NEWS
VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
Recently we marked Mental Health Awareness Week and colleagues from across policing stepped forward to speak about their own experiences – not always an easy thing to do. It’s worth remembering that a warrant card doesn’t protect us
from exposure to trauma, stress and grief. As police officers, we are all human and we can be affected just like anyone else. In my 28 years in the job I’ve seen some horrendous things. As
Federation to have role in IOPC training
The Federation is, for the first time, to have a role in the training of new Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigators. It is hoped the ‘Meet the Fed’ sessions will
lead to smoother relations between officers, their Federation reps and IOPC investigators. This should, in time, help to address concerns the Federation has raised around standards of investigation and the length of time taken to reach resolution. PFEW’s Conduct and Performance Chair,
Phill Matthews, who will take part in the sessions, commented: “This is an important and positive first step towards improving the relationship between IOPC investigators and Fed reps which should in turn make the disciplinary system fairer for everyone. “By breaking down barriers, we can open
discussions with investigators on how our reps operate to not just support officers but also assist their investigations from day one. We want to help them make the process as smooth as possible.” The IOPC recruits will learn about the Police
Federation’s conduct and performance liaison officers (CAPLOs) who support members from day one of a complaint and what they will require from them at each stage of an investigation. They will also receive Post-Incident Procedures (PIP) Level 1 and 2 training accredited by the College of Policing. Mr Matthews added: “IOPC investigators now
having access to PIP training is very welcome news and is something the Federation has been pressing hard for. All detectives are trained to this standard, so it only seems right that IOPC investigators are also trained to this level or higher. “Ultimately, all we want is fair investigators with the best possible training, gathering the evidence our members need to either clear themselves, or remove the minority of corrupt individuals from the service, in a timely manner.” Through our Time Limits campaign, we are lobbying for investigations to be concluded within 12 months from the moment an allegation is made.
a Family Liaison Officer, I’ve knocked on ‘that door’ far too many times and there have been many occasions when I’ve struggled. As well as work, there are things in my private life which have hit me hard. I’m not ashamed to say there are times when I’ve asked for help. That is not a weakness, it’s a strength. So, I encourage you to read the accounts of two former
officers on Page 23, and perhaps reflect on your own situation. If you need support, reach out to your Fed rep or some of the support services that are available. Ours is a difficult job full of challenges, and it’s okay to not be okay. Our conference theme this year is ‘Policing Under Pressure’.
As you read this, we are working incredibly hard to pull the strands together and put the final touches to this, our first virtual Police Federation Conference on 9 - 10 June. You can find out what to expect on Page 20 and meet some of the nominees of this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award, who will be honoured at the event. That’s on Page 36. Whether it be the pandemic, protests or the return to business as usual, there can be no doubt that police officers are under pressure. We keep seeing officers hung out to dry in the media and online. I’m the first to say that policing should be subject to scrutiny and we won’t always get it right, but this constant trial by media is incredibly damaging for officers and public confidence. This is why I believe that body-worn video can help balance
the narrative, but forces need to be braver about putting it out there. It’s one of the topics that I discuss with Andy Marsh, the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset – a force that has coped with more than its fair share of public protest – in the Chair Asks on Page 16. Also, on Page 6 we’re looking ahead
to G7 – the largest mutual aid event since President Trump’s visit - and how the Federation is poised to help, and you can find out what happened when I took calls from the public on Iain Dale’s LBC show, on Page 10. Enjoy this edition.
John Apter National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales
05 I POLICE I JUNE 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
