HOLDING THE LINE Officers bear the brunt as protests turn ugly - Police Federation
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THE POLICE FEDERATION OF ENGLAND AND WALES APRIL 2021 HOLDING THE LINE Officers bear the brunt as protests turn ugly SEE PAGE 4 News Feature Recruitment drive Special heroes Court ruling leaves Officer’s brave decision to Police Uplift Programme Officers who protected officers exposed, p9 come out as transgender, p12 head speaks, p16 London from terror, p28
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02 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
CONTENTS
INSIDE...
Editorial: 06
editor@polfed.org
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Martin Buhagiar
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The views expressed within the 05 View from the Chair:
John Apter reflects
on current policing challenges
09 Game changer: Court
ruling could leave officers
vulnerable to misconduct
25 Prime suspect: Praise
for policing from Dame
Helen Mirren
magazine are not necessarily the
views of the National Board of
the Police Federation of England
and Wales. 09 Nick O’ Time: Cartoonist
Colin Whittock’s creative
take on policing
10 Protecting police: How
a small police team met a
huge PPE challenge
28 Bravery under fire:
Awards for officers caught
up in terror attacks
©The Police Federation 2021
Reproduction strictly forbidden
unless by prior arrangement with
the publishers. 16 The Chair Asks: John
Apter speaks to Janette
McCormick of the Police
12 My true self: Officer’s
brave decision to change
gender
30 Elections are coming:
Could you be a Police
Federation rep?
Cover image: Sam Davies / Uplift Programme
Shutterstock.com
21 Policing with a
Difference: Marie
14 Collision investigators:
How the role is changing 33 Mental health hotline:
Federation updates on
counselling service
View online:
www.polfed.org/police-mag Reavey of the Christian Police
Association
Read, reuse and recycle this
magazine.
30 Committee focus:
What the Parliamentary
Sub Committee achieves for
officers
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 03
NEWS
Bristol rioters can expect ‘loud knocks
at the door’
The operation to find those responsible
for the disgraceful attacks on police
officers in Bristol will be one of the
largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s
history, the force said.
A total of 21 officers were injured by
a mob outside Bridewell Police Station
on 21 March. Police vehicles including
a community police station were set on
fire and criminal damage was caused to
the station exterior.
The violence erupted out of a ‘Kill
the Bill’ protest in the city centre hours
earlier, where around 3,000 protesters
marched against Government plans
to increase police powers to deal with
non-violent demonstrations.
Detective Chief Superintendent
Carolyn Belafonte said: “More than 100
officers and staff continue to work on
the inquiry which is being led by our element. It’s not about protest for them, has created a pressure cooker of
Major Crime Investigation Team. The it’s about violence, damaging property circumstances. It’s police officers who
public response has been nothing short and anarchy.” are facing the brunt of public anger
of amazing and I want all those who’ve John continued: “We had and frustration; but violence against my
shown us support and kindness to know individuals trying to set fire to a police colleagues is completely unacceptable
how much we appreciate it.” van with police officers still inside – and and must stop now.”
John Apter, National Chair of the the next day on social media we had an Andy Roebuck, Chair of Avon
Police Federation of England and individual claiming that we deliberately and Somerset Police Federation,
Wales (PFEW) told the media that make police vans available to be set commented: “Disgusting scenes in
instigators could expect to get “very on fire as a tactic, because it gets Bristol by a mob of animals who are
loud knocks on the door” and added: photographed and it looks good in the injuring police officers, members of the
“What started as a peaceful event, media. This is the level of stupidity we public, and damaging property. We
albeit an unlawful gathering, was have to cope with. have officers with broken arms and
completely hijacked by a hardcore “Disorder in recent weeks ribs. This is so wrong.”
Praise for Fed as MPs debate policing bill
Priti Patel praised the Federation and its National While the bill has proved controversial due
Chair as she opened a debate in Parliament about to aspects which increase police powers to curb
the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. demonstrations, it contains many positive provisions
The Home Secretary told the Commons on for officers that PFEW has long campaigned for,
15 March: “We do ask our brave police officers such as a Police Covenant, better protection for
to do the most difficult of jobs. They run towards police drivers, increased sentences for assaults on
danger to keep us all safe. That is why I’ve worked emergency workers and Special Constables being
closely with the Police Federation in developing allowed to join the Police Federation.
this bill. John welcomed the Home Secretary’s
“I’d like to pay tribute to the Chair of the comments as a sign of constructive relations,
Police Federation, John Apter, for his constructive and added: “We have had our disagreements
way of working since I became Home Secretary, including over the pay freeze, pensions and the
admirably fighting for his members every single vaccine – but we have to work with politicians
day. He’s voiced his concerns to me directly and and many others across policing to get our voice
I have acted upon them.” heard, and I’ll continue to do that.”
04 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
NEWS
VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
As police officers we’re often damned if we do and damned
if we don’t. Nothing exemplifies this better than policing
public protests during lockdown. For some our approach
is too tough, for others not tough enough.
Recent weeks have been particularly difficult. Our
Lengthy colleagues have been vilified in the media and, in the
case of Bristol, subjected to the most shameful physical
misconduct attacks. Those responsible are not protesters, but
criminals who will hijack any cause to sow disorder.
investigations We will not let them win.
