Welcome to Derbyshire, Kate- See Pages 10 and 11 - SPRING 2021 News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation
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News&views
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
m D e r by s
hire Polic e Federatio
n
views fro
G 2 0 2 1 N ew s a n d
SP RIN
Welcome to
Derbyshire, Kate
– See Pages 10 and 11
1
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
Chair’s foreword Officers need “clarity”
on pensions, says
commitment to enshrine the physical and
mental welfare of serving and former Federation
officers in law, but on the other is failing to The Police Federation of England and
give frontline officers any priority in the Wales (PFEW) says officers approaching
vaccine roll-out programme. retirement need “clarity” on their pension
The Federation has campaigned on options.
members’ behalf on this issue and appeared Responding to the public consultation
to have the support of the Home Secretary. on pensions reforms, Alex Duncan,
Yet, the Joint Committee for Vaccination national Federation secretary, said it was
and Immunisation has steadfastly stuck to positive the Government had now chosen
its guns – insisting that moving through to implement the remedy to the
the age brackets is the best way forward. discrimination found in the
Under this approach, it is frustrating to implementation of the 2015 police
say the least that I, at the age of 53, will be pension scheme through the deferred
called for the vaccination before many of choice underpin option, which the
my younger colleagues who are working on Federation recommended in October
the frontline, despite the fact that I am 2020.
working at home and can control my But he said it meant a further delay for
exposure to the virus. Frontline officers do those members close to retiring who
not have that luxury but will not be “need and deserve” answers.
protected for months. I have said it before Alex said: “While it is positive that the
but I will repeat it again: I am sure that Government has chosen to use deferred
cannot be right. choice to implement the remedy, it is
By Tony Wetton, chair of Derbyshire Police I have written to all Derbyshire MPs disappointing that those who are due to
Federation about this issue, pointing out that giving retire soon still don’t have the clarity they
frontline officers, particularly if forces were need and deserve to be able to make a
W elcome to the spring edition of our
members’ ezine.
This edition gives a round-up of recent
to administer the jabs themselves, would
have a very limited impact on the national
roll-out programme.
decision about their retirement.
“We will be involved in the
consultation on the primary legislation
news affecting officers and also puts a focus Police officers have been on the and will be seeking legal advice on certain
on one of our workplace representatives frontline throughout this pandemic, facing aspects of the implementation
who has shared his story of suffering from an unseen enemy and putting their health, throughout the process.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. and that of their families, at risk. They “In particular we are scrutinising the
His comments, and the underlying cannot social distance while arresting updated Equality Impact Assessment to
issues raised in our focus on detectives, someone, they are often the first at a scene ensure that no unjustifiable
strengthen our campaign for more to be but will then be joined by other emergency discrimination is caused as a result of
done to support officer wellbeing and I am service workers, who will have had the jab, remedying the existing discrimination,” he
pleased to see that the Police Covenant is a they go from job to job during their shift, added.
step closer to being introduced (see facing possibly passing on the virus as they go, Remedy Q and A – 11 February 2021.
page). and they are regularly spat at and coughed Find out more on the Federation’s
I do find it ironic, however, that on one over by people claiming to have Covid. If survey hub.
hand the Government, in setting out plans this doesn’t make them a priority for the
for the covenant, is making clear its jabs, then I am at a loss to understand why.
New guide to terms
and conditions of
Force funding “I’m pleased to hear that the Force will
service
The Police Federation has issued a new
Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Quick Reference Guide (QRG) to officers’
Wetton has welcomed confirmation from benefit from the next budget,” he said, “The terms and conditions of service.
Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Government has embarked on a three-year The new guide replaces the issue dated
(PCC) that there will be a precept increase, programme to increase officer numbers July 2020 and reflects the removal of the
which means the Force can continue its drive across England and Wales by 20,000 over a bottom pay point for sergeants as well as
to recruit more officers and also improve three-year period and this does have cost the extension to paid maternity leave and
policing services across Derbyshire. implications for forces themselves. adoption leave and to Targeted Variable
With an increase of 6.62 per cent on the “This past financial year, we’ve managed Payments.
police precept element of council tax, the to recruit 79 new officers within Derbyshire. The QRG is supplemented by the most
budget will be set at £202.63 million over Not only will the extra money raised by an recent set of Frequently Asked Questions on
the 2021/22 financial year, which is up increase in council tax mean we can keep matters where clarification on practices
£12.75 million compared to the last 12 months. officer numbers rising but the increase in during the pandemic were given.
Tony backed the PCC’s efforts to get the budget will help us to invest across a Read the QRG.
extra funding, following years of number of service areas.” Covid-19 FAQs.
Government cuts for the service. Read more.
