POLICE FEDERATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2021 - SUMMER 2021 News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
s&views
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
New om Der b y s h ire Police Fede
ration
N ew s a n d views fr
2021
SUMMER
POLICE FEDERATION ANNUAL
1 CONFERENCE 2021
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Our chair says
PM’s ‘huge
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
of the police service in her speech saying John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
there was nothing she took more seriously
thank you’
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
than her duty to the police but some of us 10.55am BREAK
remember the early days of Ms May’s 11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
tenure when she said very similar things.
to officers
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
Priti Patel made promises around many 12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
of the issues we have been campaigning on 12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
– the Police Covenant, tougher sentences 1.10pm
Message of support from a senior chief officer
Bravest of the Brave
for those who assault emergency service We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
workers, better protection in law for police 1.30pm BREAK
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
drivers. We have seen progress on all these Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
issues and the Police, Crime, Sentencing 2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
and Courts Bill covers these issues and is
making its way through Parliament now.
We welcome this progress. But there
was nothing new in the speech even
though it was full of praise for officers’
commitment to their work and the
sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
Officers have looked to the Government,
and the Home Secretary, for support on two
key issues in recent months and sadly they
were completely let down by them.
The first was over the Covid jabs. At no
time did anyone in policing say that officers
By Tony Wetton, chair of Derbyshire Police and frontline staff should jump the queue
Federation during the first stage of the vaccine roll-out
programme.
T he highlight of many a Police Federation
conference has been the keynote speech
of the Home Secretary of the day. There
It was right and proper that the elderly,
the vulnerable and those working in the
NHS and in care homes should be the
have been some dramatic moments, a slow Number 1 priority. But once those people
hand clap for Labour’s Jack Straw and had been offered the jab, I believe officers Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
deathly silence for Theresa May immediately and other essential workers, including Boris Johnson delivered a message of
springing to mind. prison officers, should have been given thanks and support at the opening of
It has to be said that the Police some priority. The Government failed the conference.
Federation is currently enjoying a much officers at a time when they were on the The Prime Minister issued a ‘huge
more positive relationship with the frontline serving and protecting their thank you’ to officers for their work
Government and with Home Secretary Priti communities. during the pandemic and praised them
Patel in particular. To be honest, it is hard to The other issue where officers have felt for rising “to an enormous challenge”.
imagine that it could have got worse than it let down has been over pay. The He said: “You have shown over the
was when Ms May was in the post. Government has insisted officers have to past year just why British police are the
But, while we appreciate that there accept a pay freeze which does not really best in the world, now we are going to
appears to be a far more constructive show any great appreciation of the make sure you have the tools you need
working relationship, we actually need to extraordinary work they have been carrying to deal with criminals, make our streets
see something more tangible in terms of out through the pandemic. safer, and get on with the job you signed
Government support for policing. I think we need to see how the Home up to do.”
The Home Secretary was very supportive Secretary’s other promises play out.
Watch conference with on-demand service
Derbyshire Police Federation members are being urged to catch up with catch-up.
the annual conference via a special video on-demand facility. Derbyshire branch chair Tony Wetton said: “This year’s conference
The theme for this year’s event was Policing Under Pressure and it looked in depth at some of the tough issues our members face as
featured a range of key topics such as officer wellbeing, trial by media, frontline police officers in 2021.
the use of force and policing protests. “I know a lot of our members couldn’t attend the live sessions
Highlights included Derbyshire Chief Constable Rachel Swann’s because of work commitments but staging it online means the
appearance at a powerful panel discussion and Q & A on tackling whole conference can now be viewed via the on-demand service and
misogyny in the police service. I would encourage everyone to do so.”
Speeches from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti To access the on-demand videos, please simply email
Patel and Police Federation chair John Apter are also all available on events@polfed.org and you will be sent a link.
2
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Polic e Federation of En glan d an d Wale s A n n u al Con f e re n c e 2021
Chair reflects on
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
challenging year
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW labelled the villains of the pandemic and that
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator is grossly unfair.
“A minority of people - and let’s be honest
about this: often agitators intent on causing
mayhem - focused their anger and often
violence on police officers.
“Well, I have a message to those who
goaded my colleagues, a message to those
who attacked police officers who were simply
doing their job and to those vile people who
weaponised Covid by coughing and spitting
at my colleagues, often saying they had Covid
and they hope the officer caught it and died.
“To those individuals: you disgust me,
you completely disgust me. And I know that
you disgust every decent, law-abiding
person.”