Now, more than ever, it is important that we stand tall
costing millions and be proud of what we do as police officers, because the
public need us. That doesn’t mean we will get everything
Protracted investigations by the Independent right, but the vast majority of the time we do.
Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are costing Thankfully the cuts in our numbers are at last being
taxpayers millions of pounds each year. reversed. In this edition I’m speaking to DCC Janette
Research by the national Police Federation McCormick, head of the Police Uplift Programme and
calculates that an investigation lasting up to six
we’re meeting some of our new colleagues. Their
months costs £15,101 per officer which rockets to
£302,012 when it drags on for five or more years – enthusiasm is infectious, and I know you will join me
20 times higher. in making them and those who follow welcome.
This is based on the cost of investigators’ As you’ll see in this edition, we’re meeting a
offices, legal aid and officers being suspended transgender officer who has bravely shared her journey
or on restricted duties. When narrowed down to – proof that no matter our differences, what unites us is a
suspended officers only the costs are considerably shared commitment to public service and a passion for
higher – at £67,968 for a six months investigation
this extraordinary job we do.
and £453,115 per officer after five years. This is
due to the force having to fully replace them until We’re also highlighting some of the work of Police
proceedings conclude. Federation reps ahead of elections which take place this
Our Conduct and Performance Lead, Phill summer. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a Fed rep
Matthews, pictured above, said: “Prolonged and supporting your colleagues, this is your opportunity –
misconduct investigations have not only ruined the it is one of the most rewarding roles in policing.
careers of so many officers, but severely impacted
Finally, on the vaccine, my view remains that policing
their mental health, their families and their
colleagues – and now we have evidence they are a by its nature means we cannot easily mitigate the risk of
huge drain on the public purse too.” exposure to the virus. We have no choice but to get
Our findings have been submitted to the hands-on with the public, and our
Home Affairs Select Committee of MPs as part colleagues must be prioritised.
of their inquiry into the remit of the IOPC, I understand and share the sense
the police complaints system and the time taken of betrayal that Government
to resolve complaints.
continues to resist this. I will
PFEW continues to highlight the detrimental
impact of lengthy disciplinary investigations on keep making the case.
officers as well as to public confidence as part Until next time, stay safe, walk
of our Time Limits campaign, which is calling for tall and thank you for all you do.
investigations to be concluded within 12 months. I know it is deeply appreciated
Phill added: “It’s right that officers are held by the vast majority of the public.
accountable and I absolutely condemn dishonest
or inappropriate behaviour. However, the IOPC
often inexplicably pursues cases where our
members have acted properly – in many instances,
investigations have gone on for five years or more John Apter
and end in management advice or a written warning. National Chair of the
“We want to see better training for IOPC
Police Federation of
investigators and time freed up to uncover those
that don’t deserve to be in the job. Public trust in
England and Wales
the system will also erode if people do not think
their complaints will be dealt with quickly.”
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 05
REGIONAL NEWS
NEW HIJAB
TRIALLED BY
LEICESTERSHIRE
POLICE
Leicestershire Police is trialling a new hijab
for operational Muslim police officers.
Designers at Massey University
College in New Zealand have sent a
sample to the force and it is currently
being tested by a Leicestershire Police
Student Officer Khadeejah Mansur.
The garment has been designed to sit
comfortably with police issued headwear
such as caps and radio ear-pieces and
uses magnetic fastenings that can release
easily if grabbed.
DC Yassin Desai, Co-Chair of
Leicestershire’s Association of Muslim
Police (AMP), said: “We have been
Khadeejah Mansur
looking for the right design and the right
product for a number of years. We saw
the New Zealand hijab and liked the look services and frontline staff.” Student Officer Khadeejah Mansur
of it, so got in contact. We’ve built a good She added: “It’s really important for joined the force in October and is
relationship and have been trialling it for our Muslim officers who wear the hijab. currently undergoing her initial training
several weeks. More importantly it will help attract other period and is trialling the product. She
“If everything goes well and the Muslim females to become police officers. said: “Wearing the hijab had made me
necessary tests and approvals are It shows that Leicestershire Police is very comfortable and complements my
met then we could be rolling this out inclusive and accessible and recognises uniform very well. Once fellow Muslim
in Leicestershire. I have also been the need for religious headwear. It will females see myself as a frontline hijab
talking to other forces in England and also help to provide role models to the wearing officer, I hope it will inspire them
Wales and the Home Office about it community to show them they too can to look at a career in policing as there are
being a national solution for emergency follow a career in policing.” no restrictions or setbacks.”
