federationSouth Focus Spring 2020 focus SPRING 2020

Policing at a time of national crisis

South Wales Police Federation Member services and Federation views

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Number One Police Credit Union Limited trading as No1 CopperPot Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by thePage Financial 2 Conduct Authority and the PrudentialSouth RegulationWales Police Authority. Federation Firm Reference www.swpf.org Number 213301. For details visit http://www.fca.org.uk. South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020 We will weather this storm By Steve Treharne The public now understands and supports Chair of South us like never before, with confidence in our Wales Police ability to police remaining consistently Contact us: Federation high. For general divisional enquiries, please first contact In this crisis, we will again step up to your divisional Federation representative as the staff at the office are unable to deal with divisional We are in a the plate and deliver, just like we always do. issues. situation we have We will have to do things differently. This You can contact the Federation office as follows: not faced before, may be uncomfortable for a time, however, Write to: these are we have to do so. How we do this, and how Federation Office unprecedented effective the police service is, will be shaped Police House, Heol y Groes, times and, as by our leaders. Pencoed, CF35 5PE human beings, we Good and bad leadership will be hugely Telephone: are consumed by a huge array of emotions amplified during this time. It’s what our 01656 869900 and concerns. We will weather this storm leaders do now by their actions (or not) to Or you can email us as follows: and emerge into the light. look after our people that will define [email protected] There will be testing times for us all but careers. I want to reflect upon the qualities we Many of you have reached out with your For other matters, please contact: Steve Treharne, chair possess as police officers and what concerns and the difficulties you are facing. [email protected] illuminates us as a shining beacon for good. We expect our leaders to listen and work Internal 21-763 We are the police service, the best police with you to find a solution that can work for service in the world. all. There has to be flexibility on both sides Clare Biddlecombe, secretary and equality lead Our greatness comes from the people in finding that common goal. [email protected] that we are, our commitment, values and Internal 21-760 I would urge you to have conversations stubbornness to get the job done in the with your supervisors and managers where Danny Ahearn, case adviser most trying of circumstances. We join with you are experiencing difficulties. Work with [email protected] Internal 21-764 an intent to make a real difference to our them to see if any solution can be found. (Discipline/UPP) communities, to make this a safer place to Often there will be solutions, and these will live for our families, friends and wider be easier to achieve when there is the desire Darran Fenton, health and safety lead [email protected] communities, to protect our vulnerable and on both sides. bring forward the bad people in society to As your Federation, we are here to Kay Bennett, general manager face their justice. support you, now and in the future. We are [email protected] Our qualities have never been more working extremely closely with the Force to Internal 21-762 needed than now. But our ability to keep on look after your health and welfare and our (Flint House/Group Insurance Scheme) delivering can only be accomplished if we voice (your voice) is being listened to. More information about the Federation, regulations all look after each other. It is our duty to do Please continue to raise any matters of and latest news items can be found at www.swpf.org this first and foremost. Then, and only then, concern that you are experiencing at this we are able to effectively look after extremely difficult time and we will everyone else. continue to flag up these issues at the Policing has been through some highest levels. incredibly difficult times over the years, I am convinced that we will come out of Every care is taken to ensure that advertisements are only accepted notably since 2010 and the onslaught of this crisis stronger, with a greater bond to from bona fide advertisers. The Police Federation cannot accept the financial cuts we have had to endure. liability incurred by any person as a result of a default on the part each other. We will undoubtedly go on to of an advertiser. The views expressed within this magazine are not There was a concerted campaign to prove that we really are the best police necessarily the views of the South Wales Joint Branch Board. undermine us as a service in the public eyes, service in the world. Federation Focus is published by so as to allow the cuts to take place with Please take care of yourselves, provide South Wales Police Federation. little public resistance. as much support as you can for colleagues Produced by XPR (UK) Ltd www.xpruk.com We have witnessed the turning tide. and look out for each other.

In this edition… Coronavirus: Hundreds more Officers in brave New conduct regs support on officers to get attempt to rescue aim to promote hand Taser elderly man trapped learning and Page 4 Page 6 in house blaze development Page 7 Page 8

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 3 South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Coronavirus: support on hand wide range of organisations are worked alongside available to help officers who fall into business partners to A financial difficulty during the offer member benefits coronavirus crisis. and discounts on a South Wales Police Federation chair range of products. Steve Treharne has urged members to get in These partners are touch with them as early as possible if they now stepping up to feel they may be starting to feel up against the mark to help you it as the effects of the COVID-19 crisis bite with your finances and across all communities. wellbeing.” With the threat of reduced household Visit the incomes and stresses on mental health, Federation’s financial Steve says officers should not be afraid to support page for ask for support. more information or “These are testing times and the contact the South uncertainty we face can have a big effect on Wales Police our mental wellbeing due to the nature of Federation office our roles,” he says. staff, full-time “The current crisis could also add to that officials or workplace with personal financial situations piling on representatives if you the pressure. are worried about “The Federation can help you access a your finances or wide range of support organisations who wellbeing. can provide practical help, such as advice on Guidance and managing your finances, making a credit resources relating to card payment or taking a mortgage coronavirus, in payment holiday.” particular in a Belinda Goodwin, national wellbeing policing context, secretary for the Police Federation of have been brought England and Wales, has admitted the together in one growing crisis will bring ‘unprecedented place on an online financial, mental health and physical hub by Oscar Kilo, problems’ for officers and their families. the National Police “There’s no escaping the fact finances Wellbeing Service. will be stretched to breaking point at Oscar Kilo is also working to support and around welfare and wellbeing. times,” she added. “Please don’t bury your guide forces through the crisis and help Members can access advice from the head in the sand and think this will just them to communicate key messages to Government, the NHS and the World Health pass over.” officers and staff and is advising the Organisation by visiting the COVID-19 “For many years the Federation has National Police Chiefs’ Council response Coronavirus Hub. ‘Coronavirus cough’: tougher sentences may be needed South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Prosecutions, said he was ‘appalled’ and “As a result, we fully support national Treharne says he is right behind calls for said that anyone who threatens a key Federation chair John Apter who is trying stronger laws to be put in place if members worker as they do their job will be to get tougher laws introduced if this kind of the public continue to ‘coronavirus prosecuted. of abhorrent act continues in the current cough’ in officers’ faces. Steve said: “Officers across the country climate.” While thankfully only a number of are working long hours in testing John said: “Yes, there are already limited incidents have taken place so far, conditions to keep the public safe and offences already available, but they are they have, however, seen police officers informed during these unprecedented generally minor and do not attract the level around the country spat or coughed at times. So, I can hardly imagine how they of seriousness they deserve. with the threat or intent of passing on must feel to be put under the threat of “We need to see a strong response for COVID-19 in the process. catching COVID-19 by somebody coughing those who assault our 999 colleagues in This has led to the Crown Prosecution or spitting in their face, while they are out this way - those dedicated men and women Service (CPS) threatening a charge of doing their jobs. who are putting their lives on the line common assault to those who do it and “I cannot understand the thought during this crisis. the Police Federation of England and Wales process of someone who would carry out “Until then, I will keep pushing this as (PFEW) calling for even more robust laws if such a degrading and dangerous act on an issue because our emergency service the situation worsens. someone who is trying to keep the public workers deserve nothing less,” he Max Hill QC, Director of Public safe. concluded.