2
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
New bill brings wellbeing and
legal protection for officers
D erbyshire Police Federation chair
Tony Wetton has welcomed a new
criminal justice bill which will
provide better welfare and legal safeguards
for officers.
that they need right now?
“The Government can emphasise its
commitment to the police today by moving
frontline officers up the queue for the
courts to judge the standard against a
‘competent and careful peer’ with the same
training, rather than with a member of the
public.
vaccine to ensure they’re protected against Tony said: “It’s pleasing to see so many
The bill, unveiled in Parliament on 9 this potentially deadly virus.” of the issues on which we’ve campaigned as
March, includes a Police Covenant following Alongside the establishment of the a Federation included in this bill. They will
extensive campaigning by the Federation, covenant, the bill legislates to double the make a real difference to officers on the
along with other new measures to support maximum sentences for those convicted of ground.”
officers, police staff and their families. assaulting emergency workers in England The measures in the Police, Crime,
And Tony called for the Government to and Wales to two years – something the Sentencing and Courts Bill, formerly the
underline its commitment to supporting Federation has been campaigning for. Police Powers and Protections Bill, were also
officers by allowing them to have their The new bill allows Special Constables welcomed by the national chair of the
coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible. to formally join the Police Federation of Federation.
Tony said: “As a Federation, we’ve been England and Wales (PFEW) after years of John Apter said: “This bill contains a
campaigning for a Police Covenant to the organisation campaigning and regular number of important changes we have
recognise the unique role our members discussions with the Home Office, been campaigning for over many years to
perform and to support and protect them Association of Special Constabulary Officers give greater protection to police officers,
in their line of duty. (ASCO), the National Police Chiefs’ Council and recognise the unpredictable, dangerous
“I welcome the establishment of a (NPCC) and the Association of Police and and demanding job they do.
covenant, and other measures in the bill Crime Commissioners (APCC) over the issue. “This is the first step to bring these
that support my colleagues and recognise It also gives better protection to police changes into law; we must grab this
their sacrifices and bravery. officers involved in driving incidents, with opportunity and ensure the bill brings
“But why wait until the bill becomes law the introduction of a new test to assess about a positive, meaningful and tangible
to give real, tangible support to officers their standard of driving. The test permits difference for our colleagues.”
Kirsty features in International
Women’s Day interview
As part of International Women’s Day, females were failing the test and this saw
national chair John Apter spoke to them put on restricted or non-operational
Derbyshire Police Federation secretary duties by some commanders. This caused a
Kirsty Bunn about her work to ensure the lot of anxiety because they felt they were fit
Force’s women officers could attend female but couldn’t complete the test to show they
only sessions for the Job Related Fitness were. I was told it was the stress on the day
Test. and that older females were more body
Kirsty, who was equality lead and a conscious so they didn’t feel comfortable
Federation rep for 11 years before carrying out the test with other people.
becoming secretary three years ago, was “So along with the equality unit, who
asked about her success in changing the have been very supportive, I started a pledge
format of the fitness test for female to the officers that we would do what we
officers. can to give them the opportunity to do the
She explained: “I’d been aware of test in a ‘safe environment’. We’ve been able
problems around the fitness test for a to do female only fitness tests for around the
number of years after the Winsor review last two years and I am aware that this has
brought in the compulsory job-related had a dramatic effect on the amount of
fitness test in in 2014. females who have passed the test and
“This gained momentum and interest therefore not been restricted, so it has had
from myself and the issue became more an effect on policing as a whole in Derbyshire
prevalent in Derbyshire a few years ago which is positive.” Derbyshire Police Federation secretary Kirsty
when a considerable amount of older Watch the full interview. Bunn.
33
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
Allan reveals how PTSD
affected his career
D riving home after being on duty at a
football match in Loughborough one
evening in April 2019, Allan Guy
witnessed a crash between two buses at a
set of traffic lights and immediately sprang
into action.
One of the drivers had been thrown from
the bus and was face down in the road 30
feet away. Allan expected to find that he had
died, but he had survived the crash so he put
him in the recovery position. He left another
passer-by to tend to him while he turned his
attention to the passengers on that bus as
he feared the vehicle could catch fire.
He was able to switch off the engine
with the emergency button and, assessing
the passengers, first helped an elderly couple
who had been injured and automatically
began triaging other people.
Once the paramedics had arrived on the
scene, he spoke to the police officers who
had responded to the incident and then set
off to continue his drive home to Derbyshire.
“I got in the car and drove about 200
yards,” explained Allan who is a Derbyshire
Police Federation workplace representative
and also its conduct and performance lead,
“But I didn’t feel very well. I pulled onto a
garage forecourt and got out of my car. But
then I must have blacked out because the
next thing I remember is being on the floor
at the side of the car and since I was on the
far side of the vehicle no one had even seen
me collapse.