New team at Humberside Birmingham 2022:
Humberside Police Federation has a new leadership team. officers’ views sought
Lee Sims has been elected as Chair and Rob Grunner
becomes Secretary. Officers considering volunteering for the mutual aid operation
“I am looking forward to the challenges this new for next year’s Commonwealth Games are being asked to fill
role will bring,” says Lee, who became a workplace rep out a short survey.
around three and a half years ago, “As we start to ease out The Games take place in Birmingham from 28 July to
of lockdown, this is a critical time for the Force and for 8 August 2022 and plans are underway to deliver a safe, secure
officers. The Federation will continue to work with chief and welcoming event.
officers to ensure that officers’ views and concerns are Mutual aid will be a big part of the West Midlands Police
heard as we adjust to the new normal.” security operation, named internally as Operation Unity, and
A workplace representative for six years, Rob says he the Force wants to hear the views of officers who may be
has a passion for looking after colleagues. “I recognise the working at the Games next year.
stresses and pressures they are under and I am prepared to It has developed a national survey to help provide the best
challenge senior leaders to do the right thing by them.” experience for those working on the operation, which will be
Lee takes over from Pete Musgrave while Rob follows the largest in West Midlands Police’s history. Responses will
in the footsteps of Helen Collier. Both Pete and Helen remain completely anonymous but if you have any questions,
are leaving their Federation official roles on promotion please email cwg2022@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
to sergeant. Complete the survey at: https://bit.ly/2Q9g8TF
06 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
NEWS
MISCONDUCT RISK
TO OFFICERS WHO
ADMINISTER LIFE-
SAVING DRUG
the subject of a criminal investigation.
“We ask for a similar commitment to
protect officers in England and Wales,”
added Andy.
An additional six officers from the
region will be trained in the coming
months. North Wales Police has also
PC Becky Evans
commenced a six-month trial. Previously,
pilot schemes have been trialled in
custody suites and West Midlands Police
undertook a pilot in 2019 in which 55 kits
Officer steps in
were issued. There was one recorded use
in the space of a year.
for midwife
PFEW Operational Lead Simon “Help, my girlfriend is giving birth,” the job
Andy Jackson Kempton commented: “Saving lives screen read. Gwent PC Becky Evans was
is a key part of the role police officers working that day and little did she know that
undertake. But there should be no within hours she would be holding a newborn
Durham Constabulary has begun blurring of roles between the police in her arms, having supported a local family
training frontline officers to administer and paramedics. An opioid overdose with the arrival of their baby daughter.
a life-saving drug to people who have is a critical medical emergency and to It was a February morning and with no
overdosed on methadone, heroin, give the best chance of saving a life, that ambulances available, the job had been passed
fentanyl and codeine. emergency should be responded to by a on to the police.
Forty officers have been trained since fully trained and equipped paramedic. “I jumped at the chance to go, I knew it
January, but the trial has raised questions “The public deserve and expect was one for me,” says Becky, who has been
about whether police are putting their police service to concentrate on with her force for three years. “It wasn’t until
themselves at risk of misconduct if they reducing and detecting crime, and to I got in my car and started driving that I
administer naloxone (which is given via a keep the peace. We are already asking thought, what am I doing? I have no idea
nasal spray) and something goes wrong. our police to do more than ever before, how to deliver a baby.”
Andy Jackson, who chairs Durham particularly during Despite this being her first experience
Police Federation, and is a Conduct and the COVID-19 of childbirth, Becky, who is based at Bettws,
Performance Liaison Officer (CAPLO), pandemic, and in Newport, says helping the new mother
said: “Instead of a wider roll out to the this will further came naturally. She walked in to find the mum
police, the focus should be on issuing take them holding her baby in her arms.
naloxone to opiate users, their friends, away from She recalled: “It was magical but scary.
and families. This is within the purview of their core role It sounds silly, but you really do think back to
the wider social and healthcare provision. of protecting the programmes that you’ve seen on the TV.
The Federation cannot support a wider the public from I hadn’t had any training for this. I checked the
roll out until our concerns are addressed, crime.” mum for any bleeding and made sure the baby
including what happens to police officers was breathing. I looked to see if the umbilical
if a death or serious injury occurs after cord was still intact, which it was. I knew the
administering naloxone.” placenta needed to come out, so I was fully
In Canada there is legislation to preparing myself to deliver it.”
protect police officers administering the Luckily the midwife arrived, and Becky
PFEW Operational
drug like other first responders who do was able to provide details, along with the
Lead Simon Kempton
not have to worry about routinely being time of birth, that the mum had forgotten about
amid all the chaos.
“I was able to hold the baby and have
DID YOU KNOW? some quiet time with her. That was really nice
A dog handlers’ allowance (currently £2,398) is payable where a police dog is and very special,” says Becky. “I also helped
kept and cared for at an officer’s home. A further 25 per cent of the allowance show the two toddlers their new baby sister,
is paid for each additional police dog kept at home. which was lovely. It was nice to be part of
For more on your rights, see – www.polfed.org that moment.”
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 07
NEWS
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08 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
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NEWS
USE-OF-FORCE RULING
LEAVES OFFICERS EXPOSED
A
Court of Appeal ruling has left
police officers ‘dangerously John Partington Steve Hartshorn
exposed’ in cases involving use of
force, the Police Federation of England
and Wales is warning.
In October, the court found in favour
of the Independent Office for Police
Conduct (IOPC) in the case of ‘W80’, a
firearms officer being investigated over
the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker in
Wood Green in December 2015.
They directed a gross misconduct
hearing and under this new ruling, the
panel would be entitled to consider
whether the officer’s honestly held
belief that force was necessary was an
objectively reasonable one in all the
circumstances.