Page 4 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020

Do you have an underlying health condition?

South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Treharne is urging all officers with underlying health conditions to bring them to the attention of their supervisors. In a bid to do all they can to protect and support their staff, the Force needs to understand everyone’s individual condition to make proper assessments on their roles during the Federation helps fund coronavirus crisis. “Most officers with any underlying issues will have them on record with personal protection packs occupational health but we know examples of other officers where this South Wales Police Federation has helped protection,” he explained. is not the case,” says Steve. fund more than 3,000 personal protection “Our brave officers are protecting our “We know there will be some packs for officers in a bid to make them communities so it’s only right that we do sensitive issues but I urge people to safer while policing during the coronavirus everything we can to make them feel as bring them forward now because the crisis. safe as they can while doing so. Force will only be able to properly The kits are now being distributed and “We know that, quite rightly, officers support them if they are fully are in addition to the PPE currently being have been crying out for more protective informed. sourced by the Force. equipment as they face whatever comes “I also ask supervisors and The packs include hand sanitiser, gloves, their way during this crisis. managers to speak to their staff in a mask, an emergency blanket, steri-wipes “Stories from around the UK of officers turn to make sure nobody is missed if and plasters. being spat at highlights the personal they need extra help during these Federation chair Steve Treharne said dangers they are facing on the public’s difficult times.” more of them would be ordered if behalf. necessary. “So, as a Federation, we were keen to “In order to further support our get involved and I am pleased these kits members on the front-line, we have made a have arrived and are now making their way Lodges closed significant investment in partnership with to the people who need them. We can order South Wales Police to give them some extra more if the demand is there.” The two Federation lodges at the Llanteglos Estate in Amroth Pembrokeshire are now closed until 1 May 2020 due to the coronavirus Let’s Talk Money and coronavirus outbreak. No further bookings will be taken Police Mutual has produced a special the police until it becomes clearer as to when edition of its ‘Let’s Talk Money’ service during the lodges could re-open. newsletters to focus on coronavirus. the current “We took the sad decision to close Police Mutual originally launched crisis and, in the lodges in support of the the newsletters as part of the Police addition to Government’s actions to try to slow Federation of England and Wales’ the he spread of the virus,” says Steve ongoing officer wellbeing campaign. newsletter, Treharne, chair of South Wales Police The special edition gives an outline also gives Federation, “We will continue to of Government measures to help access to a monitor the situation as it develops people through the financial effects of Care Line and provide updates as appropriate. the pandemic and includes a list of top Service and We also be in contact with all tips for keeping your finances in check. a health and colleagues who have made bookings It also offers suggestions for wellbeing during this period to provide looking after your physical and mental e-portal. immediate refunds. health. You can “Thanks for your understanding Police Mutual is keen to support read the newsletter. and continued support.”

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 5 South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Pensions update

Members of public service pension schemes with relevant service will be automatically entitled to the remedy to the unlawful age discrimination within the transitional arrangements identified by the Court of Appeal, it has been confirmed. Economic secretary to the Treasury John Glen announced in a Written Ministerial Statement all relevant members will benefit from the remedy to the discrimination, regardless of whether they have made a claim. This means the remedy will apply to every Police Federation of England Hundreds more and Wales (PFEW) member subject to the discrimination and they will not have to bring a claim to ensure that their pension receives the same officers to get Taser treatment as those who have already brought claims. Mr Glen said: “I would like to he Force has been given the funding it of our respondents actually had that access. reassure members that their pension sought to give more than 330 officers I am sure that number has increased since entitlements are safe.” Taccess to Taser. that time but these figures do illustrate that After ‘constructive engagement The Police and Crime Commissioner officers see the benefit of having Taser at with trade unions, staff associations, submitted a bid for £273,075 of the their disposal. public service employers and other £10 million ring-fenced funding for the “As a result, the Federation has been stakeholders’, the Government is devices announced by the Government late campaigning for an increased roll-out of continuing to work through the last year and, along with 41 other forces Taser for many years now but, of course, it details of the technical design across England and Wales, was successful in has been difficult for the Force to meet our elements of the proposals. securing the amount it wanted. Two forces demands due to the pressures on their Detailed proposals will be did not seek any money for extra Tasers. budgets as a result of the Government’s cuts published later this year and will be South Wales’ allocation of 331 was the programme.” subject to public consultation. third highest nationwide, with only the In bidding for a share of the £10 million The announcement follows the which will receive budgeted by the Government, Police and Government’s decision in July 2019 to almost £2m for 2,382 devices, and Crime Commissioners across England and take steps to remove the Lancashire, which will get £313,500 for an Wales sought a total of 7,923 Tasers at a discrimination retrospectively. uplift of 380, receiving more. cost of £6.5m. The new money is intended to The Court of Appeal previously “At a time when more and more officers cover until March 2021. ruled the Government’s transitional are being injured in violent attacks, this Neither North Yorkshire or Staffordshire protections introduced for judges and funding is very welcome,” says Steve made a bid for funding. The lowest bid was firefighters were discriminatory on the Treharne, chair of South Wales Police made by Gloucestershire (30) followed by grounds of age. Federation. Cleveland (48) and West Mercia and The announcement confirms “Officers must be given the training and Wiltshire (52 each). PFEW’s previous communications and equipment to protect themselves and the A total of £150,000 has been allocated to belief that members who had been public and Taser has become an essential support the training of Taser instructors discriminated against by the part of modern day policing. with the remainder of the £10m being used transitional arrangements would be “In the most recent Police Federation to tackle serious violence and county lines entitled to the remedy without the survey on routine arming which was carried drug gangs. need to make a claim. out in 2017, only 39 per cent of South A recent snap-shot poll conducted by the This statement does not cover Wales respondents said they felt all officers national Federation suggested 89 per cent of compensation for claims involving should receive training and be armed at all officers would want to routinely carry Taser hurt feelings or for any other financial times when on duty but 84 per cent said after being given appropriate training with loss. they would like to have Taser at all times nearly 97 per cent saying their colleagues Read more about pensions. when on duty. At that time, just 15 per cent should be allowed to carry the devices.