“I then went into the garage, bought a
coffee and set off for home again. When I got
there, and despite being covered in blood
from the scene of the crash, I just sat in the
chair in my lounge until my wife came in and
basically sent me to bed.
“I thought I had just been over doing it
and on the Monday I went back to work and Allan Guy.
thought I would be OK.”
But he was far from it. in the football unit, often being the first one being anxiety or depression” says Allan. So he
Uncharacteristically he started falling out to get involved if violence erupted. had six sessions with a counsellor from Red
with colleagues, thinking they were ‘out to “But I started to get really irritable, I Arc, a service available to subscribers to the
get’ him and even put in complaints about thought people were against me, that they Derbyshire Benevolent Trust Group Insurance
other officers’ behaviour. When it got so bad were talking about me. I was starting to feel Scheme.
that he felt he could literally punch a a bit paranoid,” he explains. But it was only when he was referred to a
colleague through a window, he had the Luckily, his wife, Sharon, previously a psychiatrist in Nottingham – and at this
sense to walk out of work and take some mental health nurse recognised the signs of point he had barely been able to leave home
time off sick. This was in June 2019. severe burn-out and he was also assigned a - that he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic
Allan has been with the Force for 27 Federation representative, to help him Stress Disorder (PTSD).
years, five as a Special and 22 as a police access help and support. “People tend to think this is focussed on
officer. For 18 years of his service, he worked “Everyone seems to push you towards it one incident but in my case it built up over
4
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
time, with a series of incidents having a
cumulative effect and leading my mental
health to suffer,” he says.
Allan has since been supported by
Mental wellbeing:
Sharon Brennan from the Force who was
able to help him recover through cognitive
behaviour therapy.
support is available
The chair of Derbyshire Police Federation this pandemic can never be
says the emotional impact of the underestimated,” said Tony, “Our
coronavirus pandemic cannot be members, along with other emergency
“ People tend to think this is
focussed on one incident but in
underestimated and that officers should
not suffer in silence with poor mental
health.
workers, have been on the frontline of the
nation’s response to Covid-19 and
continued to provide a service in
Tony Wetton wants to remind police extremely difficult circumstances which
my case it built up over time, officers and staff of the Mind Blue Light none of us could have foreseen.
Programme which has responded to the “Many people will be suffering with
with a series of incidents effect of the pandemic on frontline mental health issues now or could do so
workers by offering specialist support and in the future and police officers are not
having a cumulative effect and advice.
Mind has also worked in partnership
immune so now, more than ever, we need
them to know there is support available
leading my mental health to with Shout, the Samaritans, Hospice UK
and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and
and there’s no shame in asking for help.”
The Blue Light Programme was set up
”
Duchess of Cambridge to develop easily by Mind in 2015 to offer unique round-
suffer. accessible Frontline webpages and an the-clock advice and support for frontline
Infoline offering a range of tailored mental workers and emergency responders. It
health information, tips and tools. campaigns to improve services, raise
Although unable to return to football “The mental and emotional impact of awareness and promote understanding.
policing, he initially went to work in an HQ
department in January 2020 before
becoming a reactive officer at Ilkeston
working on 999 jobs. He has learned not to
overdo it and regained his love for policing.
Free guides available
Officers were encouraged to see Time to health and supporting others, as well as
But he knows there are other officers Talk Day as an encouragment to open up links to relevant charities and contacts.
who are dangerously close to a tipping point. about their mental health. This year’s Time to Talk Day fell in
“People need to be more aware of their Time to Talk Day at the start of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week,
mental health,” says Allan, “I can see people February, highlighted the need to talk which is held annually to highlight the
now who are in a bad place – they just don’t about our own wellbeing and to check in importance of children and young people’s
look right and it’s difficult when you can see on others, something that is more mental health.
them going down that road. Before, I was important than ever right now. Learn more about Time to Talk Day.
always the first one to react if things looked Police Mutual has created a free guide, Read the children’s mental health
like they were going to get violent at a which includes information about mental guide.
football match but now I am much more
calm and relaxed. I can see what is going to
PTC offering remote services
come and I stand back and access the
situation.”
The Police Treatment Centres (PTC) are services, said: “We’ve invested in a video
Wellbeing support available offering officers, who subscribe to the platform called Attend Anywhere, which
centres, the chance to access a new remote we believe offers the best clinical
The Federation can access a wide range
physiotherapy service online. experience for remote physiotherapy
of wellbeing support for officers.