The ruling has far reaching
ramifications for any officer involved in
a use-of-force case, as John Partington,
our Deputy National Secretary explains.
“This effectively means that a breach to Steve Hartshorn, PFEW’s National Appeal Court’s ruling will apply. Right
of the standards could arise when an Firearms Lead. now, we’ve got officers potentially falling
officer uses force because they honestly He said: “Officers are trained in the foul of misconduct regulations, so the
believe it is necessary and that turns out current criminal law application in terms NPCC and the College need to act.”
to be mistaken. of how they justify force. This added We believe the ruling impacts on
“So, for the purposes of misconduct situation may give them rise to pause every serving officer in the country, from
proceedings, their use of force will be and think ‘is what I’m doing objectively chief officer to PC, that may have to use
judged by whether a right-thinking reasonable when compared to what I’m force (or authorise force). The advice to
person with knowledge of the facts actually trained in?’ The key thing is that our members is if you become involved
available to the officer would consider it a officers have not been trained for this in a Post Incident Procedure or have a
necessary use of force. This is a subtle but situation. So, we’re calling on the concern, it is more important than ever
very important deviation to how police National Police Chiefs’ Council and the that you seek Federation advice and
officers have been trained.” College of Policing to issue advice and legal support and be aware that this new
The case has been appealed to the guidance to officers. standard could be used against you.
Supreme Court, but that hearing may be “We want to win the case at the In addition to calling for updated
a year away. In the meantime, officers of Supreme Court but if that doesn’t training the Federation is raising this
all ranks are in a “sort of limbo” according happen, we need to realise that the important issue at the highest levels.
Nick O’Time
By Colin Whittock
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 09
OPERATION TALLA
PC Chris Wilmshurst, T/Chief Inspector
Matthew Sulley and PC Sean Miller
HOW THE PPE
WAR
S
WAS WON!
ix Thames Valley PCs, two disused
aircraft hangars and a staggering 75
million pieces of personal protective
quantity of PPE around the country.
We’ve supplied every force in the country,
UK dependents overseas, Police Scotland,
afternoon and was asked if we could do it.
I said yes, thinking it would be no more
than a few lorryloads of product. I was
equipment (PPE) moved to police forces British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear told ‘we need it operational for Monday
across the UK and dependent territories Constabulary and the Ministry of Defence. morning’. The hangar was used by Thames
since the start of the pandemic. Welcome Everything comes through here and Valley Police for pursuit and firearms
to Operation TALLA. we quality check every piece against training, so we had to drag all the broken
POLICE magazine spoke to certification and test reports – all of that vehicles out and clear the space. There
T/Chief Inspector Matt Sulley, who heads processing is done by the six PCs.” was no heating or running water. We had
this life-saving operation on behalf of Amazingly, the operation was to generate power for the site, install fire
the National Police Coordination Centre pulled together virtually in the space alarms, cabins for welfare support and
(NPoCC), as new guidance is released of a weekend. In March 2020, as the marquees to expand capacity.
through Op TALLA around PPE and pandemic was taking hold, the Thames “We’re in the middle of an aircraft
minimising police officers’ exposure to Valley force was selected to spearhead field with no connectivity so we’ve had
COVID-19. the PPE procurement and roll out, due to have a microwave link set up. All of this
Speaking from Op TALLA’s base of to its proximity to RAF Brize Norton and stuff had to happen quick sharp.”
operations in Oxfordshire, Matt explains: because the force had made a great start. Despite none of the team having
“In the last year we’ve moved a massive Matt said: “I got a call on a Friday prior experience of working in a logistics
10 | POLICE | APRIL 2021OPERATION TALLA
capacity, they built an industry within understanding all the rules and regulations:
policing that typically would have required “A group of us really read up on that and “The Federation was invited to be a
22 army personnel – all achieved, says liaised with experts from other agencies to part of this process from the start,
Matt, by “PCs with phenomenal grit and understand what it was we wanted to buy as the operation recognised the
determination”. and what we needed to have proven to us importance of having input from
They worked with Public Health before we bought it. At times I had to say no frontline officers. This ensured the
England and the Defence Science to people if they couldn’t provide us with PPE guidance was more relevant,
Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to understand the documentation that we needed.” with examples such as how to
what kit was needed to protect the Over time the team refined their deal with somebody who is non-
workforce, and 10 items were selected. With product lines to give more consistency for compliant during the pandemic, as
the assistance of Thames Valley Police’s the frontlines. Since August all products well as giving early notice of where
procurement team, they set about tracking have come via the Department for Health problems might arise so that they
down PPE stocks globally. and Social Care, so the team were able to could be dealt with before they
“Everything from masks, paper suits, stop procuring. impacted the frontline.”
goggles – all of those items were in short PC Sean Miller, who manages the Simon Kempton,
supply. We had to get them certified and distribution aspect of the operation, PFEW National Board
run tests. Once we were satisfied that they adds: “The most in-demand bit of kit was
were good for use, we put them into our the surgical mask. At its peak we had 18
warehouse and made them available to million in stock. The Federation helped
forces,” explains Matt. us by explaining to officers the benefits of
Funding came from just over a dozen using the mask (if someone spits at you it
forces who then claimed the money back won’t go through and infect your mouth).
from the Treasury. There was no central Gloves were through the roof as well, and
money so Op TALLA was forced to go cap in hand sanitiser – we got in touch with a
hand to get the operation off the ground. manufacturer and had supplies transferred
The UK government infamously had its into policing and away from other non-
fingers burned when it ordered quantities essential industries. We had some vaping
of PPE from Turkey that turned out to be companies make some 100ml ones to fit
unfit for purpose. How did the team avoid trouser pockets so people could carry them
similar pitfalls? Matt says it was down to on their person.”
