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POLICE The Police Federation of England & Wales www.polfed.org February / March 2018 Targeting the traffic offenders The Roads Policing Conference hears calls for a new approach to traffic policing, and the need to instil fear in speeding and dangerous drivers Also inside: Federation election special – nominate yourself now
2 POLICE February 2018
POLICE February / March 2018 – in this issue:
Editor:
Catherine Feast
Federation House,
Highbury Drive,
Leatherhead,
NEWS & COMMENT
Surrey, KT22 7UY
Tel: 01372 352000
5 Editorial P6
New regulations on retirement and resignation take effect
Designer:
Keith Potter 6 Counter-terrorism funding is crucial says Home Secretary
Advertising agents: 7 Public confidence in policing increases
Richard Place 8 The Station Sergeant: Putting my feet up
Chestnut Media Pursuit Bill gets cross-party support
Tel: 01271 324748
07962 370808 9 New Chair will be members’ champion
P9
Email: 10 Single crewing puts officers at greater risk
richard@chestnutmedia.co.uk
11 Survey finds public rarely see uniformed cops on the beat
Every care is taken to ensure
that advertisements are accepted 13 Roads Policing Conference
only from bona fide advertisers. Roads policing needs more officers and new technology
The Police Federation cannot Chief: it’s time to instil fear into speeding drivers
accept any liability for losses 17 Reps@Work election special
incurred by any person as a Find out more about how you can stand as a Fed rep, learn P17
result of a default on the part of new skills and help your colleagues and the service
an advertiser.
25 Government-led roundtable focuses on police wellbeing
The views expressed within
the magazine are not necessarily 29 Officers breaking detention time limits to keep people safe
the views of the Interim National 33 Police recognised in 2018 New Year’s Honours
Board of the Police Federation of
England and Wales.
Chair
FEATURES
Calum Macleod 30 The new policing qualifications: degrees of cost?
General Secretary Serving officer Andy Huckman explores the challenges,
Andy Fittes opportunities and impact of the new requirement for
Treasurer police to be educated to degree level
Tim Packham
Vice-Chair
Ché Donald REGULARS P30
Deputy General Secretary 34 Ask the Experts
Andy Ward 36 Members’ Benefits
Deputy Treasurer
Simon Kempton
39 The Pithy PC: POLICE magazine’s newest columnist
Nick O’Time
© The Police Federation 2018
Reproduction strictly forbidden
unless by prior arrangement with
the publishers.
Cover picture:
Anderson Photography
POLICE February / March 2018 3
4 POLICE February 2018
NEWS n
Editorial
February 2018 New regulations on
Catherine Feast,
resignations in force
Police officers will be allowed to retire including the establishment of a Police
Editor or resign while under investigation for Barred List and a Police Advisory List,
Time to applaud misconduct under new regulations that
came into force in December as part
managed by the College of Policing.
The Barred List is a publicly searchable
positive change of the Policing and Crime Act 2017.
In January 2015, the then Home
database that will hold information
on former officers who were dismissed
If there’s one thing people like to Secretary Theresa May announced from policing for gross misconduct, and
complain about (apart from the weather) that police officers facing misconduct therefore banned from serving in the
it is change. And if there is one other proceedings must remain in their service again. Anyone on the list will
thing people like to complain about, it’s positions until the outcome, if the remain on the database for five years.
lack of change. Too much change, not possible penalty was dismissal from
enough change, change in the wrong the force. These new regulations Two concerns
places, change for change’s sake. Some see that move reversed. The Advisory List will retain
may say you can’t win. The previous regulation meant information on officers, staff or
Not all change is progress of course, forces continued to pay officers under specials who either resign or retire
and those who have been in policing – investigation for gross misconduct while under investigation.
or any public sector organisation – for while they were suspended or on Mr Fittes said: “We still have concerns
some time will see ‘new’ ideas come and restricted duties, regardless of whether about how the two lists will operate
go and wheels being reinvented. Millions they wanted to leave policing. in practice. We will keep working with
must be wasted on new ways of doing Police Federation of England and Wales the College and chief officers to make
things, only to revert to what was done General Secretary, Andy Fittes, said: “The sure officers are treated fairly.”
before because for whatever reason a existing rules did absolutely nothing to Another regulation which came into
‘new’ way fails. Those who come up with serve justice; they wasted money and effect enables disciplinary proceedings
the bright ideas suddenly realise that resources when many matters could to be taken against former police
how things had been done before was have been resolved far more quickly.” officers; it applied to all officers serving
actually probably alright and developed Other new regulations also came into on, or after 15 December 2017, but
after years of honing and perfecting. play in December as part of the Act, not those who left prior to this date.
Great innovator
Technology is a great innovator and
enabler of course and can make us all
Appeal decision still not clear cut
more efficient, but an iPad crime report An Employment Appeals Tribunal In order to legitimise the age
and an online form doesn’t instil public (EAT) which gave rulings against discrimination attaching to that legitimate
confidence or reassure a victim of crime. judges’ and firefighters’ pensions aim, the Government must demonstrate
But change, as demonstrated by all our has now been published, but its that the means used were proportionate.
finalists at our roads policing conference findings are not clear cut. It’s this element on which the EAT judge
– who have come up with innovative Andy Fittes, General Secretary of referred the case back to the ET to apply
ideas to tackle issues important to their the Police Federation of England and the correct proportionality test to the
communities and beyond – should Wales, said it had been following particulars of the firefighters’ situation.
rightly be applauded and it is great to the cases and would now be looking “It cannot be assumed these rulings are
see that recognised. closely at both judgements in detail. directly relevant to the police pension
And speaking of change, if you think The EAT clearly agreed with the schemes,” explained Mr Fittes, “as the
you can make a positive difference to part of the Employment Tribunal (ET) cases are different, but it is something
your colleagues’ working lives, then judgement which concluded that the that we are examining closely. Once the
why not stand for election now in the introduction by the Government of ET has reconsidered the proportionality
Federation’s elections? It is a great CARE schemes across the public service issue and reached a conclusion or
opportunity to take more control over sector was a legitimate aim based on judgement, we will need to consider
your own career and to help make social policy, as was the decision to that again. It’s not going to be decided
positive change for all in policing. provide transitional arrangements upon quickly though, so we expect this
Nominate yourself now to be a part of it. that protected those closest to to be quite a long, drawn out process
retirement even though that had a with complex legal arguments.”