John said officers were also facing ‘trial
by media’ on a daily basis and called on the
Home Secretary for her support, he said: “We
need you to speak out when you see footage
of police officers being attacked on social
National Police Federation chair John Apter.
media. When we see people reaching for
P olice Federation chair John Apter has out on patrol with no specific detail about their phone, not to dial 999 for help, but
reflected on an extraordinary year in his what the change meant for policing. reaching for their phone to film an attack for
keynote speech to this year’s annual “There was no discussion about how to nothing more than entertainment.
conference. deal with the new laws or the new guidance. “Social media companies must also take
John said officers found themselves in And let’s be honest Home Secretary, the rules more responsibility and the Government
unprecedented situations and often felt they were not always crystal clear.” must ensure this happens. What kind of
were held responsible when things went He said the police had unfairly become society have we become when attacking
wrong. the focus of blame: “My colleagues, who police officers is seen as nothing more than
He noted assaults on officers shot up were doing their very best, every single day, entertainment, nothing more than a sport?”
during the coronavirus pandemic as they in the most difficult of circumstances, John finished his keynote speech by
became the focus of public anger and became the focus of public anger and pointing out that police pay had fallen by 18
frustration. frustration. per cent in real terms in the past 10 years
The chair told members: “This past year “And for some perverse reason, some and that most officers were also currently
has been one of the most challenging and chose to see us as the enemy. We were affected by the public sector pay freeze.
one of the most extraordinary for us all in
recent history.
“For the past 15 months we have been
required to police in a way that none of us
OUR REPS SAY...
ever expected to when we joined the job. “A typically passionate speech from the national chair, whose relationship with the Home
“We knew it was never going to be easy. Secretary and Home Office is ‘constructive without being cosy’.”
But our job was made even harder by the Tony Wetton, Derbyshire Police Federation chair
ever changing rules and regulations.”
“A video statement from 26-year-old PC Leanne Gould of Devon and Cornwall Police was
He told Home Secretary Priti Patel, who
included in the chair’s keynote speech and she raised concerns over the thousands of
also addressed the conference: “We had
officers attending mutual aid policing duties for the G7 conference, leaving her and other
officers going out on patrol literally hours
after the new regulations were introduced. unvaccinated officers at risk. I was pleased to see a young officer standing up for what she
“They had often received no detailed believes and voicing her concerns and would encourage other younger serving officers to
briefing because the laws had only just been speak openly and share their views with their local Fed branches.”
passed, which meant they were often going Paul Russell
33
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Police Federation of En glan d an d Wale s A n n u al Con f e re n c e 2021
Home Secretary praises officers
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
and says ‘I have got your backs’
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
H
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
ome Secretary Priti Patel has told
1.30pm BREAK of the job.
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Police Federation members the
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
“It is an attack on
country depends on them and
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator the fabric of our
pledged: “I have got your backs.” society. And every
In her keynote speech, the Home police uniform is worn
Secretary praised the courage shown by by a human being
frontline officers throughout the coronavirus who is entitled to
crisis. dignity and respect.
She told them: “On behalf of the whole “The right to
country, thank you for still being there for us protest and speak
during one of the toughest moments in our freely does not include
country’s history. You have done it superbly the right to smash up
well and courageously.” property, or abuse
Ms Patel acknowledged a rise in the police officers.”
number of attacks on officers as protests Ms Patel
swept the country last summer and confirmed the
described such behaviour as “grotesque”. Government was
She said: “It’s a cruel irony that while doubling the
most crimes naturally fell during lockdown, maximum prison
violence and abuse directed at police officers sentence for common
increased. assault or battery
against emergency
workers from twelve
months to two years.
“
On behalf of the whole She said: “I will
continue to do
country, thank you for still being everything in my
Home Secretary Priti Patel.
power to ensure assaults on our police are ensure that we maintain public confidence
there for us during one of the treated with the appropriate severity across in policing, which is vital for victim reporting,
the whole criminal justice system. intelligence-led policing, and to maintain our
toughest moments in our “Those who have contempt for the police treasured model of policing by consent.
may be louder and more vitriolic than ever, “As part of this process, we will be
country’s history. You have done but they are vastly outnumbered and utterly looking carefully at strengthening the
wrong. system of local community scrutiny and the
it superbly well and “Far from feeling any shame in being a value of body-worn video, because
police officer, you all should feel very proud transparency is vital.”