Op TALLA has issued new, interactive
guidance to forces which informs officers
of the kit they should wear in different
situations. Matt worked with Simon
Kempton from the Federation’s National
Board to produce guidance that is easy to
understand. As a result, consumption of
some lesser used items has rocketed.
Research from the University of Cardiff
(commissioned by Op TALLA) into PPE
fatigue and usage, suggests that internal
settings are among the top places for spread
of the virus. “The belief is that we are used
to our colleagues, we believe they are clean
people, and we drop our guard,” says Matt.
“Keep masks on in the workplace, make sure
hand hygiene is observed, and don’t make
a round of tea for your colleagues – some of
those things we do as friendly and decent
people, we have to stop now.”
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 11EQUALITY OMING OUT C AS TRANS WAS TERRIFYING – BUT ALSO A RELIEF PC Skye Morden suffered a vicious online backlash which made her more determined to blaze a trail for other transgender police officers, as ANDREW GOLD and OLIVIA WATKINSON report 12 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
EQUALITY
P
C Skye Morden earned her
spurs during 20 years as a Taser
specialist and an award-winning
public order cop who relished facing the
toughest of situations.
A frontline cop who has been
stabbed on duty – she’s certainly not
someone to back off from difficulties.
Skye is rightly proud of her career as
an experienced West Midlands officer,
and her two Chief Constable awards
for outstanding service and a national
policing Commissioners award.
After joining West Midlands police
in 2001, Skye was one of the first cops to
be trained with a X26 Taser, which led to
a career responding to violent incidents
and training other officers to use Taser.
But after two decades in policing
when she thought she’d seen almost
everything, last year Skye experienced
what she considered to be one of the
most terrifying experiences of her life. The support of colleagues and the
Assigned as male at birth she had wider policing family have given her the
lived as a man for many years – but Skye strength to deal with these transphobic
is, in fact, female. After bravely coming comments. But she admits to being
out to colleagues as transgender she ‘incredibly nervous’ when she first told
was subjected to a vicious media and people she’d worked with for many years
online onslaught far worse than being about identifying as female.
spat at, shoved or punched while in a She added: “How do you say to male
frontline role. police colleagues – some of the most
Skye revealed: “I have always known alpha guys around – that you’re trans?
I was transgender, even before I knew Initially I was terrified, but everyone has
there was a word for it. But I kept it a been so welcoming and inclusive so it’s
secret for decades – for years I could not been a huge relief and I feel like I can
find a way to come out to friends, family finally be me.
and colleagues.” “Everyone within policing has been
It was after she joined a police- wonderful and supportive. The first day
related social media group for the LGBTQ I trained a Taser course as myself, I told
community and was encouraged to write everyone how nervous I was, and they all
a personal blog, Skye officially came out stood up and applauded me.”
as transgender. But when this ‘news’ Skye has found many police officers
broke in the media the consequences have not met an out trans person before
were deeply hurtful, and Skye became (though statistically, they have likely met
the victim of vicious online abuse. a transgender or non-binary person who
She recalled: “I suddenly had press isn’t publicly out) and thinks this may add
knocking at my front door, and they to misconceptions.
had even managed to get hold of some She said: “Nine times out of ten the
photos of me. My ‘story’ went viral, and issues the trans community face with
quickly went across the globe as far as police are simply due to a lack of frame vulnerable communities that we, the
India. I expected some kind of reaction of reference. Perception can be driven police hear them,” Skye added.
because of prejudice, but not the scale of by social media, rather than from talking One area of concern is around the
what occurred. There were 17,000 posts to real people.” wearing of prosthetics, and PFEW’s
on two eastern European far right forums Skye is now working to help other Equality Group is leading the way on this
alone, but thankfully I had great support transgender officers feel comfortable nationally to address this issue.
from colleagues in my force to help and accepted in the workplace. She is Skye said: “I’ve had officers contact
counteract the threat to my security. on the West Midlands force’s LGB&T me to tell me they are trans or non-binary.
“To be honest, it was far scarier than committee and is working with the Fed However, they haven’t had the chance
anything I’ve faced as a cop. Despite the on practical ways to help trans members. or courage to speak up yet.” Her message
personal abuse, I don’t regret coming out She is confident times are changing and to those colleagues is simple: “You can
for a moment because this is who I am. looks forward to encouraging changes be who you are, and colleagues and
I am transgender with a female brain, in attitudes. “It is important that as a friends will be a lot more supportive than
who was born in the wrong body.” cop, I stand up and be visible, to show you think.”