Follow the Federation @pfew_hq discriminatory effect in terms of age.
POLICE February / March 2018 5
n NEWS
More could
Picture © Andrew Milligan / PA Photos
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said
counter-terror policing must have the
be done on
resources need to tackle the threats
data sharing
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has
announced plans for multi-agency pilots
to work together to ensure that more
information about closed subjects of
interest flows across local authority areas,
including interaction with health and
education authorities.
Cross-agency engagement was one
of the chief recommendations from the
Anderson Report, suggesting it go beyond
existing relationships to enable the
widest range of partners to be engaged
in managing the risk of terrorist-related
Counter-terrorism funding is activity. Specifically this included a new
commitment by MI5 to share knowledge
derived from intelligence beyond
crucial says Home Secretary intelligence circles.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said The recommendations fall
that it’s crucial for funds to be available into four broad categories:
to implement the changes to the way ll To enhance the ability of MI5 and
counter-terrorism is managed. the police to use data and test new
Responding to the Anderson Report in approaches in the acquisition,
parliament, Ms Rudd quoted MI5 Director sharing and analysis of data.
General Andrew Parker concerning ll For MI5 to share its
increased terrorist threats in the UK. intelligence more widely.
She said that plots were developing ll A new approach to managing
more quickly from radicalisation to domestic extremism.
attack and threats were becoming ll A large number of detailed and
harder to detect, adding: “I am clear technical changes to improve “Overall MI5 and counter-terrorism
that we must ensure counter-terrorism existing operational counter- policing get a great deal right, and the
policing has the resources needed terrorism processes. report did not identify any moments
to deal with the threats we face.” The Police Federation of England and where different decisions would have
The report, commissioned by MI5 Wales (PFEW) lead for digital policing made it likely they could have stopped any
and counter-terrorism police in June and cyber crime, Simon Kempton, of the attacks,” said Ms Rudd (above).
2017 and reviewed by terrorism expert said the report underpinned what But she agreed that “more could be done
David Anderson QC, looked at terrorist the PFEW had long been pushing for: on the better sharing of data” and there
attacks between March and June “That in order to keep the public safe, was “a lot more we can do” with social
2017, in Westminster, Manchester, whether from terrorism, organised media providers. Google has announced it
London Bridge and Finsbury Park. crime or other threats, it is vital that all will put additional investment in machine
The detailed review considered what interested agencies work together to learning and she said she wanted to see
was known before the attacks, how ensure the swift and seamless sharing of more of this investment. A new counter-
processes operated and the implications intelligence, and that local policing which terrorism Bill is expected next year.
for counter-terrorism in the future, produces so much essential community MI5 and police thwarted 22 plots in the
and made 126 recommendations for intelligence must be protected. last four years – nine since March 2017
improvements. In the report, Mr Anderson “What the report was absolutely right to – and there are currently well over 500
said that if properly implemented, acknowledge is our absolutely world-class counter-terrorism investigations, involving
he believed the recommendations policing and intelligence communities more than 3,000 subjects of interest, along
taken as a whole “will strengthen who already work so closely and who save with a growing pool of more than 20,000
MI5 and the police in their ability lives every day by successfully disrupting individuals who have previously been the
to stop most terrorist attacks.” and prosecuting terrorist plots,” he said. subject of terrorism investigations.
6 POLICE February / March 2018
NEWS n
Public confidence in Public would
welcome more
policing increases armed officers
More than a third of British citizens
want to see more armed police
Public confidence has risen in police
Picture © Press Association Images Officers’ responses to terror incidents officers patrolling public events,
following the response to recent such as the Westminster attack have according to new research.
terrorist incidents despite cuts to bolstered public confidence in policing The Protecting the future of
frontline policing, according to the
multifunctional cities report, published
results of a new survey by Ipsos MORI.
by vehicle barrier company ATG Access,
More than 12,600 people were
found that 36 per cent of the 1,000
questioned as part of research for Her
Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary people questioned wanted to feel “safer
and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in the light of recent terrorist attacks”.
to gauge the public’s perceptions of The report also found that 57 per
crime, safety and local policing. cent of people would welcome more
The survey found a marked increase security guards on duty around event
in confidence in the police to provide locations, and 44 per cent would like to
protection during a terrorist attack. see more visible security measures.
Over half (55 per cent) said they would Police Federation of England and
be “very” or “fairly” confident in Wales Vice-Chair, Ché Donald, said the
police dealing with such an incident, policing response to any public event
compared with 46 per cent in 2016. needed “to be based on threat, harm and
continue to place themselves in risk” and that resourcing public events
Terrorism incidents harm’s way to protect the public. “is increasingly challenging, from both
The service has had to respond to a “There have been numerous a capability and cost perspective.”
number of terrorism incidents in the incidents over the last 12 months “It is reassuring that the public sees the
last 12 months, including the attack last where police officers and emergency benefit of an armed policing presence at
March at Westminster Bridge in London, services have been running towards events, although providing such presence
where PC Keith Palmer was among five danger as the public run away. often reduces our capability elsewhere,
people killed; the suicide bombing at This has to be commended and at a time when the service is struggling
Manchester Arena in May which killed 22; can never be taken for granted.” to meet its daily demands of policing.”
and in the London Bridge and Borough The survey also looked into overall He said policing events was also a
Market area in June, when eight people satisfaction of policing and found costly function, with most of the cost
were killed by three attackers. 53 per cent of people were happy left for the police service to carry.
