bud swiftly. COP26 in the winter was very bleak – it looked like a scene from Batman, but when the vans turn up, cops know they are going to be looked after.” Northumbria Inspector Tom Hart
27 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023
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