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 13ROADS POLICING
WE PROVIDE VICTIMS AND
FAMILIES WITH AN ANSWER
POLICE magazine’s STEVE BAX spoke to Federation Rep Andy Smith about the challenges
facing collision investigators – from mental health to studying for degrees
P
C Andy Smith has been a presence explanation of how their loved ones died.
on Northumbria’s roads for 22 We also provide evidence to the judicial
years. He was a traffic cop for process who may decide to hold people
a dozen of them, until he decided to to account if necessary. So, the work is
specialise in collision investigation. on behalf of the judicial system and the
As technology advances, the role coroner as well. There are a lot of jobs
of the collision investigator inevitably you could see being replaced with robots
becomes more complex. Andy notes that in future, but you couldn’t replace a
there is more CCTV footage now that collision investigator – that experience
needs analysing – plus mobile phone data, that you build up from years of going to
dashcam footage, sat-nav devices and these things.”
entertainment devices. While specialists Of the 200 or so collision
process that data on behalf of officers, investigators working in England and
it inevitably means investigations have Wales, the split is roughly half and
more steps to consider and take longer. half experienced police officers and
No matter how the role evolves, it trained civilians. Given the time it takes
continues to be indispensable. to build up the required experience,
Andy explains: “We provide victims forces will often entice back retired
PC Andy Smith and families with an answer as to what’s officers in a civilian capacity. However,
happened. Quite often that will be the there are also recruits from a variety
14 | POLICE | APRIL 2021ROADS POLICING
“In my unit we all support each other and More investment
without that camaraderie and strong support needed for
from supervision we could struggle” stop and search
of other backgrounds who bring a tomorrow, that’s got to come first. So, training and
wealth of experience to the role, for
example the motor industries who
many of my rest days over the last year
were taken up by me sat at the dining support
bring technical knowledge. room table with my books open.”
“It could be considered an As the Fed Rep and a member of The Chair of
advantage to come to the role from a PFEW’s Roads Policing User Group, PFEW’s Black
roads policing background as I did,” Andy has been leading the calls for Asian Minority
says Andy. “But there are very good supervisors to recognise the need for Ethnic and BAME
investigators from non-Roads Policing collision investigators to have a level Belief Group
backgrounds who bring a variety of of study time appropriate to their wants greater
experience to the role. For example, individual needs. investment to
some are academically strong On the mental health side, the establish a better
and those from a motor industry Federation is also encouraging cultural understanding around
background who have extensive collision investigators to speak up stop and search.
knowledge of how a motor vehicle if they are struggling. Andy says: Paul Odle said: “Intelligence-led ‘stop
works and what data can be available.” “Our whole world revolves around and search’ is a legitimate and effective
The ways that collision serious and fatal accidents. We police tactic which can, and does, prevent
investigators work can differ see some horrific scenes. It can be crime and saves lives. It is crucial the
slightly from force to force but draining and cause a danger to mental service invests in the highest standards of
standardisation is being brought in health so it’s important to have a training and support.
with the introduction of ISO. This will support framework in your personal “PFEW is fully committed to
be achieved through accreditation life and work life. In Northumbria, eradicating all forms of discrimination
and training. The rationale is that, if we get assessed every year by our through community education, awareness,
someone has lost a loved one, their Occupational Health and that and by listening to colleagues and the
investigation should not be dealt with yearly check needs to be a minimum communities we serve. Our Black Asian
differently to any other force area. standard across all forces. Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group is
Investigators have traditionally “In my unit we all support each part of an ongoing, important conversation
been required to attain a City and other and without that camaraderie on this subject, and we are dedicated to
Guilds Collision Investigation and strong support from supervision developing a greater cultural understanding
qualification. For those newer in we could struggle. I had a pretty nasty around stop and search.”
service, a UCPD qualification is time a number of years ago where I Paul was reacting to the publication
required through De Montfort dealt with three deaths in a very short of a report by HM Inspector of Constabulary
University. Going forward, the period, which due to circumstances Wendy Williams in February on the
proposed minimum standard is rising led to me seeking help.” ‘disproportionate’ use of police powers
to be a Certificate of Higher Education He adds: “You very rarely switch with a spotlight on stop and search and
– which Andy has spent the last year off in this role. I have dreamt about use of force.
studying for. Eventually, it is proposed investigations before and can It found that, in 2019/20, black, Asian
that a degree will be required to sometimes find it hard to switch off and minority ethnic people were over
perform the role. from work. Even when I go on holiday four times more likely to be stopped and
This presents challenges for it will take me a number of days to start searched than white people, according to
officers who are already incredibly switching off from work.” the report. It also estimated there were
busy. “There was a suggestion that a Andy’s advice to colleagues is to reasonable grounds for stop and search
day a week at work would be sufficient make use of the support available, encounters in 81.7 percent of cases – down
– I haven’t got a day at work to give,” including the Federation’s Welfare from 94 percent in 2017.
explains Andy. “When you’ve got Support Programme and the Ms Williams said: “Over 35 years on
three, four five fatalities ongoing and resources listed through our Man Up from the introduction of stop and search
the CPS and coroners all need reports Man Down programme. legislation, no force fully understands
the impact of the use of these powers.
Disproportionality persists and no force
DID YOU KNOW? can satisfactorily explain why.”