Police Federation of England and with the police service, up on the “Importantly, finding sufficient
Wales Chair, Calum Macleod, praised 52 per cent recorded last year. officers to police these events safely,
the sterling work of officers and the However, the proportion of people regularly requires the cancelling of their
emergency services as a whole in saying the service has got worse rest days along with working longer
reacting to terrorism incidents: “It has increased to 25 per cent this year, hours, which impacts on their health
been evidenced that police officers compared to 20 per cent last year. and wellbeing,” Mr Donald added.
‘Additional’ police funding is more smoke and mirrors
Forces and officers will continue to feel the ongoing affects of of extra money in real terms highlighted “an element of smoke
austerity following the announcement of the proposed police and mirrors.”
budget allocation for 2018/19, despite Home Secretary Amber The PFEW said: “Radical reform is needed and needed now if
Rudd confirming an apparent funding increase of £450 million. the service is to make more efficient use of its already very limited
Allocations to forces under the budget varied significantly, resources. This settlement does not provide any real incentive for
and while claims of an additional funding sounded impressive, forces to collaborate better and for there to be national consistent
much relies on sourcing funds from existing budgets locally and solutions to the policing issues of today and tomorrow.
increasing council tax precepts. “Investment in IT must happen now under national governance,
At the time of the announcement, the Police Federation of and the NPCC and all PCCs must quickly agree priorities and start
England and Wales (PFEW) said that while the recognition of the to deliver. Only improved funding and a clear plan for how this
need for more funding was “a step in the right direction”, the lack will be spent will pull it back from the brink.”
POLICE February / March 2018 7
n NEWS
Pursuit Bill gets cross-party support
A Parliamentary Bill
which aims to reduce
incidents of emergency
response officers
being prosecuted for
dangerous driving has
Putting my been welcomed.
Tim Rogers, pursuits
feet up lead for the Police
Federation of England
I am not in the habit of watching police and Wales (PFEW),
programmes, especially reality ones was at the House of
featuring a succession of grinning Commons in December PFEW Pursuits Lead Tim Rogers
constables whose contribution to human as senior backbench MP (left) and Sir Henry Bellingham MP
culture is posing for the cameras and Sir Henry Bellingham
appearing totally devoid of personality. introduced his
Mrs Sarge also prefers me not to watch Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Ten Minute Rule Bill, to cross-party approval.
anything to do with British policing. “It was good to see this issue getting the support at Parliament that it deserves,” said
While she is not, and has never been, Mr Rogers. “There is still a way to go in this process but I am optimistic that, after seven
a cop or police employee, she is now years of watching our members falling foul of the law just for doing their jobs, we will get
an expert on what does (and more legislation that supports them in the difficult job they do.”
often does not) accurately reflect police Currently police and other blue light workers can be prosecuted when responding to
procedures, language and practice. emergencies if a court decides that their driving falls below the common standard of a
This is because I point out what is ‘careful and competent driver,’ which fails to consider an officer’s advanced driver training
wrong, as she tries to enjoy whichever or if they are following approved tactics.
programme we are watching. The Bill is due a second reading in Parliament in March.
Marcella was a case in point. The
entire series appeared to consist of
the heroine insisting her name was
pronounced Marchella, then lapsing into Chiefs to deliver impact statements
unconsciousness as she carries out copy- Plans for chief constables to personally follow suit. “Individual victim impact
cat killings. Her boss, a very forgiving
issue ‘impact statements’ for prosecutions statements have long been used to help
DCI, is very tolerant of such behaviour,
regarding assaults an officers or police courts understand the affects this has
just suggesting that she refrains from
staff have been welcomed by the Police on those directly involved, but this takes
assaulting suspects and witnesses but
Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). it a step further. The impact of assaults
not actually taking her off the case as
The move is in line with calls for better on police officers not only affects the
the body count rises. In addition, there
protection for officers as part of the individual concerned, but their families
was a wholly new version of the caution.
PFEW’s Protect the Protectors campaign and friends and the service as a whole.
After my interminable moaning
about Marcella, Mrs Sarge developed which is tackling the issue of assaults on
an unhealthy interest in TV series and emergency service workers. Further depleted
books about serial killings, and acquired West Midlands Police Chief Constable “When officers are assaulted they may
a loyalty card for a major DIY store. Dave Thompson became the latest chief need time off to recover, which affects
I have been spared, for now, as I to confirm that he will ensure impact staffing levels. That increases demands on
managed to watch and enjoy, with statements get heard in court cases the officers who remain on duty, and the
relatively little carping, the second relating to assaults on officers. North service to the public is further depleted. I
series of Happy Valley. Sarah Lancashire Yorkshire said it will follow suit after the hope this goes a long way to reinforcing
succeeded in portraying a credible patrol issue was raised by the local Federation. the message that assaults on officers are
sergeant who, despite acute PTSD after The statements will be used during completely unacceptable and the impact
some toerag devastated her family, only sentencing and allow the judge to is much wider.
occasionally beats up suspects. Just take into consideration the impact the “It’s good news that some chiefs are
the one crooked cop, himself a not- assault has had on the force, the officer’s already doing this but it would be better
very-good copycat killer, bit the dust. family and the public. They will be used if all did. It is something we will push with
And they got the caution right too. alongside statements from the victim. the National Police Chiefs’ Council to see
Follow me on Twitter @stationsarge PFEW chair Calum Macleod welcomed if they will drive it forward further.”
