THE CHAIR ASKS
BEST JOB IN THE WORLD
In a wide-ranging discussion, Steve Hartshorn talks to Gavin Stephens about pay, police budgets, the Casey Review, and why he loves policing as much today as when he joined the force thirty years ago
Steve Hartshorn (SH): It’s accepted that we all want the very best for our police officers and that the work of the NPCC, PFEW, PSA and CPOSA are all going in the same direction, albeit via a different path. Can you assure our members that the work of national and local Federation reps is valued by all in the NPCC, and that they won’t be disadvantaged by being a critical friend? Gavin Stephens (GS): Friendship in policing is one of the most valuable benefits we have. Friends are there to support us in times of need, celebrate success, or just find a clean mug when we put the kettle on! The best friends tell us
46 | POLICE | JUNE 2023
uncomfortable truths sometimes when we least want to hear them, so the critical friendship of Federation Representatives is so important. I will be a strong advocate
“I’m doing my best to talk to anyone that will
listen about the need for a long-term workforce plan that also includes our police staff colleagues and volunteers”
for this type of friendship and will support PFEW if there is ever any suggestion of being disadvantaged.
SH: PFEW has called for a five-year funding settlement from Government to allow chief officers to plan with a degree
of certainty. What do you think of the current funding process? GS: In NPCC we have recently completed a survey of forces to assess the financial stress and have regular discussions with central government colleagues to share the results. Although the headlines on police funding are positive, with significant investment in replacing officers lost during
the years of austerity, the underlying trends are worrying. Local forces no longer receive any capital grants for investment in buildings and major equipment, and the budget pressures through inflation are being most acutely felt through reductions in our police
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