”
courageously. indeed. We have also acted in response to Ms Patel said the police had played a
what you said about the tools and powers heroic role bringing the country through the
you need.” incredible shock of the coronavirus
“You were spat and coughed at by thugs Ms Patel insisted she would not let the pandemic.
claiming to have the virus. Some of you were police be subjected to trial by social media She told Federation members: “As we
seriously injured and your vans were set on and said she supported calls to release more come out of coronavirus, we must cut crime
fire during the despicable events in Bristol body-worn video footage of incidents. and build back safer – and we can’t do it
earlier this year. She told the conference: “That’s why I without you.
“Police were bloodied and pelted with backed the Police Federation’s call for forces She concluded: “Our country depends on
bottles in Hyde Park in April.” to share body-worn video footage to counter you. And I have got your backs.”
Assaults on constables without injury highly selective, and misleading, video clips
OUR REP SAYS...
increased by 21 per cent to 25,156 in the uploaded on to social media.
year to December 2020 and attacks resulting “I want forces to be more proactive in
in injury rose by 2 per cent to more than sharing body-worn video footage to “I truly hope she is good to her word and
11,000, figures branded ‘shocking’ by the highlight the fantastic work of their officers, can restore the faith in Government
Home Secretary. to build public confidence, and to correct from police officers up and down the
She said: “This behaviour is grotesque. harmful misinformation circulating online. country.” Paul Russell
And I will never accept that it’s simply part “It is critical that we work as a system to
4
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Police Federation o f En glan d an d Wale s A n n u al Co n f e re n c e 2021
‘Having a laugh is important,
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
but not at someone
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
else’s expense,’ says Chief
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
The panel members with Ian Collins bottom right.
B anter around sexuality and race is now
off-limits but it still seems to be OK to
makes jokes relating to gender,
Derbyshire Chief Constable Rachel Swann
told a conference session called
don’t want a big, formal process, they just
want the behaviour to stop.”
The meeting was led by the Federation’s
self-organised women’s group with its chair
Zoe Wakefield giving an introduction
The session outlined the ways in which
female police officers can still face
discrimination including the questions that
women have received from other police
officers about their competency for the job
Understanding Misogyny in Policing. highlighting the effects of misogyny. – for example, one female officer was
The Chief, who is the National Police Also taking part was group member challenged about wanting to be a firearms
Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) gender lead, told the Belinda Goodwin who told delegates: “You officer with questions about whether she
session: “It isn’t about not having fun – still get eye rolls when you talk about was strong enough to wear all the kit.
having a laugh is important for de-stressing ‘female’ issues. It’s just about creating The panel also took questions from the
- but it shouldn’t come at someone else’s change and bringing barriers down so we audience on topics such as promotion and
expense.” can discuss things properly.” flexible working.
Rachel presented on the current work of
the NPCC around gender and discrimination,
including the National Violence Against
Women Strategy which aims to help create a
OUR REP SAYS...
“I agreed with a lot of what was being said in relation to misogyny within the workforce
safe environment for women and girls. but from my view certain parts seemed one-sided. Yes, there are comments made towards
South Wales Assistant Chief Constable females which are unnecessary and at times female officers are treated differently, sent to
Mark Travis gave a presentation on gender rapes or jobs involving children. But there was a comment about female officers being
discrimination in the workplace which sent to single-crewed jobs and male officers asking if they are OK with attending or just
showed the severity of sexual harassment. turning up at the job. In my years of service, I have never felt a female couldn’t handle the
He revealed statistics from an job but I have, along with other male colleagues, turned up if we have been in the area. To
independent survey showing that 90 per me this isn’t a trust thing, it’s looking after your colleagues and having local knowledge of
cent of female officers and staff had who and where they are attending, but this also happens with young in service male
experienced sexual harassment in the colleagues.
workplace. “I think it depends on where you work and who you work with. I know a lot of female
And the ACC said: “When we talk to officers who will not tolerate being treated differently and openly challenge any
people who experience this harassment, comments. But I agree attitudes need to change.” Leigh Gyte
they don’t want things to escalate, they
5
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Police Federation of En glan d an d Wale s A n n u al Con f e re n c e 2021
Wednesday 9 June 2021
Police minister says service is Brave Geoff
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
interviewed at
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
coming out of the pandemic in conference
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
better shape than it went in
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
Derbyshire Police Bravery Award nominee
Policing minister Kit Malthouse. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Geoff Marshall.
Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor. Derbyshire Police Bravery Award nominee
P olicing minister Kit Malthouse has prioritised in the Covid vaccine programme. and ‘Whaley Bridge dam hero’ Geoff Marshall
acknowledged the pressure the police The opening session of conference, the has revealed he would not have been able to
found themselves under at the height theme of which was Policing Under Pressure, live with himself if a young officer had
of the coronavirus crisis but insisted they saw a live panel featuring Mr Malthouse, volunteered in his place and something had
have always enjoyed the full support of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) chair happened to them.