the news and hoped all chiefs would
8 POLICE February / March 2018
NEWS n
New Chair will be members’ champion
Championing the rights and voices your views, I recognise that sometimes
of members is the main priority we will agree with stakeholders on
for the new National Chair of the issues and sometimes we won’t; but
Police Federation of England and my position is clear, all I do and say
Wales (PFEW), Calum Macleod. will have the members’ interests at
The former Vice-Chair took over the heart of it. That means I will not
from Steve White on 1 January shy away from difficult conversations
and wants to put his own mark and robust action, if needed.”
on the role during his tenure. A project he will lead on is to
Mr White’s three and a half years in establish a PFEW-led review of
the role were largely spent overseeing policing, which will examine the roles,
the internal review of the PFEW when responsibilities, structures, demand
it implemented a raft of changes, but and capacity within the police service.
with that process nearly complete, Campaigning is another priority for
Mr Macleod wants to be the “voice Mr Macleod, who wants to continue
of frontline policing” with members to run a public-facing campaign
at the heart of everything he does. solutions to any policing concerns to demonstrate the “valuable
Mr Macleod said: “I am very clear that officers have, and to work more contribution” officers make to
about my role as a Federation closely with other stakeholders such society. He wants to develop and
Representative and National Chair as the Home Office, National Police expand the Protect the Protectors
– I am here to represent the views Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Association campaign to focus on better legal
of the membership. I am here to of Police and Crime Commissioners, and physical protection for officers.
be a voice for them when dealing and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pay is another area high on the
with government, chief officers, and Constabulary and Fire & Rescue agenda for Mr Macleod and he said the
other parties involved in policing.” Services, to solve any issues. PFEW will be “robust and confident”
He wants to take a lead on finding Mr Macleod added: “Putting forward in asking for a fair increment.
Officers’ mental wellbeing will be a priority for Ché
The mental health and wellbeing of the most immediate and direct methods
police officers is the main drive for the of making a difference in preventing
new National Vice-Chair of the Police poor mental health and wellbeing.”
Federation of England and Wales Mr Donald is the lead on workshops
(PFEW), Ché Donald. being held in February and March to find
Alongside his new role, Ché will practical and agreed solutions among all
continue to lead on welfare at the PFEW, police stakeholders to issues the PFEW
to ensure the Federation complements, Welfare Survey highlighted.
enhances and joins up the welfare He said: “Over the next two months, we
support being offered to officers. are hosting a series of focus groups with
Mr Donald said a recent PFEW survey chief constables and representatives
had highlighted the issues around the from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of
wellbeing of officers, with the impact of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue
the service losing 20,000 officers over the Services, National Police Chiefs’
last four years taking its toll. Council, Association of Police and Crime
He said: “As a Fed Rep and Vice-Chair, Mr Donald said pressure from the decline Commissioners and the Home Office,
the welfare of my colleagues is always in numbers had increased demands together with politicians, to examine the
at the forefront of all I do. In 2016 we and had a detrimental effect on officers’ findings of our research, with a view to
conducted a survey looking at welfare, wellbeing, which in turn, “inevitably leads identifying solutions that can make a
demand and capacity, and we now to a poorer police service.” real difference to the working conditions
have statistically robust evidence of a He said: “If we don’t have sensible and of those on the frontline.”
link between the increased demands mature conversations around reducing Mr Donald said he will be standing
officers face, the repercussions of falling demand, or improving capacity to deal shoulder-to-shoulder with new National
numbers and the impact on their health with demand, wellbeing will not improve. Chair Calum Macleod, having a united
and wellbeing.” Tackling demand and capacity is one of front on all PFEW activities.
POLICE February / March 2018 9
n NEWS
Single crewing puts officers at greater risk
Single crewing could be putting the In the study 73 per cent of respondents we serve, meaning only the criminals
safety of officers at risk, according to a reported having been single crewed often benefit,” he added.
new joint study by the Police Federation or always, 71 per cent reported being Another area of concern is
of England and Wales (PFEW) and the verbally insulted, 55 per cent verbally accountability and malicious complaints
University of Nottingham. threatened, and 44 per cent the victim of made about officers; until body-worn
The study found that officers who were an unarmed physical attack, at least once video is issued to all single-crewed
often, or always, single crewed had per month. officers, they will be more susceptible to
‘significantly elevated odds’ of being It also found that 47 per cent had false complaints or allegations.
subjected to verbal insults, threats and been attacked with a weapon at least
physical attacks, and injuries requiring once within the last year, and 26 per Budget cuts
medical attention. cent had suffered one or more injuries Ultimately, single crewing is a
requiring medical attention due to consequence of budget cuts and the
Officers’ safety work-related violence. lack of resources across forces. “The
Simon Kempton, PFEW lead on Mr Kempton also said single crewing default position ought to be double
operational policing, said the main affects the overall quality of service as crewing of officers engaged in patrol
concern with single crewing is the risk some suspected criminals are not work for the benefit of them and of the
it poses to an officer’s safety. “An officer being apprehended. “For example, public,” said Mr Kempton.
on their own is more likely to have to it’s less likely a single crewed officer will The study – Single Crewing in English and
resort to a greater level of force to resolve stop a suspicious vehicle full of suspects Welsh Policing: Frequency and Associations
an issue where a double crewed team in a remote location at night because with Violence Towards and Injuries in
might be able to use simple arm holds,” of the risk to them. This then affects the Officers – saw 11,397 officers from 43
he added. service we can provide to the public territorial forces participate.
