NEWS


Police Covenant to protect health, wellbeing


VIEW FROM THE CHAIR and support families


The Home Secretary has pledged to enshrine a Police Covenant in law, in a major win for the Police Federation. Priti Patel outlined the commitment in her speech to


the Police Superintendents’ Association conference in September. Legislation to be introduced in the Autumn as part of the Police Powers and Protections Bill would create a statutory duty to do more to support serving and retired police officers and volunteers. It will place a requirement on the Home Secretary


and her successors to report annually to Parliament on progress with the Covenant. The focus will be on physical protection, health, wellbeing and support for families.


The Home Secretary said: “The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition. Their bravery and sacrifices are what keep us and our loved ones safe. I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.”


The move is the result of campaigning by the


Federation and our National Chair John Apter for a Covenant to ensure the welfare of officers, police staff and their families is placed under regular Parliamentary scrutiny. “This Covenant will mean much more than words


to serving or former police officers,” Mr Apter said. “It recognises the unique position they hold in society and the fact they very often put their lives on the line. The benefits will be welcomed by the entire police family. I thank the Home Secretary for her enthusiastic support and for turning our campaign for a covenant into a reality.” A public consultation with more than 1,000 responses found that over 90 per cent of respondents backed plans for a Covenant.


It will acknowledge the sacrifices made by those


who serve in police forces, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, as an officer or member of staff. The wording of the covenant will also say: “Recognising those who have served in policing unites the country and demonstrates the value of their sacrifice. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.”


DID YOU KNOW? You can carry over up to five days of annual leave to the following year at the discretion of a chief officer. If you’re returning to duty from sick leave you can carry over up to four weeks leave. For more on your rights see – www.polfed.org


As we were going to press the terrible news reached us from Croydon that a Metropolitan Police colleague, Sergeant Matt Ratana, had been shot and killed. Policing is a family and when we lose one of our own in such a devastating way it affects us all. The dangers police officers face every day are very real and sadly, as we have seen, can result in officers making the ultimate sacrifice. The circumstances of this tragedy will no doubt


come to light in the fullness of time. For now, all we can do is provide as much support as we can to his family and colleagues and to ensure Matt is never forgotten. It is, of course, for officers like Matt and all the


heroes we have lost in the line of duty that we hold our annual National Police Memorial Day. You can read about this year’s moving ceremony on pages 24 and 25. I’m also proud that we can shine a spotlight on some of our 2020 Police Bravery Awards nominees on page 16. The standard of our nominees is exceptional. This comes as no surprise, as bravery and policing go hand in hand – but it’s really important we celebrate such incredible acts of selflessness. You’ll on see that I’ve asked questions of the Chief of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Martin Hewitt. Opportunities such as these are a way to understand what makes people tick and what motivates them – but also for them to know the priorities of Police Federation members. I’ve had some really positive feedback about


the new style of the magazine. If there’s anything you want to see in future editions, then please let me know via: editor@polfed.org Thank you and


stay safe.


John Apter National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales


OCTOBER 2020 | POLICE | 05


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