Government and the vast majority of the Martin Hewitt, shadow policing minister PC Geoff Marshall spoke about his
public. Sarah Jones and Her Majesty’s Chief nomination for the 2020 Police Bravery
Mr Malthouse said he stood ‘square- Inspector of Constabulary Sir Tom Winsor. Awards ahead of the postponed award
shouldered’ with frontline officers who had Mr Hewitt praised the response of police ceremony later this year.
been asked to carry out their normal duties officers but admitted frequent changes in He received the nomination after the
while also policing lockdown restrictions legislation had presented extraordinary dam at Whaley Bridge became unsafe,
with great courage and professionalism. challenges for both the police service and leading to him selflessly risking his life when
And he told conference that, despite the the Government. placing sandbags on the weakened structure.
unprecedented challenges of the last 18 Sir Tom paid tribute to the police During the virtual conference, TV’s Mark
months, officers had managed to maintain response during the pandemic and Durden-Smith, host of the yearly Police
and probably improved public trust during dismissed social media criticism of how Bravery Awards, asked PC Marshall why he
the pandemic. officers had handled the ever-changing volunteered.
He said: “Policing is coming out of the landscape during lockdown. “You just make that decision at the time,”
pandemic in better shape than it went in.” He said while not perfect, the police said PC Marshall, “It came down to me being
The minister admitted he regretted not performance had been “very, very good” and old and stupid. I couldn’t have lived with
doing more to ensure police officers were deserved high marks of nine out of 10. myself if the dam had gone and a younger
officer had been at risk. Some of them have
children at home.”
OUR REPS SAY... The 2020 ceremony has been postponed
repeatedly due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
“Having had several years of seeing and now understanding what police officers do, the with it hopefully happening this October. The
difference in Sir Tom Winsor’s view of police officers from the days of his 2010 review is 2021 ceremony is set to take place in
always good to see. I told him so at conference a couple of years ago. Positive messages December.
towards police officers and the Police Federation from all involved on the panel session.”
OUR REP SAYS...
Tony Wetton, Derbyshire Police Federation chair
“The title and artwork of this year’s conference truly reflected the state of policing and I
totally agree that cracks are starting to show under the ever-increasing demands of “It was really humbling to hear these
modern day policing. What is reassuring is that the guest speakers in the opening men tell their stories. It’s always nice to
presentation do seem to understand. Typically, there were teething troubles with be reminded that officers are heroic just
technology for this ‘virtual’ conference and I missed what Sir Tom Winsor was saying when by doing their job; a fact most take for
he quoted incidents in Derbyshire so I will definitely be revisiting this.” Paul Russell granted.” Adam Bryan
66
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Police Federation o f En glan d an d Wale s A n n u al Co n f e re n c e 2021
‘Be braver with BWV’
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
P
12.20pm LUNCH
olice forces need to be braver in
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
releasing body-worn video in response
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
to officers being tried on social media,
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
the Police Federation’s annual conference has
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
heard. 2.30pm
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, chair of the Federation, said
that where it was appropriate and legally
sound to do so, body-worn video (BWV)
should be made public to counterbalance
unfair, edited and out of context social media
clips.
John said: “Forces need to be braver in
putting body-worn video out to redress the
balance. It’s incumbent on us as Federations
to liaise with our chief officer team and,
where we’re legally able to do this, we need Federation chair John Apter, (left), with Robert Rinder and Danny Shaw.
to push out that body-worn video because broadcaster Robert Rinder and former BBC radically changes the complexion of how you
what it does show, invariably, is certainly not home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw. police and communicate, and that needs
what is being portrayed in that 20-second In a vote of delegates, 93 per cent said training and thinking.
clip. they wanted forces to share BWV to set the “Policing in 2021 needs a meaningful,
record straight when footage of incidents creative, national strategy about how our
community police communicate on social
“
were posted on social media.
There needs to be better The session began with an anonymous media and use those channels for
officer sharing their harrowing experience of themselves.”
training for young officers, for being vilified on social media. Robert added: “We have a 1990s – at best
“What myself and my family has gone – media response to a 2021 media landscape.”
everybody out there, especially through is crushing and still haunts us Danny Shaw, head of strategy and insight
today,” they said, “I don’t want anyone to go at criminal justice and communications
if you’re doing on the beat through what I have when I was simply doing consultancy Crest Advisory, said there was a
distinction between mainstream and social
”
my job.”
policing. Robert Rinder called for a transformation media, and how they treat the types of clips
of the way policing responds when officers being discussed.