Sessions will be delivered by video or, consultations. Initially, this was a
And Tony Wetton, chair of
for members who don’t have access to a necessity due to the obligation we have to
Derbyshire Police Federation, urged
computer or the internet, over the carry out a remote consultation with all
members to get in touch if they needed
telephone. patients before we consider a residential
help or support, or just someone to talk
Any care or treatment advice will be admission.
to.
provided at the appointment or emailed “The platform has been so useful and
“No one should suffer in silence. We
afterwards and any follow-up will be successful that we’ve expanded its use to
appreciate it can be difficult to accept
arranged as normal. include virtual outpatient treatment for
you need support but taking that first
The remote service is suitable for all our donors.”
step and talking to someone can be the
members who find it hard to travel or have Find out more by visiting the
first step to feeling better,” says Tony.
dependents making a residential stay Police Treatment Centres website.
“Members can contact the
difficult.
Federation office, the full-time officials
And it has been particularly useful l It costs £7.80 a month to subscribe to
or their workplace representatives.
during the Covid-19 pandemic since the the PTC and access the range of
There is always someone to turn to.”
two centres are currently closed. rehabilitation services it offers.
Access mental health support
Mark Oxley, PTC head of clinical Sign up to subscribe.
services.
5
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
‘Policing can be grim’:
look after each other
D erbyshire Police Federation chair Tony
Wetton has urged members to take
time for their wellbeing during the
coronavirus lockdown.
Tony wants officers to be more open
demands of policing – particularly during the
pandemic in a blog posted on the national
Police Federation’s website.
“We are all finding it tough right now, in
every force, in every discipline,” said Glyn.
outstripping resources and colleagues are
working excessive hours, forgoing rest days,
sacrificing time with their families and
simply not getting enough rest.
“The sad thing is that this is a normal
about their mental health and to look out for “And if now isn’t the time to recognise the working week for most, severely impacting
their colleagues who may be struggling with signs and show simple acts of kindness, I on physical and mental wellbeing. It’s hard
their own issues during the pandemic. don’t know when is.” enough trying to process and cope with
“Officers are only human,” said Tony, In the blog, Glyn said policing needs to traumatic criminal investigations, but this is
“They already have so much to deal with in recognise the demands and personal impact in addition to supporting scared and
terms of their day-to-day policing role, of dealing with serious and disturbing crime distressed victims, working with partner
before being on the frontline during the and he also highlighted the demands placed agencies, the Crown Prosecution Service, and
pandemic and policing the latest lockdown. on over-stretched detectives. seeing a number of legal processes through
“Add to that the fact my colleagues will He said: “Unsurprisingly, policing can be to completion to bring some form of closure
have their own worries away from work, very grim at times. No officer I know signed for those affected.
such as the health of loved ones or their up thinking it will be easy, but while we He added: “Officers tend to put their own
finances, and you can see how stress and embrace what we face with pride and the welfare last and the misconception by many
anxiety can become an issue. overwhelming will to protect the public we that officers can forget what they have seen
“We would urge members to take time serve, it shouldn’t come with the expectation once a case has finished and swiftly move
to look after their own wellbeing, and to look that we can all cope with anything and onto the next – or rather juggle several cases
out for their colleagues. We know it’s a everything. We can’t. No one can. at once – only adds to the strain. All of this is
tough time, but we can all play our part in “Recognition must be given to officers cumulative and lasts a lifetime.
supporting each other. And where an officer and staff throughout policing for the “We need to get better at supporting
needs further support, the Federation is here constant commendable work they do and each other – recognise when we are
to help them find that.” their unwavering nerve – particularly struggling, talk more openly about wellbeing
Tony’s comments are echoed by Glyn throughout the pandemic.” and listen. There are sources of support out
Pattinson, chair of the Police Federation’s Glyn continued: “Every detective I know there, but we need to see cultural change
National Detectives’ Forum (PFNDF), who wants to do the best job possible but there and we all have a role to play in that.”
encouraged officers to be more open about simply are not enough of us. Demand is The Federation put the focus on
their wellbeing to help them deal with the detectives throughout January.
66
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
Justice for the victim is the biggest reward, says Force detective
Obtaining justice for the victim is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, says Derbyshire
detective Alex Edwards.
Having joined the Force almost 17 years ago, DC Edwards has shared his experience of his role
as part of a month-long Federation focus on the role of detectives.
“For me, the most rewarding part of the role is victim engagement, seeing a job through from
start to end and obtaining justice for the victim,” he begins.
He became a detective in 2010, to help develop his career. Since then, he says things have
changed quite a bit.
“Technology has come a long way in the last 10 years. It has altered way we work, with us
having laptops and mobile phones replacing our pocket notebooks. This assists greatly when
investigating crime,” says Alex.
“ The new shift pattern as vastly improved the work-life balance and, although we are currently
in a pandemic, morale is high in the office.”
Detective explains dual pressures of online sessions.