10 POLICE February / March 2018NEWS n
Survey: beat cops a rare sight
Nearly half of people in England and cent) said that they would be “very”
Picture © Alex Segre / Alamy
Wales have not seen a uniformed police or “fairly” confident in police dealing
officer on foot in their area in the last with such an incident, compared
year, according to a survey by Ipsos Mori. with 46 per cent in 2016.
The findings come as no surprise Other findings included:
given that 20,000 police officers plus ll three in 10 (30 per cent) considered
support staff have been lost during crime and anti-social behaviour
the ‘austerity years’ since 2010. to be a big problem in their
Police Federation of England and Wales local area – a five percentage
General Secretary Andy Fittes said there point increase since 2015
was “no getting away from the fact that ll just over half (53 per cent) were
we simply do not have the resources to satisfied with the police
patrol as we once would have done.” ll the proportion who said the service
More than 12,600 people were provided by local police has got
questioned on behalf of Her Majesty’s worse increased to a quarter (25
Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Half of people had not seen a uniformed per cent) from 20 per cent in 2016
Rescue Services about their perceptions foot patrol officer in the last year ll the main responsibilities for policing
of crime, safety and local policing. were identified as responding in
The proportion who said they had are actually about crime – much of it is person to emergencies, tackling
not seen a uniformed officer in their dealing with mental ill health and social crime of all types and countering
area was 44 per cent – up from 41 per work and picking up the pieces that terrorism and extremism
cent in 2016 and 36 per cent in 2015; other services are unable to deal with.” ll most participants associated
12 per cent had not seen uniformed The research also found a marked policing with positive attributes,
personnel in a vehicle in the past year. increase in confidence in the police while twice as many who expressed
Mr Fittes added: “Less than a quarter of to provide protection during a a view would speak highly about
the calls which our members respond to terrorist attack. Over half (55 per their local force as would be critical.
Stop and search is ‘an essential tool’ IPOC ‘has a chance
The use of stop and search continues why we use stop and search with to put things right’
to be a focus of criticism, despite it both the public and importantly,
being an essential tool for policing. with those we actually search.” The new-look Independent Office for
According to the latest Legitimacy The continued rollout of body- Police Conduct (IOPC) – which replaced
Report, published by Her Majesty’s worn video reinforces the improved the Independent Police Complaints
Inspectorate of Constabulary and transparency in the use of police Commission (IPCC) in January – needs
Fire & Rescue Services, the majority powers. “The public has a right to a radical overhaul if it is to improve.
of forces are considered ‘good’ in know that their police service is highly The IPCC was plagued by delays,
how they act in a fair and respectful trained, ethical and only use stop and sub-standard investigations and poor
way towards their communities. search legitimately to protect the vast service. Phill Matthews, conduct and
However there remains some criticism majority of our society from those who performance lead for the Police Federation
over the numbers of black people would do them harm,” he continued. of England and Wales (PFEW), said
who are stopped and searched. According to the report, which the IOPC had a chance to put things
Simon Kempton, the Police Federation returned similar results to those in right and improve the way the whole
of England and Wales lead on the 2016, police work hard to support and organisation went about its business.
issue, said it remained “an essential improve the trust and confidence of “It is absolutely right and proper
tool” for operational policing. the public, but risk damaging those that where there are cases to answer,
“It is a tactic that has been firmly relationships with local communities officers are investigated. But what is
under the spotlight for many years, by being unable to demonstrate a fair not right is that people’s lives are left
but we police with public consent so use of stop and search. “The extent to in limbo and their careers in tatters
it is right and proper that we are able which police forces act in a fair and for months and months on end.”
to account for our use of the power for respectful way towards the communities The PFEW is looking to have an
which effective measures are in place. they serve has a vital influence on urgent meeting with IOPC officials
“Equally as important is the need public trust and confidence,” it said. once they take up office, to set out
to change how we communicate the Federation’s expectations.
POLICE February / March 2018 1112 POLICE February 2018
ROADS POLICING CONFERENCE n
Roads policing needs more
officers and new technology
Roads policing needs a “new professional training of police officers.
Conference Pictures © Anderson Photography
approach” of embracing technology This has led to trained police drivers
and putting more dedicated officers being prosecuted for doing their job. She
on the frontline if it is to enforce added: “We must protect the protectors
the law and improve safety. from unjustified driving prosecutions.”
This was the message from Jayne
Willetts, the Police Federation of Change in the law
England and Wales’ roads policing Chief Constable Anthony Bangham,
lead, as she opened this year’s Roads roads policing lead for the National
Policing Conference in Hinckley, Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), also
Leicestershire in January. addressed the conference and
responded that he is confident the
Worrying trend Home Office will support a change in the
Jayne highlighted the reduction of law that trained police drivers should be
21,000 police officers since 2010 and the allowed to depart from the ‘careful and
worrying trend of existing roads officers competent driver’ universal standard.
being redeployed to other operational who will agree that resources do matter, Delegates from police forces and
duties. There has also been a 58 per cent but for others the message is simply not partners across the country heard
spike in drug-driving, making a case getting through. Think of what we could industry experts and learned about
for more enforcement and education. achieve with more. Think of the lives we complex operational issues in the
“To put it bluntly, the current situation could save if we had more resources.” road-policing world at the event,
is not good enough,” she told 180 Jayne (above) also spoke about the which was sponsored by MIB, the
delegates. “There are some people in the unfairness of the criminal justice system Motor Insurers’ Bureau, Irwin Mitchell
Government and some senior managers which currently does not recognise the Solicitors and Slater & Gordon.
New funding for roadside test Less fear of IOPC
The ability for officers to obtain an He said that he hoped a new Police forces need to be less fearful of the
evidential-standard breath sample at funding initiative would “incentivise” Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
the roadside has moved a step closer. manufacturers to produce effective and welcome them in, says Jayne Willetts.
