federationWest Midlands Police Federation June/July 2019

‘More Taser trained officers needed’ – see Page 4

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MFL A4 Police Divorce Advert.indd 1 15/11/2018 15:07 Welcome What’s inside Welcome to the June/July 2019 edition of federation - the magazine 04 Chair’s introduction for members of 18 Federation. 06 Pay and morale: have your say We are always on the look-out for good news stories so please get in touch if you have something to share 07 Queen honours Force’s lead with colleagues. It does not have to chaplain relate to your policing role – though we are definitely interested in hearing 20 EveryonePause - menopause about what’s going on around the survey results published Force. Do you have an interesting hobby or perhaps you are involved in 21 Preparing for retirement? sport locally, as a player, a manager, a coach? Tim welcomes breakthrough on 22 ’Good’ rating for Force in PEEL Just get in touch and let us know. response driving legislation inspection We would also be interested to hear 23 Putting the emphasis on what you would like to see featured in 08 Campaign timeline your magazine. quality training 10 Brave officers put forward for national award 10 ‘Government must act on 24

Published by: crime’ XPR (UK) Ltd 11 Sophie wins Police Officer of Editor: Rich Cooke, chair the Year Award Deputy editor: Chris Cooper, Member services team leader Clocking up the miles ahead of [email protected] 12 charity challenge Design and sub-editing: XPR (UK) Ltd 25 New National Police Wellbeing Contact us: Service Guardians House, 2111 Coventry Road, Sheldon, , 26 How does a court deal with B26 3EA finances on divorce? A real life Telephone: story 0121 752 4900 Federation’s conduct lead Email: looks back on his career as 27 Support police widows [email protected] he heads into retirement 27 Federation roadshow stops at www.polfed.org/westmids Federation is printed by XPR (UK) Ltd on behalf 14 TRiM: ensuring a consistent of West Midlands Police Federation. 29 Does the common law spouse The articles published do not necessarily reflect approach Force-wide the views of the Branch Council. The editor exist? reserves the right to reject or edit any material 15 New survey reveals one in five 31 Ashley books a crime-fighting submitted. officers has PTSD Every care is taken to ensure that panda advertisements are accepted only from bona 16 Knife Angel leaves the city fide advertisers. The Police Federation cannot 33 West Midlands Police accept liability for losses incurred by any person as a result of a default on the part of an 17 PM must act on knife crime Benevolent Fund advertiser. All material is copyright and may not be 17 Force receives more funding to 35 West Midlands Police reproduced without the express permission of tackle violent crime Federation workplace reps the editor. Advertisers 02 McAlister, family law 32 George Burrows, Group Insurance 27 Warren & Co, independent Scheme mortgage advice 33 Gorvins, police and family law 28 Slater & Gordon, family law 34 NARPO, member services 30 Police Insure, motor, home and 34 First Call Financial, independent motorcycle insurance mortgage advice 31 Irwin Mitchell, family law 36 Slater & Gordon, police law www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 03 Chair’s introduction We still need more Taser trained officers