Page 6 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Officers in brave attempt to rescue elderly man trapped in house blaze

wo officers have been nominated for the national Police Bravery Award for Tattempting to save the life of a 92-year-old man who was trapped in a burning building. PC Thomas Scourfield was off duty and driving back from the gym on 12 April 2019 when he spotted the blaze in Talbot Road, Baglan. He could hear someone screaming inside the property and forced his way in, where he discovered a woman throwing water onto an elderly man who was on the floor and on fire in the yard, near to the back door of the property. Sgt Geraint Jenkins, who was on the last day of his secondment to the arson reduction unit, was driving his fire service vehicle and was en route to an enquiry Thomas Scourfield. Geraint Jenkins. when he noticed thick black smoke hose but this was proving ineffective as the barbecue gas canisters in the shed so made billowing from the rear of the same water flow was very weak. a quick assessment and moved the property. Having guided the woman to safety, PC barbecue to a safe enough distance away, He scaled the walls of the property and Scourfield went back into the address and before returning to the injured man. discovered it was a shed engulfed in fire into the kitchen to attempt to rescue the The man had severe and extensive and, he could see the motionless body of man from the other side of the property, burns to his head, face and body and was the elderly man on the ground surrounded but the outside structure had now fallen not breathing. Despite this, Sgt Jenkins by flames. Panels from the shed were completely on him and only his hands could attempted CPR until the arrival of the disintegrating and falling onto the man on be seen. paramedics and air ambulance doctors. the floor. Sgt Jenkins tried to reach the man but Unfortunately, the man was Believing the windows would shatter at could not do so due to the intensity of the pronounced dead at the scene. any moment due to the intense heat, PC fire. He instructed members of the Both officers have been nominated for Scourfield guided the woman, who had household to soak towels for him to use to the national Police Bravery Awards by South visible burns to her hands and forehead, protect himself and then covered himself Wales Police Federation. The awards are held out of the property. with saturated towels so he could pull the in London and honour some of the finest Family members were trying to spray man from the fire. officers in England and Wales for incredible water onto the elderly man with a garden He then realised there were possibly acts of bravery, while on or off duty. Claim tax relief on your subs Members can claim tax relief on their Federation subscriptions. and also the cost of dry cleaning and laundry of uniforms. The amount you can claim in each tax year varies slightly as In theory, if the costs exceed £140 in a tax year, then an officer subscriptions are revised annually. Normally, the tax relief will be can write to the Inland Revenue to claim a further allowance but applied through an allowance in your PAYE code. they would be required to produce receipts to support the extra Uniformed police officers are also entitled to claim an expenditure claimed. allowance of £140 (from 6 April 2008) to cover the costs of Contact the Federation office for a template letter to claim renewals and repairs of footwear conforming to Police Regulations your rebate.

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 7 South Wales Focus Spring 2020 New conduct regs aim to promote learning and development

ew conduct and performance Reflective Practice Review Process • You will be referred to the Performance Requires regulations aimed at for reviewing officerImprovement and participating (PRI) and Reflective Practice processofficer N by your line manager or PSD for underperformance • You will be referred to the Reflective Practice changing the blame and or conduct not amounting to misconduct or gross process by your line manager or PSD for misconduct underperformance or conduct not amounting to punishment culture to one of misconduct or gross misconduct learning and development • You will ask the officer for their •account You must and be you notified may undertake in writing proportionate fact finding to satisfy yourself that• The you stages fully understandwill be explained the issues to you and that the matter is still suitable to be dealt• Youwith will by Reflectivegive an account Practice within five working days • You must be told either orally or in writing came into effect on 1 • If in the unlikely event during your• Be fact open, finding reflective you discover and consider that the what breach you iscould far • You will be invited to give an account within five more serious that it may justify formalhave done disciplinary better action you should stop your working days February. fact finding and refer the matter• Thisback isto about the AA learning not disciplinary proceedings • Be open, reflective and consider what you could have done better The new regulations • This is about learning not disciplinary proceedings provide officers with the • In all circumstances following your• A basicfact finding but proportionate you will need investigation to arrange a by your manager chance to undertake meeting with the officer concerned • Your line manager can, if they believe it would be helpful to the process, conduct a process of reflective practice with their factfinding of the circumstances

