NATIONAL VIEW REGIONAL VIEW
LEGAL SERVICES NEGOTIATION INFLUENCING
REPRESENTATION
REGION 3 NEGOTIATION
Warwickshire – Custody Working Conditions Review
Introduction
In June 2023, several concerns were raised by custody sergeants regarding working conditions in Warwickshire custody suites.
Description The issues highlighted included:
•Locking the holding area while officers were present with prisoners, raising safety concerns.
•Poor heating and ventilation, with officers and police staff having to wear coats due to low temperatures and malfunctioning air conditioning.
•Lack of daylight caused by window coverings.
•Inappropriate seating for officers and staff who spend extended periods working at computers.
•Dim lighting in certain corridor areas, creating discomfort and potential safety risks.
Resolution BACK TO NATIONAL VIEW Midlands
In collaboration with Unison, the Health and Safety (H&S) Representative for Warwickshire Federation addressed each concern. The H&S Rep raised these issues with local line management and the Force Health and Safety Officer to ensure they were acknowledged and actioned.
Outcome
•The practice of locking the holding area was revoked, improving officer safety.
•The Federation H&S Rep conducted a comprehensive review of all custody suites alongside the Force H&S Officer. This review led to a structured plan to address the raised concerns.
•While not all issues could be resolved immediately, work was initiated to rectify the problems. Updates were provided to custody staff to ensure transparency and demonstrate that improvements were underway.
This effort was managed by the Federation H&S Rep alongside their core policing duties, as the H&S Rep role in Warwickshire is a workplace-based responsibility. Negotiation with their line manager was required to be excused from regular duties, allowing the reviews and liaison with the force to be conducted effectively.
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West Midlands – Welfare Van Initiative Introduction
In 2019, the branch requested that the force invest in a welfare van to support members at long-term scenes and major pre-planned events. This initiative followed the example of other forces that had begun purchasing similar vehicles to assist their officers in challenging conditions.
Description
The proposal faced significant resistance from the force, with numerous barriers raised. Concerns included where the vehicle would be stored, who would be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the van (including its chemical toilet), and how frequently the van would be used. Despite offering several potential funding solutions, including using proceeds of crime, the force initially showed little interest in acquiring this essential resource.
Resolution
To overcome these challenges, the branch proposed a joint venture with the force. Under this arrangement, the force agreed to purchase the base vehicle using their discount, while the branch funded the conversion to ensure the van met the necessary specifications.
Outcome
In April 2022, the welfare van was launched and has since been deployed at numerous scenes across the force area, as well as high-profile events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The welfare van has proven to be an invaluable resource for supporting officers in the field.
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MEMBER VALUE REPORT
One Federation – Putting Members First
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