THE CHAIR ASKS
actions then go ahead. Go ahead – use the robust processes we have, rather than trying to show off on social media and think this is acceptable. The police assaults are just appalling, and we’ve seen footage being posted on Twitter. Personally, I think Twitter should really look at themselves with the level of abusive and vile content they allow to go on their sites. We will absolutely press them on taking down some of the most appalling and abusive content that is posted.
2: Protection isn’t just kit and body armour. It’s also the human side
JA: I want to mention something that matters so much to me. It’s about the Police Covenant, Specials being allowed to be members of the Police Federation, better protection for emergency drivers, and
increasing sentences for those who assault emergency workers. This is something we have really been pushing and you have been supportive since you have been in office. The Covenant is due to become legislation in autumn. What are you hoping this is going to achieve for policing and for members?
HS: You know exactly how I feel, and where I stand on police protections. For me, this isn’t just about saying our police are great and let’s just make sure they’ve got what they need. I think this is about the values we have as a society towards public service. That to me is the bottom line to all of this. What a privileged position I am in. I meet police officers every single day. I see the human beings they are underneath all that bulky uniform that they wear. I see their human kindness and conviction. For me, this is very much a case of yes,
let’s have a police Covenant. But it must focus on the values of respect, the values
of absolute protection, and recognise the extraordinary work our police officers do because police officers are unique. It’s not just a blue light service. It is a very special and specific blue light service. It’s an organisation and collective of
people/individuals who run towards danger to protect the rest of us. Just think about that - running towards danger, putting themselves in harm’s way, to protect citizens in our country and in our society. That is enormous. It is absolutely vital we give officers
absolute protection, but protection isn’t just kit and body armour and that kind of stuff. It’s also the human side – the stuff that matters to them in terms of welfare and safety, but also extended to place an arm around family members as well. When an officer leaves home to go out
on shift or to go to work every day, the officer and family members have no idea what that day is going to consist of.
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