line manager if their • This discussion should be arranged• Your as soonmanager as practicable may refer and back be to a PSDconstructive for dialogue, reflecting on what happened,reassessment why, lessons If during learnt fact and finding actions substantial to performance requires prevent a recurrence new evidence comes to light which suggests • Learning points can be establishedmatter at this is stagemore for serious both thanthe officer had previously and the been • If during fact finding substantial new evidence organisation thought comes to light which suggests the matter is more improvement by discussing serious than had previously been thought your manager may refer back to PSD for reassessment how the issue can be • The discussion should be as soon as practicable • Constructive dialogue avoided in the future, • Reflection • The discussion should be as soon as practicable • Actions to put matters right if appropriate • Constructive dialogue accepting what happened • Learning points will be identified for both you and • Reflection the organisation • Actions to put matters right if appropriate • After the discussion stage you will need to write this all up to send to AA and then moving forward - • Learning points may be identified for both you The report can include actions such as: AND the organisation • Management meetings instead of facing punitive • Mentoring • Shadowing other officers • Training The report can include actions such as: • Proportionate restorative action action for minor issues. • Your written report will close the Reflective Practice process and should• Mediation • Management meetings/mediation • Learning action plan summarise the previous stages • Welfare referral • Shadowing/mentoring by other officers There is also a higher • Identifying the lessons learnt, remedial• Or no furtheractions actiontaken toif appropriatedate and, if appropriate, • Proportionate restorative action remedial actions still to be taken along with basic time scales • Training and learning action plan/PDR entry threshold for disciplinary • Or no further action if appropriate • Once your line manager submits the report that is action, meaning conduct the end of the matter and, apart from a review of • Once you are happy and have submittedany outstanding your report action that plans, is the youend canof the move on • Once your line manager submits the report that is proceedings will be only be matter and, apart from reviewing any outstanding action plans both, you and the the end of the matter and, apart from a review of triggered if the wrongdoing officer can move on any outstanding action plans, you can move on warrants at least a written warning, while low-level outcomes have been removed. The harsher outcomes are balanced by Misconduct hearing the fact that more officers will be diverted l Final written warning two to five years acknowledged investigations should away from the misconduct arena and only l Reduction in rank in exceptional normally be dealt with within a 12-month serious matters will be escalated. circumstances where the rank was an period which is something we will Phill Matthews, the Federation’s issue continue to push for through our Time national conduct and performance lead, l Dismissal. Limits campaign. said: “The Federation has spent many years The new regulations also bring in other “Protracted, disproportionate lobbying for a culture change in police changes including opportunities for early investigations are hellish for officers and discipline - away from blame and review of allegations. This means that if at have ruined both the working and home punishment and towards learning and any time before a meeting or hearing it lives of some due to the enormous amount performance. appears the allegation no longer meets the of stress and anguish they are put through. “There needs to be a shift in mindset high threshold test for disciplinary “But there is still more work to be done whereby forces are alive to the fact that proceedings the matter can be reassessed and we will continue to work with the mistakes, errors or poor working practice and discontinued or moved into the Home Office, chiefs, HMICFRS and the can be corrected and learned from - not Reflective Practice Review Process. Independent Office for Police Conduct to just by the individual but by the whole They also set time limits. If an monitor how it’s being implemented service - and learnt from quickly. But investigation is not completed in 12 across forces, so our members are treated culture change does not happen overnight months a report detailing why must be sent more fairly in the future.” and will need everyone’s backing for this to to the police and crime commissioner from All Federation conduct and work.” the Appropriate Authority, and every six performance liaison officers have been Disciplinary action outcomes under the months after that detailing why there has fully briefed and trained in the new new regulations starting with the least been a delay and what is still required. regulations. Members with any concerns severe Phill has particularly welcomed this should contact the Federation office. Misconduct meeting development. Read the Home Office Guidance on l A written warning- 18 months He explained: “We are massively how the new regulations should be l Final written warning - two years. encouraged the Home Office has interpreted.

Page 8 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020 IOPC vows to work more closely with the Federation Moves by the police watchdog to work officers – to have allegations drag on. And l A new streamlined investigation process closer with the Federation to improve the we know that lengthy investigations can for lower-risk cases, which has helped to timeliness of investigations have been and do impact on officers’ lives. reduce the average time it takes to welcomed by South Wales branch chair “The Federation has long called for complete investigations. Steve Treharne. investigations to be completed within 12 l Engaging extensively with the The action is included in a new report months, and we will continue to push for Federation and other staff associations by Michael Lockwood, the director general this through our Time Limits campaign. It’s to develop a respectful relationship and of the Independent Office for Police encouraging to see Mr Lockwood greater co-operation to action any Conduct (IOPC), on its efficiency, acknowledge some of the IOPC’s concerns. effectiveness and profile. investigations have taken too long and that l A multi-disciplinary Critical Case Panel, Steve said it was an encouraging step he’s looking to address it. chaired by the director general, which and that Federation would continue to “One step would be a focus on training now oversees particularly complex or campaign to bring in a 12-month time limit investigators – particularly around high-risk cases to ensure cross- on investigations. disclosure – and for all outstanding legacy organisational support and assurance “While we must maintain and improve cases to be reviewed to establish if they can that work is properly resourced. professional standards, there must be be closed off sooner rather than later.” l New opportunities for users to feedback consideration as to the welfare of officers Mr Lockwood’s report was responding and challenge the IOPC’s work, including and to the timeliness of investigations,” to a letter from the , Priti the introduction of restorative practice said Steve. Patel, asking him to provide a debriefs, which will allow users to “We look forward to working with Mr comprehensive plan for delivering discuss any concerns directly with IOPC Lockwood’s team to maintain and build on improvements in the timeliness and quality staff. our relationship so that we can ensure the of investigations as well as better scrutiny l An External Stakeholder Reference best outcomes for Federation members. around any decision making. Group, consisting of a range of statutory “It cannot be in anyone’s best interests Proposed actions included in the report and non-statutory external stakeholders, – be they the public, the Force or individual include: to challenge and influence work. Federation seeks five per cent pay rise for officers Police officers need a five per cent pay rise l The removal of the lowest two pay basic living wage. This sticks in the from 1 September this year to recognise points for constables to help throat when you hear Government their role in society, help with recruitment recruitment ministers say how much they support and encourage serving officers to stay in l The shortening of the constables’ and our police officers. Support needs to the police service, according to the Police sergeants’ pay scales so officers reach be more than kind words. Federation. the top faster, and “Over the past year we have seen The Federation and the l The introduction of new top pay scale police officers undertaking extreme Superintendents’ Association make their points for all ranks, to incentivise acts of bravery such as confronting case for the five per cent pay uplift across retention. terrorist to protect the public; and all ranks in one of 20 recommendations in The recommendations form part of a tragically we have also lost colleagues their annual submission to the Police 143-page report submitted to PRRB and in the line of duty. All of which Remuneration Review Body (PRRB). compiled by the Federation’s research and highlight the risks police officers face “Police officers carry out a unique role policy support department. every day. It truly is a job like no in society and in serving and protecting National Federation chair John Apter other.” the public often put themselves at risk, explains: “For too many years police Last year, the Government sometimes with tragic consequences,” officers have been treated with contempt implemented the PRRB says Steve Treharne, chair of South Wales by government with their pay having recommendations, having failed to do Police Federation, “But, despite this, they effectively been cut by 18 per cent in real so the two previous years with have seen their wages fall in real terms terms over the past decade. officers receiving a 2.5 per cent pay over the last few years. We need the “And while we are starting to see some rise on 1 September 2019. Government to act now to ensure officers positive moves from the new Government, A series of oral evidence sessions are fairly paid for the critical job they do ministers now need to show they are will now take place and the PRRB is and this five per cent pay rise would be a serious about their commitment to expected to make its final good starting point.” policing, by paying police officers fairly for recommendation to the Government The recommendations include: the uniquely challenging job they do. in July, with any pay award being l The introduction of a minimum “Some new recruits will be taking effective from 1 September 2020. starting salary £24,177 home just 15p an hour more than the Read the full submission.

