NATIONAL VIEW REGIONAL VIEW
LEGAL SERVICES NEGOTIATION INFLUENCING
REPRESENTATION
REGION 3 INFLUENCING
Warwickshire – Influencing for Vaccine Prioritisation During COVID-19
Introduction
In 2020, as COVID-19 spread across the UK, the country entered lockdown, and frontline police officers were required to continue working under challenging and potentially high-risk conditions due to frequent public interactions.
Description
By December 2020, a COVID-19 vaccine had been developed and was first administered to vulnerable individuals. It was subsequently rolled out to NHS staff, but police officers were not included in the early phases of vaccination. Due to the demographics of the police workforce, many officers were not eligible to receive the vaccine through their GP for several months.
In early 2021, Warwickshire Police, like other forces across the country, struggled to manage officer absences as staff contracted COVID-19 or needed to quarantine, exacerbating resource challenges.
Resolution BACK TO NATIONAL VIEW Midlands
Warwickshire Police Federation sought to influence the local MP, who was also serving as the Vaccine Minister. The Federation highlighted the comparable risks faced by police officers, who, like NHS staff, were required to engage with the public regularly. They also emphasised that officers could not refuse or avoid contact with people, as they were often required to attend incidents.
The influencing efforts were conducted via phone calls due to COVID-19 restrictions, which prohibited face-to- face meetings. Social media platforms were also used to amplify these concerns and raise public awareness of the issue.
Outcome
While the influencing did not result in police officers being prioritised for the vaccine, it successfully raised awareness of the risks officers face in the line of duty and underscored the need for adequate protective measures.
West Midlands – Driving Legislation Reform
Introduction
A critical flaw was identified in existing legislation, which rendered all trained police driving tactics technically illegal. Officers who used their training to assist the public in good faith were then liable to prosecution for simply doing their job.
Description
Over several years, influencing efforts were undertaken to address this issue. A new standard test was developed and implemented, recognising the specific training police officers undergo to perform their duties safely and effectively.
Resolution
The tenacious campaign resulted in new legislation being enacted as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (PCSCA). A network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) was also established to provide guidance and support. As a result, officers who would have previously faced legal charges for their actions are now protected under the revised legislation. This would never have occurred without the work of this branch and has allowed the service to have control of this important legislation through the standard set via the APP TAC directory feeding directly into the statutory instrument.
Outcome
The reform led to significant advancements, including changes to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) guidance, the professionalisation and standardisation of police driver training, and the implementation of a licensing programme through the College of Policing. These changes represent a generational change for officers across the UK. We have allowed officers the confidence to use their training, which is now legitimised for the first time, it strikes a balance between giving officers the tools that are needed to keep the public safe.
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MEMBER VALUE REPORT
One Federation – Putting Members First
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