CHARITY


evening was a blur of blue-light shouts and stopping cars for speeding, lack of MOT, obscured numberplate, lack of lights etc. We even managed to tow a broken-down classic Mercedes to Twickenham stadium to get it off the busy A316.


One thing struck me was the number of radio messages the officers must listen to and make sense of. Most of the chatter related to other areas of London, but they have to be able to filter them out and be able to respond quickly to a shout near them. I learnt about the Fatal Five: speeding, drink, drugs, on the mobile and seat belt.


I was told that there had been 10 road fatalities already in London in January. Fortunately, we attended no accidents on our shift.


Both the officers I was accompanying were Met Police Federation members but so far had little direct contact with the Federation. They were pleased about the 7 per cent pay award in 2023 but needed something similar in 2024. They were concerned about recruitment tailing off and numbers starting to go into reverse. They were concerned about under- investment in technology. Much of their


car tech was now nine years old. They had no means of accessing live or historic ANPR data that would allow them to use intelligent targeting. I finished the shift a little early because I


was exhausted. They had another two hours or so left. I came away mightily impressed by their driving skills, their decency, their professionalism, and how they dealt fairly with the public. I am delighted that they are looking out for all of us. What a night I had had. Fortunately, the sick bag wasn’t needed, though the nibbles were useful.


COFFEE FOR A CAUSE


The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals is inviting donations equivalent to the cost of a mug of coffee to support retired service dogs and horses


A national charity is campaigning to raise funds and awareness around animal care for retired dogs and horses. The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) provides medical and intervention support for those animals who have served in a public sector role. At the most basic level, when serving police dogs and horses retire, the financial support they have enjoyed whilst working, including food, kennels or stables, medical and veterinary requirements also come to an end. These costs can be substantial in some cases, however, every single animal needs a level of financial and practical support going forward. The Rt. Hon. Countess


Bathurst, who is one of the founding trustees of the charity, said: “The work of the charity is vital because it ensures these animals are able to stay with their handlers, avoiding re- homing. These animals have given us much of their lives in keeping us safe and they play an incredibly important role within our public services.” “When an animal’s career comes to


an end it’s virtually impossible to obtain meaningful insurance for them so the work of the NFRSA can help with the inevitable medical and veterinary bills down the line.” The Countess Bathurst of Cirencester


Park founded the charity after her year as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. Working with the dog and mounted sections, she discovered the gap and decided to do something constructive about it. The charity is also supported by Sarah, Duchess of York. Commenting on her contribution, she said, “I am proud to be Patron of the National Foundation For Retired Service Animals and was so thrilled


“ We believe that these loyal companions deserve the best care and love after their years of service, which is why we’ve launched our latest campaign Paws for Coffee.”


to be featured in their annual calendar, which tells the stories of retired service animals supported by the NFRSA. I do hope we can raise awareness for much-needed support for them during their twilight years.” In its first year as a charity, the NFRSA


has given over £45,000 in grants, including one for a retired police dog from Derbyshire who sustained a broken leg in an accident. The resulting vets bill was £5,500 which the charity paid. A massive help to the family who re-homed the dog at the end of service.


RPD Buzz served for 9 years as a general- purpose police dog, and the financial support helped cover an emergency operation to mend the traumatic injury. Figures supplied by Julius-K9 list around 2,500 general service police dogs across the country. This figure does not include a number of specially trained dogs who play a vital role in search and detection operations meaning the task in hand is a costly one. In an effort to raise more funds


for the work, NFRSA has launched the Paws For Coffee campaign.


They are inviting people to donate an amount equivalent to the cost of a mug of coffee each month towards their work. The NFRSA points out – ‘We believe that these loyal companions deserve the best care and love after their years of service, which is why we’ve launched our latest campaign Paws for Coffee.’


You can find out more about the work of the NFRSA and the Paws for Coffee campaign atwww.nfrsa.org.uk


45 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2024


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