Officers must be given details in writing of any misconduct investigation In February, PFEW’s Black Asian
against them (unless to do so would prejudice the outcome) and Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group
their right to representation. If the investigation is not complete became part of HMICFRS’ External
after 12 months a report must be submitted to the Police and Crime Reference Group on diversity and inclusion,
Commissioner and every six months thereafter. feeding into this discussion on behalf of
For more on your rights, see – www.polfed.org rank and file officers.
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 15THE CHAIR ASKS THE CHAIR ASKS This month John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales discusses the Police Uplift Programme with its director, DCC Janette McCormick 16 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
THE CHAIR ASKS
1 What is the Uplift
Programme?
John Apter (JA): A warm welcome Janette.
Our colleagues will have heard things
about the uplift programme, but can you
explain exactly what it is and what we want
to achieve?
Janette McCormick (JM): Thank you John,
this goes back to July 2019 when the Prime
Minister made his announcement of an
additional 20,000 officers. Obviously, that
came on the back of a decade of austerity
when we lost as many officers. I got a call
to ask if I would be the programme director
working across 43 forces, the College of
Policing and the Home Office. With the
leavers that we have, we need to recruit
around 53,000 officers over three years.
That’s a massive surge in the service but it’s chiefs have really wanted to step up, to join, but policing is still a really attractive job
also about growing well and becoming a look at their local needs are and recruit and we should feel proud to be part of it.
more representative workforce. from communities. It’s a challenge but There are barriers for different people. It’s
JA: What’s been your journey in policing also an opportunity. We’re doing an online not just ethnic minorities, it’s also people
and how did that lead you to this role now? assessment now and seeing a real improved with disabilities, people of different sexual
JM: At 13, I visited Eccles Police Station in performance particularly in relation to our orientation – we’ve done a lot of work to
Greater Manchester to have a look around. BAME officers/candidates. encourage people to declare their protected
My dad was a solicitor representing suspects, characteristics as it allows us to put the right
so he saw both sides. I joined the police policies in place. For people to disclose things
straight from university on the accelerated about themselves they first must feel they
promotion. I was posted to Salford and for 3 How can we maintain high can trust us in terms of how we use that data.
my first arrest my dad was the duty solicitor! standards of new recruits?
I did 20 years in uniform and some work in
specialist ops, I’ve got two children so for a JA: I’ll admit I was concerned about the
while I went part time. Then as a chief officer, online approach to recruiting because 4 The challenge of growing
I went over to Cheshire and became the I thought it would water down our a more diverse workforce
Chief Constable. I did a short secondment standards. Can you reassure our members,
at the College of Policing before my current who are proud to be police officers, that in JA: Let’s touch on black, Asian and minority
role. I have 30 years in policing and still love our desire to get many new people in, we’ll ethnic (BAME) recruitment. If policing is to
it. I still learn something new every day. not lower our standards? move forward and be truly reflective, we’ve
JM: The advantage of having a serving got to reach all parts of our communities
police officer leading the uplift is that I also and that means some people who haven’t
want those high standards. We have to grow ever seen policing as something for them.
2 Challenges of working with quickly, but we have to grow right. We have How are we doing in this regard?
43 forces and stakeholders maintained and monitored our standards, JM: In February, we topped 10,000 BAME
not just through the selection process – officers for the first time. I think we’ve got
JA: As Programme Director you’re we’re also working with our new cohort and 14 forces that are recruiting in line with
working with 43 forces, all with different asking what the job is like for them. This is their populations. It would be wrong to say
priorities and with their own chief important because we’ve got to retain those it is not a challenge. At 7.5 per cent BAME
constables and commissioners – has officers as well. recruitment we are still a long way off the
this caused you issues? JA: My colleagues will be thinking that current census at 14 per cent. We’ve got a
JM: The forces recruit the officers – we don’t ultimately what they want is for new lot to do to change perceptions of policing
do it centrally. That was always the principle officers to be credible, ready to go, in black communities, particularly after the
because they know what their needs are. properly tutored and the best they can events of 2020 with Black Lives Matters
Local communities are all different and it be. How attractive is the job of a police and George Floyd. We’re working hard to
would be wrong to impose a one size fits officer to those high-quality candidates? understand those barriers, and this is also
all. The strength of the National Police JM: We get over 10,000 applications a where your officers and members can help.
Chiefs Council is that we come together month on average – way more than we have
in collaboration and what I’ve seen is that jobs. Some of those will not be eligible to Continued on p18 >>>
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 17THE CHAIR ASKS
THE CHAIR ANSWERS
THE CHAIR ANSWERS
PFEW National Chair John Apter answers
members’ questions each month
Q1: What is the Fed position on police I agree this is a double whammy. We all
officers having Test and Trace on their understand why the pay freeze has been
personal mobile? brought in, fortunately the government
Our position is that the app is an listened to us and kept the increments
important part of controlling the virus and promotion pay increments in place
and officers should be encouraged and – a small but significant victory. We’ll
permitted to have it on their personal continue to highlight the pressures on
mobile phones. officers but we’re in really difficult times
as you’ll appreciate.