“I sometimes feel under pressure
workload and supporting victims because the burden of responsibility we
have to our victims and suspects is large
The pressures of know the Force is trying to address this and I that it can be overwhelming. I sometimes
trying to do the also understand that current numbers just feel that the expectations to progress
best for victims of cannot support the right number of staff to investigations while keeping numerous
crime and keeping deal with demand in all departments at the things updated with every last thing we do,
up with the same time. Basically, we are borrowing from and think about, to justify what we are
workload make Peter to pay Paul almost on a cyclical basis.” doing or to prove we are doing our job
her role Julie joined CID in April 2019 and properly and deal with live jobs, is onerous.
challenging at completed her detective training in December “A colleague describes it as spinning
times, says one last year. She has yet to complete her plates and there are only so many we can
Derbyshire portfolio which will be the final step to spin at once.”
detective. becoming a substantive PIP2 detective As for the pandemic impact? She
Trainee constable. She says she tries not to work explains: “It has introduced home working
Detective Constable Julie Shaw, based at longer than her shift hours due to shifts which I have found really difficult and
Buxton CID, says she joined the police over already being long, but she will finish consequently I tend to come to work more,
eight years ago to help people, investigate anything outstanding at the end of a shift set ensuring the office isn’t too full when I do. It
crime and achieve the best outcome for or before rest or leave days. has also introduced different practice such
victims. So she finds it difficult when she “We have periods where we can be late a as taking statements over the phone and
feels unable to help a victim as she would few times on the trot but then we will have a less face-to-face contact with victims. I have
want to. lull,” she explains, “When we’re late due to two victims of sexual offences who I haven’t
Julie, who is also a workplace dealing with prisoners it is often very late, for actually met in person.
Federation representative, explains: example, last Monday I was working a 12-10 “Speaking to solicitors online has proved
“Currently the biggest challenge for me is shift but, along with two colleagues, finished challenging at times and wearing masks
keeping on top of the workload. We deal at 2.45am. while interviewing makes it difficult to
with long, complex and serious “But the most rewarding thing is properly read the person you are
investigations and it is important to me investigating crimes thoroughly and getting questioning. Likewise, in interview rooms
that I do this to the best of my ability for the right outcomes for the victims by where social distancing is possible, the
the victims in my cases. But sometimes I bringing the suspects to court to answer for distance actually makes it difficult to have
feel this is difficult to do and this weighs whatever their actions have been. That the right impact on the person you are
heavily with me. sounds a bit cliched but it’s genuinely true.” interviewing.
“Also, the new disclosure changes Although Julie says she does not currently “But we just get on with it. We cannot,
which have been introduced this year will feel that her role is affecting her mental and should not, try to change it in the
increase the work involved in obtaining a health, she admits to occasionally feeling current circumstances as people’s health is
charge; understanding these changes and overwhelmed. more important.
putting them into practice will take time “Mostly I have learnt to leave work at “Each and every department in the Force
and I don’t want to get it wrong and end work. I am part of a very supportive team and will, I am sure, have similar issues of too
up messing up a case.” we are very open with each other on the much work, too many expectations from the
Julie says while she has received whole so if one of us is feeling like we are public, the management, the Government
training and Force support, particularly drowning, we help each other out if possible,” and CPS, to name just a few, and not enough
from her sergeant, the workload issue is she explains. people to do it and currently we are trying to
not easily solved. “I do feel that my physical health has do it all on shifting ground.
“We cannot just say no to taking on suffered a little as I am very static during the “I feel it when the police are criticised as
crimes which should be investigated by CID. day and the longer shifts make it more a whole for what they are trying to do right
The best way to improve the workload difficult to access my local gym sessions, now and, while frontline cops have it hardest
issue would be to have more detectives. I especially now they are limited to being in that respect, we are all affected by it.”
Continued overleaf
7
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
Detective reveals pressure of the role
As part of the national Federation’s a job where you never knew what you were some work at home on my rest days if I
month-long focus on detectives, their role going to be doing next was preferable over a have a lot on and need to catch up.”
and its unique pressures – one Derbyshire nine-to-five job.” The most rewarding part of the job?
detective says one of the biggest The detective said they wanted to join “Getting a good result at court for a
challenges is disclosure. Special Branch but had to become a job that you have put a lot into,” they
The detective, who wishes to remain detective to do that. They reluctantly applied explained, “I’ve been involved in a lot of
anonymous, explains: “The pressure of after being encouraged to do so by DI John cases but there are three that stand out to
making sure you have all the disclosure Smedley and, after being accepted, started me – all rape offences - which involved a
correct is quite heavy because cases can be at Derby North CID at St Mary’s Wharf where great deal of work over long periods – but
lost purely on that if it hasn’t been done they were tutored by Nick Clayton. to be able to say I helped that victim get
correctly. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and the justice they deserved is absolutely
“Another challenge is getting it right dealt with some brilliant jobs so was really priceless and means the world to me. It’s a
and being seen to get it right. There is a lot glad I’d applied. When I started in CID in feeling that can’t be understood unless
of work that goes into any investigation 2002 we were on ‘unofficial on call’ late you have been through it; it yields an
and having all of that right and trial-ready shifts which meant you couldn’t have a drink immense feeling of satisfaction.