Parliamentary Under Secretary and cost-efficient Mobile Evidential Jayne Willetts said that representatives of
for the Department for Transport Breath Testing Instrument (MEBTI) the IOPC should be “in the room” when road
Jesse Norman MP said that the equipment. The aim is that this policing is discussed to enable them to become
Government was encouraging new MEBTI will allow samples to be better informed about officers’ concerns.
companies to develop technology. taken from suspected drink-drivers She said: “I would love there to be someone
Currently officers can only take immediately without the need to here today from the IOPC. Historically there has
initial breath alcohol readings take them to the nearest custody been reluctance because of the fear that we would
at the roadside; samples that suite, eliminating the risk of delays round on them or not listen to them; but we all
meet the Home Office evidential leading to a driver producing a need to be on the same page. The more they
requirements can only be negative evidential sample. listen, the more they engage with us, the more they
gathered in a police station. The money, which will come from understand our processes and get better training
Mr Norman told delegates: the Department for Transport, will themselves – the more things will improve.”
“There has been a reduction in the be passed to the Parliamentary and Jayne also called for there to be better
number of breath screening tests Transport Advisory Council on Safer education within the police forces own
completed by the police, and a fall Transport, which will then launch Professional Standards Departments when it
in the number of convictions. The a competition for suppliers. The comes to issues surrounding pursuit driving.
Government wants to make it easier exact amount of money has yet to “If we have the right investigators investigating
for you to obtain the evidence you be confirmed, but further details I think some of the mis-justices we have seen
need to address these issues.” will be released in the spring. end up in a court of law may not occur.”
POLICE February / March 2018 13n ROADS POLICING CONFERENCE
How the Met
halted annual
‘riot on wheels’
Chief Inspector Colin Carswell of the
Metropolitan Police described the
challenge of dealing with hundreds
of unruly young men intent on
causing a “riot on two wheels”.
Police were caught unprepared by the
first ‘ride out’ in 2014 but soon grasped
the contours of an emerging problem
Pictured are second from left, PC Dan Pascoe and centre,
when the ‘event’ returned the following PC Ben Hudson, with awards host Det Chief Supt Paul Keasey,
year, but on a bigger scale with hundreds and Chris Noblett and Phil King from sponsors Irwin Mitchell
rampaging through central London.
Technology pioneer PCs
Delegates were shown footage
from bikers’ cameras of them roaring
through stationary traffic in the wrong
direction and on pavements. Associated
crimes included robbery, assault, and
looting of petrol stations. CCTV footage
win conference praise
caught the moment two bikes collided, Two police constables who are mobile phones at the wheel. Earlier
resulting in the death of one rider and driving forward new technology in this year they used their technical
life changing injuries to the other. their force were presented with the knowledge and investigation skills
Met roads policing officers developed Outstanding Contribution to Roads to swiftly identify a suspect vehicle
a response plan in collaboration with Policing Award at the conference. involved in a fatal hit and run.
neighbouring Essex and Surrey forces PCs Dan Pascoe and Ben Hudson On receiving the award PC Hudson
which resulted in eight arrests and 20 bikes from Surrey’s Roads Policing Unit are said they were “just two PCs who
disabled by stingers in 2016. However it pioneering use of Mobile Data Terminals enjoy what we do for a living”, adding:
was felt there was a lack of CPS support. (MDT) and advising on their development. “We try to do what we can to help the
The equipment allows officers to public and assist roads policing.”
complete forms electronically at the Runner up in the awards was
roadside, saving more than two hours Merseyside’s PC Graeme Watson who
of officer and staff time per incident. helped to recover more than 54 BMW cars
Sergeant Phil Dix, who nominated the with a value over £1.1 million without the
duo for the award, said both officers risk of pursuit or endangering the public,
were “highly motivated” with “an after working with car manufacturers on
excellent arrest record” and a number vehicle tracking features. His reputation
of commendations for their work. and knowledge was recognised by
the College of Policing who asked
Proactive approach him to attend last year’s Digital Media
CI Carswell (above) said: “We took our “They are renowned among their peers Investigators Conference as a speaker.
previous learning and put in place a robust for their proactive approach and traffic Second runner-up was Team 5 West
plan. It involved rounding up the ring knowledge. They have some of the Safer Roads – West Yorkshire PCs Craig
leaders, intercepting social media and highest work rates on their team. Both Blake, Richard Clarke, Ben Conlon,
issuing media messaging to deter trouble are involved in a number of projects Felicity Davis, Timothy Harding, Richard
makers, while protecting targets.” Footage and activities that directly contribute Hirst, Andrew Howarth, Robert Hoyle,
was shown of officers closing roads and to roads policing and raising their Daniel Pennington, Nicholas Priestly,
herding riders into dual carriageways department’s profile both in the public James Sandford and Stephen Wright
which were then sealed off at both ends by eye and policing world,” he said. – who established a proactive traffic
police roadblocks. Uninsured and stolen PCs Pascoe and Hudson, who operation using partner agencies. They
bikes were seized along with weapons. are based in Guildford, are heavily recovered in excess of £112,900 for Her
The tactics have been so successful that involved in Operation Tramline which Majesty’s Revenue and Customs as well
other forces from across the UK have been uses an unmarked HGV tractor unit as seizing more than 30 vehicles, and
approaching the Met for best practice. to target commercial drivers who use making many arrests for serious crimes.