Q2: I work in Custody. The mental health
professionals are vaccinated. The Q4: Can the Federation continue to
sergeants and detention officers are push for double crewed officers and
6 Are we on target to achieve not. Same building, same customers Taser rollouts?
the 20,000 uplift? different treatment – why? Officer safety has and always will be a
This is absolute bonkers and defies logic. main priority and focus for me. We’ve
JA: The promise from the PM was 20,000 I stand by what I’ve said that police achieved some good things with Taser
officers. We’ve heard about the problems officers should be prioritised because including ringfenced funding. Many chiefs
and opportunities. We’ve just passed of the unique job they do. I’ll continue have increased the number of officers
year one – are we going to get there to push that with the government and who are Taser trained. I believe every
by year three? anybody else who will listen. There is a officer who wants it should have it. As
JM: Absolutely. We’ve recruited just over real discrepancy and police officers feel for double crewing, it’s a false economy
7,000 new officers so far, so we’re well on very betrayed. to single crew because the officer is less
the way to that 20,000. Once we get there, safe, and we could end up having multiple
we’ll have a more representative workforce Q3: As a serving Hampshire officer, units going to a job. I would urge chief
with talented people who are able to support I was disappointed to see the pay freeze. constables to commission a study into
policing going forward. We’re putting down Will the Fed put pressure on Government the benefits of predominantly double
foundations for the future of the police to suspend the looming cliff edge with crewing vehicles. I suspect you’ll get
service and everyone has a stake in that. the pension transition until pay has jobs done more quickly, it’ll be safer, and
JA: Recruitment and retention should go caught up? police officers will feel more valued.
hand in hand. Hopefully people have got
an insight into the programme you’re
leading and it’s not just a case of opening
up recruitment and keeping fingers
crossed. Thank you for taking the time
Have you a question to ask John Apter?
to talk to me and good luck with the rest Email: editor@polfed.org
of the programme.
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 19DETECTIVES IN CRISIS 20 | POLICE | APRIL 2021
POLICING WITH A DIFFERENCE
‘POLICING MADE ME CYNICAL
– THEN I FOUND FAITH’
In the latest of our Policing with a Difference series, OLIVIA WATKINSON
meets Marie Reavey, Chair of the Christian Police Association (CPA)
Marie Reavey is the National Chair of the with that everyone makes choices, which messages and the Imam emphasised in
Christian Police Association, the latest can often cause pain in others’ lives.” his sermons that dealing drugs was a sin.
standard bearer of one of the oldest Marie became a CPA trustee in 2014 Intelligence from the community increased
staff support networks, founded in 1883. and National Chair in 2017. She attends a by 70 per cent.
The organisation has more than 4,000 variety of diversity, equality, and inclusion Marie adds: “Although we’re a national
members across all forces in the UK and meetings, sits on the NPCC race, religion group, national is made up of local. Who
all denominations of Christianity. It also and belief strategic group and belief we are and what we can do is worked out
works closely with other faiths. subcommittee, as well as the uplift group. at the local level – not unlike a church. We
Her faith journey began in 2006, when, Marie’s role over the last two cover the breadth of Christianity and try
while travelling, she met a Christian couple years has been the national lead for an not to get bogged down in the things that
in Canada who unpacked the Bible for her initiative called Faith and Police Together, divide us. Ultimately, we’re all brothers and
in a way she’d never experienced before. which encourages police forces to sisters in Christ.”
She became a Christian in 2009 during a build partnerships with their local faith In 2021, the CPA hopes to run an online
career break travelling the world. communities. For example, in Halifax, a course for those curious about Christianity.
Finding faith had a significant impact church group partnered with the police in They are also about to run Kintsugi Hope
on Marie’s police work. She explains: a Street Angels initiative aimed at offering courses aimed at helping people to
“I quickly became hard-hearted and help to vulnerable people at night. As a improve their mental wellbeing in Norfolk,
cynical when I joined the police, but after result, violent crime in the town centre Lancashire and Cumbria, and hope to
becoming a Christian it transformed the dropped 42 per cent within the first 12 expand these into other areas as attendees
way I view people especially our ‘regular months of the initiative. In West Yorkshire, become leaders. Their website is at
customers’. I believe that everyone is made local police partnered with Muslim www.cpauk.net
in the image and likeness of God and that community leaders to reduce drug crimes:
he loves them. I’m called to do the same. the mosques would let them use their
“Jesus’ teachings are my moral radio system to deliver short anti-drug
compass: they affect everything I do, and
I think they fit perfectly with the Code of
Ethics. The Bible calls us to seek justice, “We try not to
help the oppressed go free, bring peace
into chaos, to love our neighbour, to treat get bogged
people with dignity and respect.”
For Marie, the importance of the CPA down in the
is in helping officers be their ‘full selves’ at
work and provide a family that understands
things that
their perspective. This is important, as being
a police officer can really challenge your
divide us.
faith, says Marie.
“As police officers we see the worst in
Ultimately,
society. The temptation is to blame God for we’re all
the pain and suffering we see while out on
duty, but God gives each of us free will and brothers
and sisters”
DID YOU KNOW?
Time spent during probation on
leave for ante-natal care, maternity
support leave, adoption support
leave, parental leave and time
off for dependants is counted as
probationary service.
For more on your rights, see -
www.polfed.org
APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 21You can also read