is a lot of pressure on you as you want to and had to sleep with your phone under “The pandemic has, of course, altered
be able to do the best for your victims. your pillow! Detectives were always called the way I work. It has made everyone more
“These issues can be overcome with out to rapes and serious crimes and your aware of everything and given us all OCD
self-discipline and checking, checking and eight-hour shift would then start from when in cleaning – which isn’t a bad thing in a
checking again!” you were called out which was usually in the police station! However, I count myself
A detective since 2005, the officer of 29 early hours. very lucky to have a job and to be able to
years’ service, said they joined up because “There was also an unspoken still carry on working in this pandemic
they were ‘born wanting to be a police expectation that you would always remain when so many people haven’t and can’t.”
officer’. on duty to finish your job off. There was no The detective added that they don’t
“I’ve no idea why because none of my handing over to the next shift – so there was currently feel under pressure but have in
family were in the job. I just knew that was a lot of over-time done. Also, when I first the past: “Some jobs we have involve all
what I wanted to do and my parents didn’t started in CID there was no social media. Oh, hands to the pump but when the initial
question it, just accepted it,” they the good times without that!” excitement has passed, it is allocated and
explained, “I’ve always had a very strong When the detective left Special Branch, as an OIC you are left to finish it off. Some of
sense of right wrong and loved television they found many changes, including the role these jobs require an extraordinary amount
programmes like Juliet Bravo and The Bill of social media on investigations. of work and when tasks are coming in left,
which just made my need greater! They explained: “Things had changed right and centre, you feel unable to provide
“I wanted to help people solve their significantly. There was no ‘unofficial on call’, the attention because of the relentless
problems and make a positive difference in detectives weren’t called out in the night to requirement for that attention – hence why
someone’s life and the attraction of having attend rapes, there was work-life balance I sometimes feel the need to work at home
and people predominantly went home on in order to catch up.
time. Also, social media played a huge part “But I choose to do that and I do know
in investigations and all files were that if I went to my sergeant for
computerised. assistance, it would be provided, although
“I used to regularly work beyond my shift most officers are in the same boat. I don’t
when we were on eight-hour days. Finishing often feel under pressure at work but I do
at 4pm meant I could easily stay until 6pm know that I can talk to people about it if I
to catch up with files or anything if I needed need to.”
to, and get ahead, but since we have moved There is no plan for the detective to
to 10-hour shifts the prospect of staying at return to uniform but they said they
work for an extra couple of hours doesn’t would, and could, if required to do so: “We
appeal. have all been issued with uniforms should
“Some live jobs do require us to work the situation become such that we are
late, including prisoners at other stations required to do so. This doesn’t frighten me.
and foreign forces when they have to travel I enjoyed my time in uniform and, while I
back to their home station at the other end haven’t been on section for many years, I’m
of Derbyshire. I also occasionally tend to do sure I would quickly adapt.”
“ I used to regularly work beyond my shift when we were on
eight-hour days. Finishing at 4pm meant I could easily stay until
6pm to catch up with files or anything if I needed to, and get ahead,
but since we have moved to 10-hour shifts the prospect of staying
”
at work for an extra couple of hours doesn’t appeal.
8
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
Federation chair backs calls New recruits
for officers to receive
“thank you” payment
Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony police officers deserve better than that.
Wetton believes officers should be awarded They deserve a ‘thank you’ for their
a thank you in recognition of their efforts contribution to getting the country through
during the Covid-19 pandemic. the pandemic. It would go some way to
The Police Federation of England and improving morale and recognising their
Wales (PFEW) has asked for officers to critical role in the nation’s response to
receive the one-off payment, in addition to a Covid-19.”
three per cent pay rise, as part of its annual Alex Duncan, national Federation
submission to the Police Remuneration secretary, said asking for an increase in
Review Body (PRRB). The submission is made officer pay after the public sector pay freeze
in conjunction with the Superintendents’ announcement may seem pointless but Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony
Association. was necessary. Wetton has welcomed an uplift of 67
“Our officers have remained on the He explained: “Police officers have been officers to the Force as a ‘positive start’ to
frontline throughout the UK’s response to at the forefront of this pandemic and the Government’s three-year recruitment
this pandemic so they thoroughly deserve continue to put themselves and their programme.