14 POLICE February / March 2018ROADS POLICING CONFERENCE n
Instil fear into speeding drivers
Delegates were told that speeding going to cyclists who skip red lights.
drivers were no longer afraid of He said the lack of money and
being caught, that speed awareness resources could be mitigated if
courses had become the ‘expected “all police officers make it their
norm’, and that instead there should business to police the roads”, and
be more penalty points, fines and called on roads policing officers
prosecutions to instil fear in drivers. to take a robust and unapologetic
Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, approach to enforcing the law; he
the National Police Chiefs’ Council also encouraged the public to upload
lead on road policy, said he wanted dash-cam footage of wrongdoing.
to change the message “that we are
proud to be law enforcers, proud of Everybody’s role
the contribution we make as police “It is pretty obvious I think that as
officers in making our roads safer”. law enforcers we should be focusing
“I don’t want the public to be surprised. on enforcement. We should not be
I want them to be embarrassed when embarrassed about it. We should
they get caught, not doing what they not seek to justify it. We should be
routinely do, which is to write letters course. Anyone caught doing over comfortable that it is everybody’s
to me and write letters to your chiefs 10 per cent should automatically role, whether you’re a neighbourhood
or write letters to their MPs, expressing face penalty points and a fine. police office, a patrol response officer
how annoyed they are because they He argued that police had lost or indeed a specialist roads police
were caught speeding ‘only doing sight of their duty to enforce the officer. I want to change the attitude
35 in a 30’,” said Mr Bangham. “They law and spent too much time trying of the public and so the media that
need to understand that the law has to justify speeding tickets and report through the public, that
set a limit for a reason and we will being “patient” with speeders. police do this for good reason.
enforce every law. They shouldn’t come Mr Bangham (above) also set out a “We know and we can evidence what
whingeing to us about being caught. vision for the UK having the safest roads contributes to road deaths and serious
I want them to be embarrassed.” in the world by ensuring that drivers injuries and therefore we should never
He said he was proposing that police should have a “genuine fear of being ever be apologising or seek to justify
chiefs ditch the buffer and instead send caught” if they speed, use a phone at why we might book somebody for
anyone caught going up to 10 per cent the wheel, drive under the influence of speeding or for mobile phone usage
over the limit on a speed awareness drink or drugs, with the same message and for many other offences.”
Roads policing’s government ‘friend’ Consultation for
Roads policing officers have a “friend” them to let he know what the DfT online reporting
in central government and she is keen could be doing to help them, saying Roads Minister Jesse Norman MP told the
to hear to your views, according to she was there to “steal their ideas.” conference of plans for drivers to have
one of the top civil servants in the Ms Reeve highlighted the areas her the ability to report accidents online. The
Department for Transport (DfT). department is currently focusing on, Department for Transport will launch the
Pauline Reeves, the DfT’s Assistant including further research connected with consultation to change the law on how
Director, who was appointed to her young drivers especially on rural roads, the public can report road accidents.
role six months ago, said the DfT the continuing problem of drivers using Jayne Willetts, the Police Federation
“really supports you and we want mobile phones, drink and drug-related of England and Wales’ (PFEW) roads
to do more to support you.” driving offences, and the issues facing policing lead, said while looking at
older drivers as the UK population ages. different solutions was welcomed,
Unique issues She promised that she would liaise with there were concerns about how
“I am your friend. I am your friend other stakeholders on matters such as it would operate in practice.
in Government. And I really want 24-hour accessibility and the potential “Traffic officers play a vital role in
to work with you,” she added. for officers to access information from collision investigation and we would
Ms Reeve stressed she was keen to hear telematics boxes which could yield not want to see that role diluted
from officers familiar with the unique vital data in collision investigations. in any way, therefore we approach
issues facing them and encouraged this with caution,” added Jayne.
POLICE February / March 2018 1516 POLICE February 2018
Election special
Do you have what it takes
to help your colleagues?
• Why not become a Fed rep?
• Make a difference and develop your career
• Find out how to stand and how to vote
POLICE February / March 2018 17n ELECTION SPECIAL 18 POLICE February / March 2018
ELECTION SPECIAL n
Reps@Work – become a rep
and make a difference
Becoming a Police Federation workplace
representative is a great way to take “You will find yourself in
your career to new heights while also
making a difference for your colleagues.
situations where your
That’s the message from Police voice is being listened to.
Federation of England and Wales
(PFEW) equalities lead Hayley Aley,
You can be representative
as nominations open for this year’s of your colleagues and
Federation triennial elections.
Any PFEW member from the rank
be heard not only locally
of police constable to chief inspector but also across the force,
can put themselves forward to stand
for election to their local branch
regionally and nationally.”
council, which can be a springboard Hayley Aley
to a regional or even a national PFEW Equalities lead
role. But time is of the essence –
nominations close on 17 February,
and voting takes place in March.
Mrs Aley, a Warwickshire PC, is
fronting the Federation’s Reps@
Work campaign to raise awareness at the end of your career. You can use which the new National Board will be
of what a Federation rep does and the skills, abilities and qualifications formed. Also for the first time members
the opportunities the role offers. She that being a Federation rep gives you will be able to vote for the Chair of
became a rep in 2008 after seeking help to benefit you in your day job now, and the Police Federation nationally.
to resolve issues with a line manager. also in your career pathway for the
future – whether that’s climbing the Special plea
Skills and abilities ranks or looking at specialisms, the Information on the first round of
“I wanted to make sure I had the qualifications we can offer in the PFEW elections for workplace reps, including
skills and the abilities to deal with will be recognised in your day job.” how to nominate and how to vote,
that situation, not only for myself These elections are the first to is being sent directly to all reps and
but also for the future, to be able to be held under the new Federation members via their PNN email addresses.
help others,” she said. “Now I want regulations (which became law on Mrs Aley is making a special plea to
to encourage others to consider 31 December 2017), which establish black and ethnic officers, women and
becoming a rep – it’s a role that’s dear a rank-less structure within the other under-represented groups to
to my heart, but more importantly Federation at local and national levels, consider putting themselves forward
because I know the opportunities and reduce the number of officials on to become reps. “The diversity of
that are out there for others. the National Board from 30 to 24. our membership should be reflected
“You will find yourself in situations Under the reforms, members will in the people of the Federation
where your voice is being listened vote for their workplace reps to form and the voices that are taking our
to. You can be representative of your a local branch council (as before), message forward,” she said.
colleagues and be heard not only locally but will now also choose the chair “We want everybody to consider
but also across the force, regionally and of the branch council. The chair and the role of Federation rep as
nationally. Please don’t think that the local secretary will represent the local something that can benefit them.”