“If you look at the context, it shows that are vilified in the media. He said:“There’s a difference between
police officers are doing incredibly well in the He said: “There needs to be better mainstream media and social media. It’s a bit
most difficult and challenging of training for young officers, for everybody out like walking into a private members’ club on a
circumstances.” there, especially if you’re doing on the beat quiet Saturday afternoon and going into a
John was speaking during a session on policing. It’s about understanding not just pub at closing time. People are shouting at
Day 2 of the conference titled Trial By Media the law, but it’s understanding you are in the each other on social media, mainstream
alongside criminal barrister and TV presence of people filming you and that media has a filter.”
‘This award is really for victims
who are still suffering’
A former victim of domestic violence has and Somerset Police said she was accepting
received the Outstanding Contribution the award on behalf of all the victims who
to Women in Policing Award 2021 were still suffering.
having shared her own experience to “I hope this award shines the light on the
help others. darkness and shows you that you’re not
Chief Inspector Sharon Baker of Avon alone,” she added. Chief Inspector Sharon Baker.
7
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Pay, conditions and pensions: ‘We
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
need to get our message out more’
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
secretary Alex Duncan and deputy secretary with a united front.”
1.30pm BREAK
John Partington. Time was spent discussing the
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW “As we come out of the pandemic and we uncertainty around pensions with Alex
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator return to normality, I think it’s beholding on explaining there were officers who did not
PFEW to be the unequivocal voice of policing. know when they could retire, what they are
We need to get our message out more – we entitled to and had no pension forecast.
will all have different opinions, but it’s But he said the Federation was working
important we rally together,” Alex said. with the Government and further guidance
John added: “We have to realise how was imminent, including a pension
powerful we can be when we come together calculator tool that was being tested.
Session facilitator Alastair Campbell.
OUR REPS SAY...
“This session was complex to understand for individuals who hadn’t been exposed to the topics
T he Federation has to be the
unequivocal voice of policing, getting
its message out more and rallying
together, the Federation’s national secretary
told a conference session looking at pay,
previously. I felt even Alastair Campell hadn’t grasped what the pension remedy was and how it
affected everyone retiring after 31 March 2022. It was interesting that the majority of voters
said there was little worth in the annual PDR system. Derbyshire have used an informal ‘check-in’
system for at least three years and don’t impose the PDR on officers. However, there seems to be
less enforcement and engagement and it is only carried out by certain supervisors. There needs
conditions and pensions. to be something in place that is worthwhile, meaningful and encourages officers to engage.”
The session was facilitated by Tony Blair’s Kirsty Bunn, branch secretary
former spokesperson, Alastair Campbell, who “I was pleased to hear Alex Duncan disclose that a new pension forecast system is in the testing
recently appeared as a host on the breakfast phase; long overdue. The panel were asked a question about whether the Federation would
TV programme Good Morning Britain, and consider helping out with the fees from the original pension challenge. I was disappointed, but
featured inputs from Police Federation of not surprised, to hear that this couldn’t be answered due to legal proceedings.” Paul Russell
England and Wales (PFEW) national
Prioritise officers’ safety
“My view will always fall on the side of
officer safety,” national chair John Apter told
delegates during a conference session on
policing protests.
The segment focussed on the protests
that have taken place over the past year and
whether more needs to be done on
educating the public on the role of the police
during these sometimes violent
demonstrations.
John warned against taking advantage
of the goodwill shown by officers, who Metropolitan Police Sergeant Nikki O’Malley spoke about her experiences of working on the
continue to want to protect the public, frontline at protests.
despite the situation.
He said: “We have the best police force in
the world. We don’t have to do a lot to make
forces are committed to protecting the
public. OUR REP SAYS...
people feel valued and wanted.” “Policing reacts to crisis,” he explained, “Another interesting session. It was very
Speaking about the fact that frontline “The pressure cooker of frustration has built impactive to hear from Met Sergeant
officers are not always required to wear up and we had a taste of it last summer.” Nikki O’Malley who had been injured
protective kit when working at protests, he Metropolitan Police Sergeant Nikki when the Hyde Park protest turned
argued that there were more concerns about O’Malley spoke about her experiences of violent towards police officers.” Tony
how they will look in the protective gear working on the frontline at protests, including Wetton, Derbyshire Police Federation
rather than prioritising staff safety. one in which she was not wearing a chair
Looking to the summer ahead, John said protective kit, resulting in her getting injured.