a threatening situation so it’s understandable that in a routine arming survey carried out by the Police Federation of and Wales in 2017 82 per cent of In a routine West Midlands officers said they would like to have access to Taser at all times while on arming survey in 2017 duty. At that point, only 15 per cent of our respondents, for whom it was relevant to 82 per cent of West their role, actually had that access. It is perhaps worth noting that in the same Midlands officers said survey less than half (42 per cent) said they were in favour of routine arming, although they would like access 63 per cent said they would be prepared to to Taser at all times carry a firearm at all times while on duty. It would be interesting to see the results while on duty. if this survey was carried out now. While I am sure we would see an increase on that 15 per cent of our officers with access to Taser, I am afraid that number might plateau. The current uplift of Taser trained from the front where the occasion demands. officers will come to end later this year and, Only last week a sergeant based at as I said at the outset, I am pleased at how was attacked by a deranged man By Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands Police far we have come. We have kept the focus on armed with a metal bar who was eventually Federation officer safety at a high level in our Force and Tasered. This type of incident where officers I want to ensure that continues. are attacked with weapons is alarmingly y the end of this year just under half But let’s be clear, I won’t be satisfied regular. We all deserve the tools to defend of our front-line officers – and mainly until all our front-line and custody officers ourselves. BPCs – will have been trained and have the opportunity to carry Taser. As the So, I will be continuing to call for an equipped with Taser. recent widely shared video of officers in increased roll-out of Taser until all front-line This represents great progress and I am Wolverhampton, who were being subjected and custody officers have received the pleased, and grateful, with how far we have to a vicious attack from a suspect shows, training and been issued with the devices come in terms of rolling out these devices Taser can prevent far more serious injury and and I strongly believe the Government since they not only enable officers to end a violent incident quickly and safely. should be providing the funding to enable effectively protect the public from However, I don’t only want to see our forces to do this, for the benefit of police potentially dangerous people but also allow front-line PCs equipped with Taser but also officers and the communities they serve. them to protect themselves. their sergeants, inspectors and chief Moving on from Taser, I would just like to Statistics back up our contention that inspectors. We need supervisors fully able to raise awareness of the great pressures Force often just drawing Taser is enough to defuse support their bobbies and genuinely leading CID is under right now. 04 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids and all affected members. I continue to raise this issue at the Federation’s National Council and challenge the current view at every opportunity. But I remain of the view that should the challenge (of which I am a member) succeed, the likelihood is all affected members will benefit although what I would like to see is the Federation nationally try to guarantee this by instituting claims on behalf of all members now. Taser training. Stop and search The department is engaged in short Earlier this year, aiming to empower officers notice changes. Demand is far outstripping Pensions challenge tackling the ever-growing knife crime crisis, supply. The volume of murders, shootings The Government has set aside almost Home Secretary Sajid Javid decided to relax and other serious incidents has continued to £30 billion to cover the potential cost if it is the ‘Best Use of Stop and Search’ protocol, increase. We have 11 unsolved murders from not granted the right to appeal a Court of introduced by Theresa May in 2014, for the past 12 months, including eight which Appeals decision on judges’ and firefighters’ several forces including ours. are gang-related. We also have other very pensions, a decision which could impact on You would be forgiven for thinking chief serious crimes that remain unsolved. police pensions. officers would jump at the chance of once Changes, which will be disruptive and Incidentally, we still don’t know whether again allowing rank and file operational unsettling to officers, are being made in an the Government will be allowed to appeal. officers to use enhanced search powers, effort to make sure we are effectively The background to this is that on 20 known as ‘S60’, dynamically to suppress and servicing critical areas of business. But this December 2018, the Court of Appeal ruled tackle emerging threats of serious violence. will have a knock-on effect on other areas the Government’s transitional pension Sadly, in my opinion, the Force has affecting our service to the wider arrangements offered to some judges and decided it would be altogether safer to retain community. firefighters amounted to unlawful the authorising rank at Mrs May’s preference, The Force is committed to maintaining a discrimination. The Chief Secretary to the that is chief officer level. Greater Manchester focus on burglary dwelling and robbery but Treasury announced this ruling could cost Police has done something similar insisting inevitably the investigation of other offences around £4 billion a year if extended to all on an authorising rank of superintendent. may be adversely affected. Of course, applicable public service pension schemes. This will ensure enough barriers remain so funding is a primary cause of this, but there The Government challenged the Court of the power is rarely used. This is partly down are arguably others factors coming into play Appeal’s decision. The Pension Challenge to fears of ‘perception’ on the ground and too. group, acting on behalf of a number of police concerns young people stopped and found The Federation has long argued the officers, asked the Treasury whether this was with drugs might be ‘unnecessarily current operating model is not fit for being treated as a contingent liability. It criminalised’. purpose and leads to mass de-skilling of explained that schemes have made I have clearly communicated my views to officers in areas which are no longer their provisions of £29.5 billion in respect of a the Chief Constable. For me, this represents a day job. Hence we have response officers potential increase in liabilities. problem of trust. Increasingly we see a ‘top well drilled in handling and managing a If the Government appeal went ahead down’ approach to policing, a risk aversion scene but losing basic investigatory and was then lost, the Treasury would not which is denying rank and file officers the expertise. Then, on the other hand, we have expect that to affect scheme contribution ability to act dynamically and decisively to investigative officers who are no longer rates until beyond the period to 2023 which supress crime. emergency drivers and have been off the are in the process of being set. As such, this Fears of ‘perception’ and worries about streets for some time. case represents a longer term fiscal risk ‘reputation’ weigh far too highly in my view I believe, if we are going to maintain the rather than one that would be likely to affect and, in actual fact, they are likely to find that current structure, we need to find a way of the public finances within our current once we start empowering our rank and file ensuring there is an ongoing exchange of forecast horizon. officers they will deliver in the positive on knowledge and experience between I have always believed the Federation both of those things. specialisms. should be supporting the Pension Challenge www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 05 Annual survey Pay and morale: have your say