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 9 South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Putting members’ wellbeing to the fore

By Darran Fenton, South Wales Police correctly as a crime. The other thought Toolkit. The toolkit is now up and running Federation health and safety lead behind this was to give an incentive to and is available on ‘BOB’ - the South Wales officers to report the assault on them in Police intranet. It serves as a central area of he effects of COVID-19 on the health the first instance rather than them information for the officers who are victims and economy of our country are just expecting that being assaulted on duty of an assault, the supervisors of the Tstarting to take a serious toll. was merely ‘part of the job’ – which it assaulted officers and their responsibilities I am absolutely certain that the sad loss absolutely is not! in reporting and providing various aspects of life and further detrimental effects to our At that time, we had an agreement of welfare, and also to the investigators of public events, sporting fixtures and with the Force Incident Managers that they the assaults. personal livelihoods will continue long after would email the on-call Fed rep with BODY ARMOUR, UNIFORM AND you are reading this. details of officers assaulted on duty as they EQUIPMENT While the news of the coronavirus became aware of them. While this worked, I am currently assisting my colleague Zac spread throughout the world is hard-hitting it became evident that we were still not Mader, one of the Region 7 national and tough to take, there have been a capturing all of the assaults. Federation representatives, with work number of developments within the South To understand the picture across the around uniform and equipment being Wales Police and South Wales Police Force, I set up saved searches on Niche to undertaken by the National Uniform Federation which, I am pleased to say, have capture assault reports on officers for each Working Group, which was set up by the had tangible benefits to the health, safety BCU and the whole of the Force. Each of the Home Office. and wellbeing of officers. full-time representatives began to run the Over the past six months or so, the ASSAULT AGAINST POLICE TOOLKIT saved searches regularly and contact was group has been looking at the general Following on from the high-profile Protect made to those officers who were a victim purpose body armour in use across the 43 the Protectors campaign of the national of an assault. UK police forces and other emergency Federation in the past five years, South As anticipated, the reporting of services. It has sought to formulate the Wales Police Federation created several of assaults on officers increased and, when requirements of the end users such as its own processes to increase contact and the policy was reviewed in 2019 we had to wearability and comfort over long periods provide additional support to members reduce the voucher to £15. of time, so that external companies could assaulted while carrying out their day-to- The full-time reps aim to make contact develop more appropriate and suitable day roles. with assaulted officers as soon as possible. body armour. I pointedly state ‘additional support’ as Contact is usually by email in the first The requirements have now been many supervisors and officers still instance, however, for more serious provided to various interested companies incorrectly assume that it is solely the assaults, they will endeavour to speak with and the next step is to see what the Federation’s role to provide that support. the officers personally by telephone or a companies have developed before a Section 2 of The Health and Safety at Work face-to-face visit. As the full-time reps are programme of testing commences. The Act clearly puts this responsibility on South also appointed health and safety reps, we new GP body armour is due to be rolled out Wales Police as the employer ‘to ensure the have been given authority to read any during the first part of 2021. health, safety and welfare at work of all his relevant documents, such as officer In recent months, several officers have employees’. statements and use of force forms to see contacted me with a variety of issues Towards the end of 2018, and just what issues the officers were faced with at around certain pieces of issued uniform before the Assaults on Emergency Workers the time of the assault and whether there and I will be taking these issues up with (Offences) Act came into being, we began to are any learning points to move forward uniform stores at the next opportunity, scrutinise the number of assaults and the with. COVID-19 permitting. severity of those attacks. It became The Chief Constable became aware of I would like to take this opportunity to apparent the reporting of such assaults was the increased levels of assaults that were thank the officers who have taken the time ad hoc at best and the service being being reported and, in the second half of to send me their concerns and would provided by the Force to officers assaulted, last year, one of his staff officers, PS Shaun encourage any officer who has a particular was inconsistent and patchy across the Thomas contacted the Federation around a concern with uniform or equipment to do BCUs. piece of work he had been tasked with likewise. Such matters can also be raised on In one of our Federation council focussing on assaults on officers, as well as our recently set up Facebook group page. meetings of 2018, a proposal by the the contact and welfare that followed. The coming months will no doubt be a outgoing chair Steve Trigg was passed so Over the coming months, we were very testing time for all across South Wales that we would send a £25 gift voucher to consulted frequently and were able to Police and officers can be assured that officers who were assaulted on duty as a provide assistance to PS Thomas in other fed reps and myself will be doing all goodwill gesture so long as it was reported developing the Assault Against Police we can to ensure that their health, safety