8
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
New culture on conduct?
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
I
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
t is not the end of the journey, and
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
adjustments still need to be made but it is
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
absolutely clear that we are moving in the
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
right direction in terms of embedding a
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
culture of learning and development rather
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
than sanction and punishment with police
2.30pm
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
Summary and close of day one
conduct proceedings. Ian Collins, Facilitator
That was the message given to delegates
at a conference session asking New Regs –
New Culture?
Phill Matthews, conduct and performance
lead for the national Federation, said that
relations between the Federation and the
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
had improved and he thanked the police Clockwise from top left: the session featured Phill Matthews, Chief Constable Craig Guildford,
watchdog’s director general Michael Ian Collins, Michael Lockwood and Ian Balbi, head of police discipline policy at the Home Office.
Lockwood for his efforts to overhaul the
system. complainants the reputation of the issued more than 400 learning reports,
As a sign of the progress made, Phill will complaints system as a whole. rather than those involved being sanctioned.
soon be giving the Federation’s first input Mr Lockwood said there would be times,
into IOPC investigators’ training.
But he said there were some issues with
where a case was complex or there were
vulnerable victims, where cases might go OUR REP SAYS...
forces adjusting to the new raised bar for over the 12-month limit the Federation “The new regs haven’t had the impact
conduct proceedings and the performance would like to see on investigations. The that was intended and it is for Fed reps to
requiring improvement and reflective IOPC was setting targets for nine and six keep pushing the importance and
practice procedures introduced with the new months next year. usefulness of reflective practice. The new
conduct regulations in February last year. He stressed that there should be a real regs are very helpful if they are used
Much of the session focussed on the emphasis on learning not just for individual correctly.” Kirsty Bunn, Derbyshire Police
timeliness of conduct inquiries which all officers but also for forces themselves. Federation secretary.
agreed was essential for police officers, Phill agreed and said the IOPC had now
Panel praises pandemic recruits
There was no shortage families at risk.
of praise for new
recruits during a panel
She said: “What we’ve asked of them, is
to pick up a uniform, to put it on and get OUR REP SAYS...
session at this year’s on with it. They have done exactly that “The session was very informative,
annual conference, while putting themselves at risk of there has been a massive overhaul of
with those who have coronavirus, as well as risking taking the new recruit training. The College of
been forced to virus back home with them.” Policing is responsible for the
complete virtual Dave Bamber, national Federation lead curriculum but this may be altered by
training due to the for professional development and issues forces responsible for its delivery.
pandemic called related to the College of Policing, explained: Session leaders also wanted to make
‘resilient’ and ‘nothing Federation roads “What we can’t deny is the impact that the it clear that anyone wanting to do
short of policing lead last year has had on our officers and the course part-time would be
commendable’. Gemma Fox. members. Young officers have been forced supported in doing so. I hope this is
With an to learn independently, online and virtually. the case. I feel the new way in which
ambitious target of an extra 20,000 We need to get an understanding of what we recruit officers puts a lot of
officers by 2023, concerns were raised effect that has had on them. pressure on them as they have to do
about the impact virtual training has “What needs to be acknowledged is the university course along side
had on new recruits, with Federation none of this is at the fault of our officers.” learning on the job. It seems to be
roads policing lead and National Board As well as recruitment, emphasis was aimed at younger people too.”
member Gemma Fox recognising that also on retention and the significance of Becki Smith.
newcomers have been immediately finding out why people are choosing to
asked to put both themselves and their leave the service early.
9
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Wellbeing: ‘It’s the simple
Wednesday 9 June 2021
New wellbeing
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
toolkit is aimed
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
things that need to change’
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
at detectives
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
1pm Policing Under Pressure
1.10pm
Message of support from a senior chief officer
Bravest of the Brave
A unique wellbeing toolkit aimed
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December. specifically at detectives and investigators
1.30pm
1.45pm
BREAK
Pay, Conditions and Pensions
has been previewed at the annual
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
national Police Federation conference.
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
Details of the specially-commissioned
Oscar Kilo Toolkit were unveiled during a
discussion which covered issues such as
recruitment, retention and growing fears
of officer burn-out.
Detective Chief Superintendent
Martin Brunning of the Bedfordshire,
Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major
Crime Unit said the package could be
transformative in terms of improving the
emotional wellbeing of detectives and
stop them leaving the CID.
He told the session: “This is not a one
size fits all or a token gesture. It’s got real
substance as it comes from a group of
people who have been through the pain
of having colleagues crashing and
burning.”