ll Federation members are being Three quarters of officers unhappy over personal finances every day or almost urged to complete a survey on pay pay every day Aand conditions and officer morale. More than three quarters (77 per cent) of l 10.9 per cent reported never or almost The Police Federation of England and West Midlands officers who took part in never having enough money to cover all Wales conducts a national survey on these last year’s pay and morale survey said they their essentials issues each year with the findings being were dissastisfied with their overall l 64.5 per cent their morale was currently used as evidence in its submission to the Pay remuneration package – including basic pay low Review Remuneration Body (PRRB). and allowances. l 97.6 per cent felt morale within the “While I appreciate that officers are busy And a similar number (76.1 per cent) Force was currently low and it can be hard to find time to fill out the said they felt they were worse off l 74.5 per cent said they would not various surveys circulated throughout the financially than they were five years ago. recommend joining the police to others year, I would say this is one of the most A total of 1,016 responses were received l 11.8 per cent said they intended to leave important,” says Steve Grange, secretary of from West Midlands Police Federation the police service either within the next West Midlands Police Federation. members. two years or as soon as possible. “It should only take around 20 minutes The West Midlands results also Comparison of 2018 and 2017 figures for to complete but the findings could have a revealed: the pay and morale survey in West Midlands real bearing on officers’ pay and conditions l 41.8 per cent of respondents reported Police is provided in the table below. for years to come. The more officers who fill worrying about the state of their out the survey the stronger the arguments of the Federation on their behalf will be.” 2018 2017 The survey will close on Monday 29 July. Do not feel fairly paid for the stresses and strains their job 88.8 per cent 88 per cent All Federation members will be emailed Dissatisfied with total remuneration 77 per cent 75.6 per cent a link to the survey but if you do not receive Dissatisfied with pension 69 per cent 66 per cent yours, please email the Federation office.

41.8 per cent of respondents reported worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day

06 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Campaign success Pay and morale: Tim welcomes breakthrough on response have your say driving legislation

You would not expect them to have to use trained officers the confidence they need to the skills of a professional police driver nor fight crime effectively and ensure our roads have their driving experience. are safe.” “Members of the public would expect Current laws do not recognise police police officers to use their skill and training response drivers’ training and the tactics to respond to calls for assistance and this they are taught to employ to respond to change in the law will enable officers to do emergencies and pursue criminals. that without fear of prosecution for simply Police drivers are instead held to the doing their jobs. same standards as members of the public “We now need the Government to be and have to rely on the discretion of the bold, prioritise this issue, find Parliamentary IOPC and the Crown Prosecution Service time and fulfil its promise to police officers (CPS) to avoid misconduct investigations and the public.” and criminal prosecution. Tim has also praised the Home Office, Any changes will make it clear that the Department of Transport, the officers should not be held accountable for Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) the driving of a suspected criminal and a number of members of the National attempting to avoid arrest, providing the Police Chiefs’ Council for their support. pursuit is justified and proportionate. The Home Office wants to change the The move follows a public consultation law to ensure that highly trained police which saw the overwhelming majority of drivers, chasing suspected criminals on the respondents back the proposals. Tim Rogers who has led the hard-fought roads and driving to the very high standard In summary, the changes will aim to: campaign. required by their training, are better l Introduce a new legal test so that an he Home Office has issued a Written protected from the risk of lengthy officer’s driving is compared to that of a Ministerial Statement announcing investigation and potential prosecution. competent and careful police driver with Tplans to change the law to give police Home Secretary Sajid Javid will look to the same level of training performing drivers better protection from prosecution. introduce a new legal test aimed at giving the same role, rather than a member of Tim Rogers, deputy secretary of West them greater confidence to pursue suspects, the public Midlands Police Federation and the including those on mopeds. l Apply to all police officers trained to Federation’s national response driving lead, He said: “It’s vital police officers feel response driver level as well as advance has led the campaign for legislative change confident and protected when pursing driver level, therefore cover those and welcomed the Home Office’s suspects on the roads or responding to an pursuing criminals and also emergency announcement on 2 May. emergency. It’s also crucial that we send a police responders.