some kind of recognition and appreciation,” families at risk, working long hours every Tony says the extra officers are a
said Tony. day to keep the public safe during these valuable addition to the Force as it
“They continue to face immense unprecedented times.” continues to face the unprecedented
pressure, working hard to keep communities The Federation also questions the challenges of policing the pandemic.
safe, helping to protect the NHS and all the Government’s pay freeze decision when the He was speaking as new Home Office
time putting themselves and their loved Spending Review awarded forces with figures show there were 1,894 officers in
ones at risk from the virus. budgets to include officers being recognised Derbyshire Police as at 31 December, up
“Their job is unique and challenging at for their work during the pandemic. from 1,827.
the best of times but the last 10 months The Federation will seek the three per Read more.
have been particularly difficult. We know cent pay rise for all officers and a ‘thank you’
that the Government has put in place a pay payment on the basis that an uplift is
freeze for much of the Public Sector and has
directed the independent pay review body to
feasible and that the private sector has
rewarded key workers with a similar
Charity fund-raiser
observe that but it is absolutely clear that payment. Annual cycling fund-raiser Back on the
Beat is returning this May and has gone
Dates released for female-only fitness tests virtual.
In light of the ongoing pandemic,
Further dates have now been released for the many women were feeling apprehensive about organisers are giving riders the option on
Force’s female only Job-Related Fitness Tests taking part alongside their male colleagues.” taking on the challenge from the comfort
up until the end of July, with Covid-19 Both nationally and locally the pass rate of their home while raising money for the
restrictions in place. for female officers is lower than that of male charity Police Treatment Centres (PTC).
With numbers reduced due to the officers, so the women-only tests aim to Federation members are being
ongoing pandemic, there will be no more combat the anxiety of participants. encouraged to sign up to this year’s
than three runners and two trainers at any “We believe taking the tests alongside event, which challenges participants to
one time during each test. their male colleagues definitely influenced ride 100km in seven days.
The two-day fitness tests will take place how women felt about it,” Kirsty added, “We This year’s fund-raiser, which usually
either at Ripley or Chesterfield on the are not seeking any preferential treatment takes place at the PTC in Harrogate and
following dates: for women and want it to confirm that the around North Yorkshire, will run from 10
Ripley: 6/7 April standard of fitness test 5:4 is not being to 16 May, giving riders seven days to
Ripley: 13/14 April compromised. complete the challenge.
Ripley: 17/18 May “These tests simply offer an alternative The PTC has two centres but both are
Ripley: 27/28 May to women officers who want to be in an currently closed due to the pandemic,
Ripley: 14/15 June all-female environment, which they may be although remote support is still available
Ripley: 23/34 June more comfortable with.” to its subscribing members. They support
Chesterfield: 14/15 July Women who want to continue to take the police family with physical and
Chesterfield: 19/20 July. the fitness test in mixed groups can still opt psychological injuries, conditions and
Derbyshire Police Federation secretary to do so. illnesses.
Kirsty Bunn, who helped secure the women- If your JRFT is due and you would like the Participants can sign up for Back to
only fitness tests more than two years ago, opportunity to attend one of these sessions, the Beat individually or as a group and
said: “We’ve worked hard to reintroduce please send an email to Force Training with those who complete the event will
these tests after they were initially put on the date of your training and stating your receive a medal. Entry to the ride is £10,
hold due to the Covid-19 crisis. preference for a women-only test. with all riders or teams pledging to raise
“It’s really important that we offer The Operational Training Team can offer a minimum of £100.
women-only tests, after the Federation and support and advice to anyone concerned Sign up here.
Force’s Equality Unity were made aware that about the test.
9
News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
New Deputy Chief
Constable tells how
‘give it a go’ attitude
landed her in the Force
O nce a university student who
thought she ‘would have a go’ after
spotting a police stall at a career fair,
Kate Meynell is now 30 years into a
successful career in policing with her latest
accomplishment being appointed as the
Force’s Deputy Chief Constable.
“I have never regretted the decision to
become a police officer and I feel fortunate
that I have a career where, for the most of it,
I have actually enjoyed coming to work,” says
Kate, who originally joined Nottinghamshire
Police in 1993, with her first posting being to
Bulwell.
“ I am a firm believer that a
combined effort of a team is one
of the most powerful assets the
police service has and I value
”
being part of it.
“I was extremely naïve when I joined,”
she adds, “I really had my eyes opened.
Although Bulwell was a small station, it was
very busy and gave me a good grounding in
police work.”
Looking back at where it began, Kate
admits her first arrest was not the
smoothest. The Force’s Deputy Chief Constable Kate Meynell.