Page 10 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020

and wellbeing is the first consideration in (and ultimately the health, safety and by sufferers of these conditions who may all Force decisions. wellbeing of officers and staff) in getting have an equally valid case for officers to ESTATES the content of this form right so that, at the carry medication for saving their life. Several stations across the Force area are point of being completed, there is as much Police officers up and down the country now in a poor condition which is impacting data as possible obtained as easily and as attend incidents and take actions at those on the health, safety and wellbeing of quickly as possible. incidents to try to save life and limb on a officers and staff. In the Health and Safety I am very interested to see how this daily basis. However, it is not the primary Board meeting in November last year, the work develops in the coming months and role of the police service to save life. The BCU commanders and their representatives will provide updates as and when. oath that we all take details the other key were very vocal about the poor conditions NASAL NAXOLONE responsibilities of our role such as of some of the police stations in their In December last year, I was invited to a protecting property, maintaining public respective BCUs. This was also raised with meeting with other stakeholders to discuss order, preventing and detecting crime and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Alun a pilot in Western BCU that the Force were bringing offenders to justice. Michael, at our recent council meeting. looking to undertake with regard to issuing Even the College of Policing ‘Role Central, , Ton , officers with nasal Naxolone. Purpose’ for constables does not list saving and Bridgend Police Stations were Naloxone is an emergency antidote for life as part of the police’s core role and the all named as having a variety of serious overdoses caused by heroin and other same is omitted in the role of a police issues and taking these concerns on board, I opiates or opioids (such as methadone, officer as detailed by the National Careers have arranged a meeting with the BCU morphine and fentanyl). Service on their website. full-time Federation reps to devise a An effect of heroin and other opiates is Since austerity measures were programme of workplace inspections at to slow down and sometimes stop the introduced, the decrease in resourcing these stations in particular in the coming body’s automatic ability to breathe. levels in public services across the board has months. Naloxone blocks this effect and reverses the seen police forces often attending FORM UPDATE breathing difficulties. There has been a emergency calls where ambulance crews Over the past few years, I have made several reported spike in deaths from overdosing on are simply not available to attend. In certain representations at Force health and safety these substances across Western BCU and cases, officers become stranded at that boards about F64b, the form for reporting South Wales Police and other forces are also emergency until relieved by ambulance or accidents, injury, assaults, dangerous looking at this option. other NHS staff or, if they have to convey a occurences or near misses. In 2019, nasal Naxolone was added to casualty to hospital, they are left to wait in I have mentioned the way it is the list of medications that could be the queue for A & E with other ambulance- presented, the length of time it takes to supplied by workers in recognised drug led casualties. The knock-on effect is that complete and the lack of detail and data treatment centres to family members or their duties and responsibilities to the that can be extrapolated for organisational friends of heroin users for use in an communities they serve to prevent crime learning. So, you can imagine my delight emergency. and disorder become severely disrupted. when last year, I received an email from the This was a topic for discussion in the It is a very emotive subject to some Force’s health and safety adviser, Emma South Wales Police Federation council stakeholders which is understandable Arnold, inviting me and the other full-time meeting and there were a number of especially if they have lost friends or family Federation reps to discuss the potential pertinent objections to, not just the pilot, members in this manner. However, from benefits of replacing the form with a digital but the ultimate proposal to issue all personal experience and from the version. operational South Wales Police officers with experiences of officers I speak with, in the We had representatives at several this medication. The main objection that vast majority of cases, when they attend, meetings with other key department leads, arose was the ‘mission creep’ that this they find a family member, relative of friend feeding in suggestions and ideas. The brings into policing. There are other is already on scene. Due to the relaxing of discussions in the meetings highlighted emergencies that police officers have the law, it is now possible to issue this some key areas where the current form and attended where potentially life-saving medication to family members and close the processes involved in using the data medication could be issued such as asthma friends of opioid users for administering in were failing to deliver organisational inhalers, insulin, angina sprays or epi-pens the event they do overdose. This is learning opportunities to the Force. to name a few. The same arguments for something that should be encouraged in There are major benefits to the Force issuing nasal Naxolone could well be made the first instance and way before any move to issue police officers wholesale. The other major objection was around OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS OR SO, THE GROUP HAS the position this puts officers in when BEEN LOOKING AT THE GENERAL PURPOSE BODY things inevitably go wrong; their efforts to revive the person do not succeed and the ARMOUR IN USE ACROSS THE 43 UK POLICE FORCES well intentioned officers then become the AND OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES. IT HAS SOUGHT TO subject of lengthy investigations by “ Professional Standards Departments or the FORMULATE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE END USERS Independent Office for Police Conduct. SUCH AS WEARABILITY AND COMFORT OVER LONG The national Police Federation lead on this matter, Simon Kempton, has produced PERIODS OF TIME, SO THAT EXTERNAL COMPANIES a paper detailing the numerous objections to officers routinely carrying Naxolone and COULD DEVELOP MORE APPROPRIATE AND SUITABLE South Wales Police Federation’s objections BODY ARMOUR. echo these in their entirety.

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 11 Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. South Wales Focus Spring 2020

“Now the pressure’s gone, I can get back to my police work.” You never know when you’re going to need legal advice. Slater and Gordon have been advising and supporting Police Federation members for more than 60 years, taking the legal stress away and leaving you to focus on keeping people safe.