“We are pleased and reassured by this clear message that criminals – whether in The Government also wants to review

move. For far too long, police officers have cars or on mopeds - cannot escape arrest the various emergency service exemptions faced conduct proceedings and criminal simply by driving recklessly. These proposed to traffic law to ensure they remain fit for

prosecution for simply doing their job; a changes will strike the right balance – giving purpose.

situation putting them, and their families, See the timeline of key dates in the through stressful investigations and often campaign on Pages 8 and 9. taking them away from their roles serving

their communities. “ “It is clearly absurd that a trained police It’s vital police officers feel confident driver is currently judged by the standards of the careful and competent member of the and protected when pursuing suspects public in terms of their driving. Members of the public are not asked to respond to on the roads or responding to an emergency and life-threatening situations. “emergency. www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 07 Campaign timeline

Tim Rogers, deputy secretary The Home Office announces a law and best practice regarding police of West Midlands Police review of the law and pursuits’ was complete. 2016 2017 Federation and the Police guidance surrounding police Tim explained: “To get this disappointing May Federation of England and October pursuits and response driving news just hours away from a key legislative Wales (PFEW) lead on after the hard-fought milestone, which had already secured response driving, tells delegates at the Federation campaign. cross-party support, is a bitter blow – and all national Police Federation conference in Police minister Nick Hurd confirms the the more devastating. What are our Bournemouth: “Emergency response drives review will involve the Federation, the members and fellow emergency response and pursuits are still measured against the Department for Transport, the Department drivers to do in the meantime? How many standard of the careful and competent of Health, the Attorney General’s Office and more lives could be ruined going through driver. You know, the driver that doesn’t drive the IPCC, as well as the relevant national lengthy legal proceedings – ultimately above the speed limit, through red traffic policing leads, representatives of the other criminalising officers for just doing their lights, respond to incidents? emergency services and groups representing job?” “In my Force, there are around 2,500 other road users. immediate response incidents each week Federation members across – that’s 2,500 occasions when police drivers Norfolk MP Sir Henry England and Wales were put themselves at risk of prosecution as they Bellingham puts forward his 2018 encouraged to lobby their local go about their duties serving the public of 2017 Private Members’ Bill in the April MPs to call on them to support the West Midlands.” December House of Commons which the pursuits bill so it can make He continues: “We are not being could lead to a change in the its way through Parliament. alarmist, and I concede that prosecutions in law surrounding police drivers. The Federation campaign on the issue context are few and far between. But spare a Sir Henry introduced his Emergency also led to Tim writing a blog for the thought for Officer Few and Far Between Response Drivers (Protections) Ten-Minute national Federation website ahead of the who is mendaciously pursued through the Rule Bill on 20 December, and won cross- planned second reading of the bill on 16 criminal court only to be acquitted one, two, party support. March which was then cancelled. three or four years later and then told ‘you He wrote: “Current legislation leaves were just doing your job’. police officers and other emergency service “We are merely pointing out what our responders vulnerable. This is because there members, chief officers, MPs and the public are no exemptions in the current legislation need to know. There is a flaw in the system, that take into account the high level of and a risk to our members - and the public.” specialised training officers are given. All are “I am sure the public would expect police measured against the common standard of officers to use their skills and a non-trained ‘competent and careful driver’. professionalism to respond as quickly as According to the law, ‘dangerous driving’ possible to a call for assistance; they do not includes speeding, ignoring traffics signals, expect us to be obstructed by legislation.” or overtaking dangerously. Officers can also be held liable for causing others to drive The Police Federation steps dangerously. Talk about trying to do your job up its campaign for a change 2016 with one hand tied behind your back!” in the law to protect police And he added: “The bill is categorically Autumn drivers following the not a charter for blue light drivers to act presentation on the issue to irresponsibly. We would never endorse that. the annual conference earlier in the year. We only seek to protect our officers and other blue light responders who are As part of the campaign for a following their training and exercising their change in the law, Tim seeks 2017 professional judgment. They already do a the support of the National Sir Henry Bellingham. difficult job under stressful circumstances February Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and they deserve our support and that of lead for pursuits – who has An 11th hour delay with the the law.” said he would only support a partial change new bill is described as a 2018 in the law. ‘bitter disappointment’ and Tim gives no more than a March ‘further extends the threat of ‘cautious welcome’ to news The Police Federation of prosecution to our members’, 2018 that the Government is to England and Wales writes to according to Tim. May consult on proposed changes 2017 all of its members to remind He spoke of his frustration on learning to the law in relation to Summer them that ‘there are no legal the expected second reading of the trained pursuits drivers. exemptions from the offences Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Yet, while he said the announcement of careless or dangerous driving’ for officers Bill due to be discussed in Parliament on was a step in the right direction, he voiced responding to calls for help from the public. Friday 16 March had been stalled. The bill, concern over the amount of time it was The letter was sent to more than which had been put forward by Sir Henry taking to reduce the threat of prosecution 120,000 Federation members across England Bellingham, won cross-party support when for officers in pursuit of dangerous threats. and Wales and was intended to correct the it came before MPs before Christmas 2017. “This has been an issue we have been assumption, also held by many members of But the Government has called a halt to campaigning on now for seven years, and the public, that police officers can break the process until an ongoing review ‘into the although it is a positive step that the traffic rules.