“I was with my tutor and it was a shop
theft, and I was nervous and, in fact, I got response and neighbourhood teams. She has also worked as head of crime in
confused,” she explains, “I initially tried to soon became interested in investigation, Northamptonshire. She spent a number of
arrest the store detective until they stopped resulting in her spending most of her service years in EMSOU Major Crime as chief
me and told me the suspect was sitting on in investigatory roles. inspector and superintendent working as an
the other side of the room.” The majority of her working life has been Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) on a
Kate spent her early career in uniform, on spent with Nottinghamshire Police, but Kate number of homicide investigations.
10News & views News and views from Derbyshire Police Federation Spring 2021
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a
police officer,” she says, proudly adding: “I
“ I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a police officer. I take great
take great pride in my role as an SIO in
leading some very difficult and challenging
homicide investigations. Bringing offenders pride in my role as an SIO in leading some very difficult and
to justice for the victims will never take the
pain away for family and friends but does challenging homicide investigations. Bringing offenders to justice for
provide some sort of comfort.”
Kate admits she feels a sense of the victims will never take the pain away for family and friends but
”
responsibility in getting justice for the
victims of crime and works hard to ensure
does provide some sort of comfort.
the Force learns from each case and improve
their response to a victim’s call for help.
Her passion for the role and ambition to protecting the rights of its members,” she the Force.”
make a difference is reflected in the said, “And I have witnessed the support it Kate intends to implement a
numerous projects she has been involved provides on a number of different occasions. performance structure to enable her team to
with. She worked with the communications “The presence of committed and understand where they are performing well
team at Leicestershire to help produce knowledgeable reps across Derbyshire and where there are potential issues.
Kayleigh’s story, which illustrated the should reassure officers they have a need for “Performance management for many has
dangers of online grooming to young people the support of the Federation.” negative connotations but I think it is
and was shown in schools across the nation. Despite being a newcomer to the Force, important that we understand what our
Kate was also part of EMSOU-MC when it Kate explains that the Federation has performance looks like,” Kate explains,
already made regular representations to her stressing that the role of an officer has
about a number of issues her team face. changed significantly over the past three
“
“This provides me with a valuable insight decades.
The Federation has a strong into how officers are feeling as well as “We need to ensure that we continue to
work to improve our understanding of the
history of protecting the rights of understanding the impact of decisions and
working practices upon them,” says Kate, needs of victims and how to provide the best
its members and I have who alongside her duties as Derbyshire’s possible service to them, this will also have a
DCC, has also taken on the role of Covid lead. positive impact on trust and confidence of
witnessed the support it provides “It’s taken a lot of my time. Covid-19 has our communities,” she continues, “It is
meant that we have had to change working important that we understand these
on a number of different practices, enforce regulations and operate in demands to equip our workforce to deal with
a completely different way,” she says. them through personal skills development,
occasions. The presence of “Covid-19 has been with use for over a technology and training.
year now and there is still a way to go, the “I have been impressed by the analytical
committed and knowledgeable longevity of the issue makes it feel like a real work that has been undertaken and the
reps across Derbyshire should slog.” information that is now available to help
target our work and understand the demand
Kate says the rules and regulations that
reassure officers they have a are frequently changing has proved difficult, and risk.
adding: “There is often very little time to “The challenge now is to ensure everyone
need for the support of the understand these or to relate to our understands how to access this information
communities. and use it to inform their work.”
”
Federation. “However, I never cease to be impressed So, through all of the highs and lows,
at how police forces have responded to the what is the best advice Kate has ever been
challenges, along with the personal given? She recalls a sergeant telling her not
was first implemented, which has helped the sacrifices and commitment individuals have to try to cover up any of the mistakes she
region improve its response to homicides. made. I am really proud and privileged to be made.
Of course, the job can be testing too, part of that response.” “He said, come to me and I will help you
with Kate explaining: “I have felt under Despite the ongoing pandemic, Kate says sort them out,” she adds, “He went on to say
pressure and challenged by what is in front she has really enjoyed transferring over to he would not be as sympathetic if I made the
of me but I have people around me to the Force: “There is a lot of good work going same mistake twice.
support me, which means I have been able on in Derbyshire Police, being performed by “Specific, I know, but I genuinely believe
to meet all challenges head-on. dedicated and committed individuals. that we should be honest when we have
“I am a firm believer that a combined “I still feel like there is a lot for me to done something wrong and acknowledge
effort of a team is one of the most powerful learn and I look forward to my future with our mistakes in order to learn from them.”
assets the police service has and I value
being part of it,” added Kate, who confesses
that she has spent most of her career
ensuring that she makes the most of any
opportunities that come her way.”
Kate also acknowledges the support she
“ I never cease to be impressed at how police forces have
responded to the challenges, along with the personal sacrifices and
and her colleagues get from the Federation
too, referring particularly to their recent commitment individuals have made. I am really proud and priviliged
”
campaign calling for officers to be given
priority during the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
to be part of that response.
“The Federation has a strong history of
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