Federation is something to consider board on the National Council, from
POLICE February / March 2018 19n ELECTION SPECIAL
Picture © Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock
Federation training is second to none
The training provided for reps by the Police from other forces. Their different
Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is approach has been an eye opener.”
second to none and ensures you are well Rebecca Smith from Derbyshire said:
equipped to represent your colleagues in “There’s so much information that you’ll
any situation; it also stands you in good never learn everything, but luckily there
stead for your policing career and beyond. are lots of people you can ask. I’ve
The PFEW’s dedicated Learning been doing it a year so far and it’s been
and Development team based in really, really good – really interesting.”
Leatherhead are responsible for
designing and delivering a wide
range of training and development
programmes. In the last year the centre Mark Hambling (above), a rep from
trained 700 officers on 66 courses. West Midlands Police Federation,
National rep Hayley Aley, who heads described the training he had received
the department, said: “I am extremely as “amazing”: “I’ve had a chance to
proud of the training we provide. Our learn from officers of different cultures,
centre is Skills For Justice approved, backgrounds and organisations, who
and many of trainers are former police different communities. These
police officers who have been Fed are things you wouldn’t be exposed
reps themselves, so they know the to unless you were a Fed rep.”
pressures and the responsibilities John McDonald (below), a Thames And Lucy Sewell (above) from
our reps face in their roles. Valley rep added: “The training I’ve Warwickshire believes PFEW training offers
“Our aim is to provide reps with the received has been far superior to anything knowledge and confidence to tackle issues
relevant training, skills and knowledge to the force provides. It’s also been an in the job. She said: “As an inspector it’s
succeed in matters such as health and opportunity to expand my knowledge helped my negotiating skills but even
safety, discipline, equality and more.” at PC rank the extra training that you
of policing by learning from colleagues
All newly elected representatives get gives you confidence to go forward
attend a new reps course to equip them and make representations. Holistically
for the role, which is accredited at NVQ you become a more rounded officer.”
Level 4, meaning they will receive a Kent’s Habib Rehman described the
qualification for completing the course. courses as: “Awesome – and there’s a lot
The accreditation programme will soon of support for you and resources that you
extend to specialist subjects. Other can tap into if you don’t know an answer.
courses offer skills in advocacy and It’s an opportunity to work with officers
media handling, as well as expertise in from other forces and ranks to share
areas such as conduct and performance, knowledge and experience. And it’s a
equality, and health and safety. good way of making new friends as well.”
20 POLICE February / March 2018ELECTION SPECIAL n
Why we became Federation reps
What is it like being a Federation rep?
According to detective Jon Nott, it is There is no such thing as a typical
“hard work, good fun and very rewarding.” ‘Fed rep’ – all bring their own unique
Jon has been a rep in the West style and experience to the role.
Jill Atkinson, a dog handler with Zuleika Payne, who chairs South
Midlands since his detective sergeant
Warwickshire Police, was helped through Yorkshire Police Federation, was
encouraged him to apply a decade ago.
a difficult patch by the Federation very nearly not a police officer at
He explains: “It was suggested I do
and it inspired her to become a rep. all – before joining the force, her
it because I’m not afraid to speak out
She says: “I was very fortunate to have ambition was to be a ballet dancer!
but I do it in a calm manner. I’ve been
great support when I needed it most. able to help colleagues and ensure they She says: “I moved to London in 1988 to
It was a difficult time but just having are not taken advantage of; recently I follow my dreams and left behind my life
someone with me made all the difference. helped someone to get a promotion in rural Derbyshire. It was daunting but
after they had been passed over.” the sight of a police officer on the beat
Listening ear New reps receive training to always gave me comfort and reassurance.
“I became a rep because I value equip them for the role and build “Then it dawned on me that maybe I
standing up for what matters, and doing up their knowledge of regulations, could be that officer who protects the
the right thing by people. I can provide confidence and negotiating skills. public. I decided to join the police.”
a listening ear and impartial advice
to colleagues when they need it.” Best for members Never underestimate
Jill has been a police officer for 26 “You learn the best routes to get the Zuleika was a PC in Rotherham for a
years and still works on the front best for members without going in all number of years, becoming a Fed rep in
lines, which helps her to relate confrontational,” says Jon. He believes 2005. Initially one of only two women
to the everyday pressures. good Fed reps are needed more than on the branch board, she is keen to
She has benefitted from Federation ever, because cuts to officer numbers encourage more women to stand.
training to understand regulations and the and budgets have heaped pressure “Never underestimate yourself,” is her
rights and entitlements of her colleagues. on the shoulders of those who are advice to would-be reps. She adds: “If
left to uphold the thin blue line. you’re a good listener and able to speak
“We’ve lost so many cops and goodwill to colleagues in a non-judgemental way,
is ebbing away,” he says. “Officers become a rep. You get training and the
need somebody who knows the satisfaction you get from supporting
regulations and can be their voice.” others far outweighs any money.”
Zuleika won the Women in
Policing Award in 2016.
POLICE February / March 2018 21You can also read