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PageCrime &12 misconduct allegations Personal injurySouth - on or Wales off duty PoliceFamily law Federation Employment lawwww.swpf.org Police pensions Wills, trusts and estates Conveyancing South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health

he stigma around mental health other and to encourage their colleagues The campaign follows a study by the in policing has to end, according to speak up if they are stressed or have Federation’s research and policy support Tto the chair of South Wales Police concerns about their mental wellbeing.” department which revealed the extent Federation. The campaign will build awareness to which officers are struggling with “Now the Steve Treharne says it’s time that of what signs to look out for and offer their mental wellbeing. mental health was treated as seriously as signposts to organisations offering To date it has been difficult to physical safety and encouraged members to support. determine the actual number of police pressure’s gone, support the Federation’s new Hear ‘Man Up’, “All too often people don’t recognise officers who take their own lives. Police Think ‘Man Down’ campaign. they are suffering with mental health forces have not routinely collected The campaign focuses on officers’ or emotional wellbeing issues, but their this data and, although the Office for I can get back to mental health and was launched on the friends and colleagues may do. That’s what National Statistics (ONS) collects data national Time To Talk Day at the start of this campaign is all about. It aims to help based on coroners’ verdicts, the figures my police work.” February. us spot the signs, to talk and to encourage often exclude either non-residents and/ Steve explained: “In all honesty, people to seek help,” says Steve. or PCSOs. It is also unclear whether You never know when you’re going to need everyone has their part to play in looking “Officers can access a wide range of retired or former police officers are legal advice. Slater and Gordon have been after their own wellbeing but also looking support and contacting the Federation is a routinely included in the figures. out for colleagues. This campaign should good starting point. We can point people in Official ONS figures show that advising and supporting Police Federation help put mental health on a par with the direction of specialist support services 66 police officers took their own lives members for more than 60 years, taking physical health. It’s all about getting rid that can really help.” between 2015 and 2017. the legal stress away and leaving you to of the stigma around mental health and Belinda Goodwin, the Federation’s Although significant improvements making sure everyone knows that it’s OK national wellbeing committee secretary, in mental health support have been focus on keeping people safe. to talk and it’s OK to open up if you are said: “If we can just get our members and made in recent years, the Federation struggling. reps to face any issues and seek help, then continues to press the Government “We want officers to look out for each it can only be a good thing.” and forces to provide earlier, better and more consistent support. For all life’s legal needs and with WE WANT OFFICERS TO LOOK OUT FOR As well as concentrating on mental offices throughout the UK. health, the campaign will focus on EACH OTHER AND TO ENCOURAGE THEIR physical and financial wellbeing. 0808 175 7805 Officers are being encouraged to support the campaign and to slatergordon.co.uk/police-law “COLLEAGUES TO SPEAK UP IF THEY ARE help promote the message that it’s OK to talk. Join in the campaign on STRESSED OR HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THEIR social media using the hashtags 24h criminal assistance #ManUpManDown and #PoliceWelfare. 0800 908 977 MENTAL WELLBEING. Find out more.

Crime & misconduct allegations Personal injury - on or off duty Family law Employment law Police pensions Wills, trusts and estates Conveyancing South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 13 South Wales Focus Spring 2020

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PageCrime &14 misconduct allegations Personal injurySouth - on or Wales off duty PoliceFamily law Federation Employment lawwww.swpf.org Police pensions Wills, trusts and estates Conveyancing South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Choosing the right divorce lawyer

By Ben Evans, senior on the appropriate legal strategy, putting specialist barristers who are experts in their associate in family law at forward your case fiercely and not being afraid field to represent you in court. Slater and Gordon to fight your corner is key to producing the An accessible team relationship you want and need in your lawyer Our dedicated family lawyers will work with The selection of a during what’s a highly personal and emotional you to keep you informed, working proactively strong legal partner can process. to prepare you for each stage of the process significantly influence the Appointing a forward-thinking lawyer and provide you with clarity in respect of outcome of your divorce who solves problems creatively and uses their costs. We’ll go the extra mile and allow you settlement. If you want specialist advice for expertise to provide you with commercially- to be the one who makes the decisions, while something important in your life then you go driven advice to help protect your interests helping you understand the consequences to the appropriately qualified professional, can help you achieve the fair and reasonable of those decisions and their impact on your such as a surgeon, dentist or optician. financial settlement that you deserve. divorce. Choosing your divorce lawyer is no different Access to the best experts We appreciate that as a police officer, and, as a police officer, making the right A lawyer who has experience of police you’re busy and require a lawyer who’s choice is vital. pensions upon divorce and has immediate accessible, whether that be at the Police Protecting your interests access to the best pension actuaries is Federation office or via email, Facetime, Skype You need to have trust and confidence that imperative, especially when it comes to or mobile. your lawyer has experience of the intricacies such a valuable asset as your police pension When faced with a breakdown of your of your role as a police officer, how you are that you’ve worked hard to contribute to marriage, it’s vital that you appoint a lawyer paid, your working patterns/over-time and throughout your working life and which could you feel comfortable with, who understands your police pension. be shareable upon divorce. what life as a police officer is like, shares and At Slater and Gordon, we have more than While an amicable solution will be supports your philosophy towards divorce and 20 years’ experience in divorce for the police considered and the upmost will be done to has a style that works for you. Divorce is our and our lawyers go through a vigorous police achieve a settlement without the need to business but, most importantly, we recognise training programme. We’ll work tirelessly to attend court, where this isn’t possible, you that this is your life. secure you the best possible outcome when need a lawyer who’ll be tough on your behalf If you would like specialist advice from faced with a breakdown of your marriage. and who has experience of proceeding to trial. a family lawyer please contact Slater and We appreciate that listening to what Your lawyer should use their expertise Gordon on 0808 175 7710 and we’ll be happy you want from a settlement, advising you to pursue your case vigorously, instructing to help.