The Investing in the Investigators
discussion was led by Staffordshire Police
Federation secretary Glyn Pattinson, chair
of the Police Federation’s National
N ational wellbeing lead Hayley Aley Detectives’ Forum (PFNDF) which has long
says that ‘even the smallest changes campaigned for leaders to provide better
made across the force will have a support for investigators in relation to
huge impact’ on the welfare of officers, as the unique pressures they face.
she joined a conference session called
OUR REP SAYS...
Wellbeing – Whose Responsibility Is It?
Hayley’s comments were part of a
discussion that focused on the wellbeing of
“Due to the shift allowance and shift
officers, which highlighted the demands of
patterns within different forces, a lot of
the job, pressures felt by staff and solutions
section officers don’t want to apply due
that could help combat wellbeing issues.
to a reduction in pay and the large
Looking ahead, Hayley said she hoped to
workload but also CID isn’t what it used
not be sitting here next year, ‘saying the
to be and the majority of staff dont want
same thing over and over’.
to go onto PPU. With Derbyshire, we have
“We’ve only just opened the box, looking
National wellbeing lead Hayley Aley. a career pathway which speaking with
at what pressures are affecting officers,” she
some people seems to be more of a
said, “We need to look at the things that mental health, physical wellbeing, financial
career dead end.
need to change to prevent mental health wellbeing and general wellbeing.
“The whole service needs to look at
and the physical issues people are feeling. “We have to stop just talking about it,”
better ways to treat detectives in order to
We need to prevent people from walking she said, “We need to make fundamental
recruit and retain.
away from the workplace because they can’t changes to impact the wellbeing across
“But the best part for me was the
cope. forces.”
fact that the College of Policing still
“It’s the simple things that need to
thinks the degree-entry and PCDA entry is
change, the day-to-day jobs. Those quick
changes will have a long-term impact on the OUR REP SAYS... the best way to recruit new police
officers. I still think ,and I would suggest
organisation.” “I think I can quickly sum this session up:
a large amount of colleagues would
Hayley was joined by National Board there is still work to be done.”
agree, the college is blinkered in this
member and wellbeing secretary Belinda Adam Bryan, Derbyshire Police
decision by removing the IPLDP entry
Goodwin, who said that wellbeing can be Federation wellbeing lead.
system.” Leigh Gyte
broken down into four parts, including
10News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Wednesday 9 June 2021
Privilege comes under scrutiny
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
F
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
airness and equality came under the
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
spotlight with a powerful session
12.20pm
1pm
LUNCH
Policing Under Pressure
examining race, policing and privilege
1.10pm
Message of support from a senior chief officer
Bravest of the Brave
and the impact they have on public
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
confidence and trust.
1.30pm
1.45pm
BREAK
Pay, Conditions and Pensions
The session was led by scholar, activist
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
and broadcaster Robert Beckford, a professor
Ian Collins, Facilitator
of black theology, who said British society
remained one of the most unequal in the
western world with unchecked privilege
leading to financial and socio-economic
consequences across the country.
He told the conference: “We have got to
address the subject of privilege because we
have got the persistence of structural
inequality.”
Session host Zac Mader, secretary of the
Session host Zac Mader, secretary of the Professor Robert Beckford.
Federation’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
Federation’s Black, Asian and Minority
and BAME Belief Self-Organised Group, asked
Ethnic and BAME Belief Self-Organised
how the understanding of privilege could be
Group.
improved within policing.
Prof Beckford said: “It is about talking answers to difficult questions were needed
“ In society we find a way
about it. Part of the problem is it is not talked to tackle bias and inclusion across policing.
about. We need to talk and reflect upon it, to He said: “Think about how you can be an
see how we can help in certain circumstances.
“Radical honesty is necessary to address
ally and support under-represented groups
to ensure there is a real fairness. The to deny things exist, but we
these problems in institutions and
organisations. In society we find a way to
fairness we want to see in public
institutions and public life.” need to be completely
deny things exist, but we need to be
completely honest so we can move forward.”
The professor called for ‘really clear and
powerful pathways’ for career progression honest so we can move
forward.
”
He also said officers should try to educate among under-represented groups to help
themselves about the issues around privilege improve an imbalance so the police can
and suggested better training and honest better reflect the communities they serve.
‘We need diverse experiences’
A leading equality expert has identified three when the issue was raised during a diversity He told the conference: “There is a lack
key barriers blocking the recruitment of new session called The Challenge of Difference at of recognition of the negative history of
police officers from black and Asian the Police Federation annual conference. policing black and brown communities,
communities. Prof Beckford said the first stumbling particularly black deaths in custody,
Professor Robert Beckford, an academic, block was a perceived lack of integrity within particularly around miscarriages of justice.
activist and broadcaster, pulled no punches the police service. “If I was running the force the first thing
I would say is sorry. It doesn’t take much to
appease people in this context and sorry
“ In society we find a way to deny things exist, but if I was goes a long way. So firstly there needs to be
that kind of acknowledgement.”
running the force the first thing I would say is sorry. It Prof Beckford said the second key factor
in the recruitment of black and brown
doesn’t take much to appease people in this context and officers was the idea that the issue could be
addressed by simply having more black and
sorry goes a long way. So firstly there needs to be that brown people in positions of power.
The award-winning academic said the
kind of acknowledgement.
”
third stumbling block was over-reliance on
long-term recruitment targets.
11News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Summer 2021
Wednesday 9 June 2021
10am Welcome
Ian Collins, Facilitator
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Ministerial Address
10.10am Policing Under Pressure
Live panel discussion on the pressure police officers have been under in the last 12-months – the police
response to the pandemic; officer assaults; protests; prioritisation of the vaccine; resilience and more.
10.55am BREAK
Fed elections
11.05am Keynote speeches
John Apter, National Chair, PFEW
Senior Cabinet Minister
11.35am BREAK
11.40am Q&A with Senior Cabinet Minister
12.10pm Women in Policing Award
Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
12.20pm LUNCH
coming soon
1pm Policing Under Pressure
Message of support from a senior chief officer
1.10pm Bravest of the Brave
We have not yet been able to celebrate our nominees for the Police Bravery Awards 2020 and 2021. Mark
Durden-Smith, Awards Host and Presenter, will speak with some of the nominees and shout out to all
nominated – deserved kudos until we meet in person in October and December.
1.30pm BREAK
1.45pm Pay, Conditions and Pensions
Alex Duncan, National Secretary, PFEW
John Partington, Deputy National Secretary, PFEW
2.30pm Summary and close of day one
Ian Collins, Facilitator
Fears over changes
to driving law PFEW national vice-chair Ché Donald.
F ederation representatives are being that of a ‘careful and competent police Members are being encouraged to stand
urged to implore their chief officers to driver’, however, this could still leave them in the upcoming Federation elections,
ensure that changes to driving exposed. with national vice-chair Ché Donald
legislation aimed at better protecting police “An officer will be licensed to drive in calling his appointment ‘life-changing’.
drivers make the law truly fit for purpose. accordance with what they have been Ché was joined by John Partington,
Tim Rogers, deputy secretary of West trained to do but nothing more. Performing deputy national secretary, at this year’s
Midlands Police Federation and national a manoeuvre which is not trained or in policy annual conference, ahead of the election
pursuits and driver training lead, gave an is likely to fall into the new definition of process which will be kicking off on 1 July.
update on the provisions of the Police, Crime, dangerous and careless driving under a new The pair called on members to stand
Sentencing and Courts Bill during a roads test against the careful and competent in the elections, with Ché referring to
policing session at the Federation police driver,” Tim explained. workplace reps as the ‘lifeblood’ of the
conference. “Going beyond the terms of that licence Federation.
The bill, which is due to become law later could give rise to criminal liability. I have He added: “There are many officers
this year, sets out changes that will mean grave concerns around the practicality of this out there who would struggle without
officers will no longer be judged by the approach.” them. I really want people to consider it. I
standards of the careful and competent found it life-changing.
driver, allowing their professional training
and expertise to be taken into account. OUR REP SAYS... Officers will be given the opportunity
to meet current reps and ask any
But Tim fears the wording of the “Although I’ve been involved as questions at an election café on 21 June
proposed legislation could lead to officer Derbyshire’s rep on the national from 2pm - 3pm.
being further criminalised. Federation’s Roads Policing Forum for the Find out more.
“We are very grateful for the support so past year or so, I hope to see an Ops Derbyshire Police Federation is also
far from the Government, the Home Office, Division rep elected in the upcoming Fed holding an online surgery on 22 June for
the Ministry of Justice, the National Police elections to pick up this portfolio, which its members wanting to find out more
Chiefs’ Council and the Independent Office is important both to roads policing about being a rep.
for Police Conduct,” he said, but adding that officers and all police drivers.”
an amendment to the bill is now required. Tony Wetton, Derbyshire Police
A new legal test will currently be applied Federation chair
so officers’ driving will be measured against
12You can also read