Home Office consultation on Police Covenant The Home Secretary has launched exploitation. Their families too often fear for their safety or an eight-week consultation period are left to pick up the pieces when something goes wrong. on plans for a Police Covenant which “From day one, this Government has put our world-class will enshrine the welfare of officers, police first and prioritised their wellbeing. That’s why we have police staff and their families in law. committed to introducing a Police Covenant in England and The consultation will seek the Wales to recognise the exceptional job our front-line officers views of police officers, their families do in unique and challenging circumstances. and other stakeholders on how best “We are determined to give our officers the enhanced to protect the physical health and support they need, so I have accelerated work on this pledge mental wellbeing of officers and to protect both them and their loved ones. Our commitment also recognise their bravery and hard to ensuring our police have the recognition they deserve is work. absolute, so this Covenant will be enshrined in law. This will In a written statement to Home Secretary Priti leave no room for doubt, creating a statutory duty to do more Parliament, Priti Patel said ‘nothing Patel. to support our police.” is more important that ensuring Steve Treharne, chair of South Wales Police Federation, they (police officers) have the support, protection and has welcomed the consultation and urged officers to take recognition that they need to do their extraordinary job’ and the part. consultation would explore how the covenant can best deliver “This is your chance to have a say and influence the that. future,” says Steve, “The survey is easy to fill out and shouldn’t “Our outstanding police deserve the upmost respect, take too long and it could make a big difference in ensuring support and recognition,” she explained, “Brave officers put you, your colleagues, your families and the police officers their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, demonstrating of the future have the have the support, protection and remarkable courage, sacrifice and public duty. recognition they deserve. The job we do is like no other and “They face extraordinary pressure as they protect the this covenant will enhance the support officers receive.” people they tirelessly serve from terrorists, serious violence and Take part in the consultation.

South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org Page 15 South Wales Focus Spring 2020 Get to know your workplace reps Tony Molina meetings dealing with public order, Tony planning and a greater use of resources.” Tony Molina became a South Wales Police has in the past undertaken Federation He concludes. “The police do a very Federation workplace representative two courses in police performance and conduct hard job, the difficulties of which are years ago. regulations. exacerbated by light sentences for He joined the Force in October 2000 and He believes South Wales Police violence towards the police and other today works as an operational trainer in Federation should challenge the emergency services. We are the go-to Learning and Development (LD), part of K. Professional Standards Department (PSD) service for the other emergency services Division. to deal with outstanding complaints with or partner agencies when they have a lack He joined the Federation as soon as he greater efficiency and should provide of resources, and we are often stretched became an officer so he could seek advice important updates on pension issues. to our limits. It is important to keep and support should he need it and, with 18 He believes the Force should focus on informing the public just how hard the years’ service under his belt, decided to put improving both the working conditions police have to work.” himself forward to help colleagues. within the police force and officer welfare. Tony has spent 15 years in front-line “I believed I had the experience to assist “Issues such as the fight for more pay service, which has involved attachments officers,” says Tony, “Having gone through cannot be ignored,” states Tony, “I would to TST and 12 months in firearms. During the complaints procedure a couple of times, also like to prevent the cancellation of the past five years, he has worked in I felt that the Force sometimes investigates officers’ rest days by encouraging better operational training. officers when a common sense approach ISSUES SUCH AS THE FIGHT FOR MORE PAY CANNOT would be best so as not to be detrimental to the officer’s welfare and state of mind. BE IGNORED. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PREVENT “This has been my first term as a THE CANCELLATION OF OFFICERS’ REST DAYS BY workplace rep and it’s certainly been an eye opener and a great learning experience.” “ENCOURAGING BETTER PLANNING AND A GREATER USE With a keen interest in attending OF RESOURCES.

Ade Hughes increasingly younger workforce. very different pressures on officers.” Ade Hughes has seen some incredible “The face of modern-day policing has Ade joined South Wales Police changes in the Force in the six years since certainly changed since I joined the Federation in 2014 after a vacancy came he became a South Wales Police Federation Federation,” says Ade, “There has been a up on the board. workplace representative. large portion of retirements of experienced “Since then, I have attended a number With almost 25 years of experience in officers and the new younger generation of of Federation courses, including H & S, the job after joining in 1996, he has officers coming through face some new and misconduct and the advocates and certainly seen plenty of developments in difficult challenges, so, as a consequence, equality course. I really enjoy representing policing during a long career. they have a different approach to policing. officers in need,” he added. But Ade says there have been a huge “There are more and more complex “I have been working mainly in amount of movement in recent years as crimes being committed nowadays online response and neighbourhood policing new challenges present themselves to an and with phone technology so there are during my career with six years on CSI. I was also a PSU medic for 18 years and have THERE ARE MORE AND MORE COMPLEX CRIMES BEING travelled all over the UK with deployments COMMITTED NOWADAYS ONLINE AND WITH PHONE and first aid competitions. “I am now, and have been for the last TECHNOLOGY SO THERE ARE VERY DIFFERENT four years, in Western Hub and am the “PRESSURES ON OFFICERS. Western medical liaison officer.” ‘Pre-charge bail must change’ Federation custody officers are helping to reshape failing pre- work for both suspects and victims – it cannot be one-sided. charge bail laws by feeding into the Government’s consultation. “This forum is an excellent opportunity for us to shape Officials from the Home Office met with members at the Police future legislation to make the system better for our members Federation of England and Wales’ (PFEW) National Custody Forum and society. We look forward to continuing this piece of work to discuss how the process can be improved and to take on board with the Home Office in the coming months.” its suggestions. Some of the suggestions made to the Home Office Police Chris Bentley, chair of the National Custody Forum, said: “The Powers Unit included extending the initial bail period from 28 28-day time limit on pre-charge bail was a predicable disaster. days to three months and for it to be approved by a custody However, the Home Office is keen to get it right this time it seems officer instead of an inspector. by taking our views seriously and by wanting to involve us in the The Home Office will continue to liaise with the Federation consultation process from start to finish. and other policing stakeholders before the consultation closes “Any reforms must make the law fairer, fit for purpose and on 29 April.

Page 16 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org