08 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Government has finally agreed that a their jobs, protecting their communities, The Government must be bold legislation change is required, it must now following their training and current and put out a statement act quickly to prevent more officers suffering guidance, acting proportionately and 2019 saying precisely when it will unnecessary and often mendacious responsibly are prosecuted or put through January make the amendments to the prosecutions. It is crucial we protect the conduct proceedings.” law it has promised to ensure people who protect us and give them the police drivers get the legal protection they confidence to be able to do their jobs and Tim expresses his ‘bitter need when carrying out their job, Tim told keep the public safe.” disappointment’ that the the Federation’s roads policing conference. 2018 Private Members’ Bill Calling the current situation an In a confident statement, Tim December proposing better protection ‘irreversible position of agreement’, Tim tells says there will be a change in in law for police drivers was delegates Brexit was no excuse for delaying 2018 the law to offer better delayed once again. legislative change and that nothing should August protection for police drivers The second reading of Sir Henry have greater importance than giving officers and says the issue will be Bellingham’s Emergency Response Drivers the tools they needed to serve and protect resolved when Parliament reconvenes in the (Protections) Bill, put forward on behalf of the public. autumn. the Police Federation, was put back from “We are almost there,” says Tim, “Later Friday 23 November to March 2019. The Home Office issues a this year we will either see the bill outlining “While the lack of progress for Sir Henry’s Written Ministerial Statement the legislative change we require put bill is, of course, a bitter disappointment, we 2019 announcing plans to change forward by Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham have to take stock of where we have come 2 May the law to give police drivers making its way to law or the Government from and what has been achieved over the better protection from will lay down its own plans to change the past two years. It’s certainly not all bad,” said prosecution. law. Tim. “Our focus was, and always will be, to Tim welcomes the news but urges the “This will be a victory for this campaign, get the current legislative flaw remedied to Government to prioritise the issue. for police officers and other emergency ensure that our stretched professionals can service drivers but also for common sense. It do simply what society expects without the cannot be right that police officers doing reserved right to prosecute them.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 09 Duo honoured Brave officers put forward for national award

wo West Midlands officers who were still in training when they confronted Ta group of men armed with knives have been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards. PCs Lorna Walsh and Adam McWalter were still student officers, when on 15 June 2018, they were left fearing for their own safety. The two officers were put forward for the prestigious awards by West Midlands Police Federation. Federation chair Rich Cooke said: “These two brave officers may be relatively young in service but both showed they have the qualities and skills of great police officers. They acted in the finest traditions of policing, seeking to protect the public from PCs Adam McWalter and Lorna Walsh. danger despite putting themselves at risk of injury or worse. drew their batons and spray but the man emergency button and managed to keep “They should be very proud of with the knife started to run towards PC both men in sight, even though the themselves and I am pleased their actions McWalter with the knife held out in front of second offender ran at him with the will be recognised at the bravery awards him in a threatening manner, before knife. Colleagues with Taser arrived on which are one of the most important events discarding it over a wall. the scene quickly and both men were red in the policing year.” Unaware if he had any other weapons, dotted and subsequently arrested. The pair had volunteered to change their PC McWalter chased after him when a This year’s awards ceremony takes shifts and take part in a plain clothes second man pulled a large knife out of his place on 18 July in London. PC Walsh will operation tackling prostitution when on waistband and, holding it in the air, ran take her fiancé, Tony, as her special guest Ninevah Road they came across a group of towards PC Walsh. PC Walsh shouted at the while PC McWalter will be accompanied 20 men - one of whom was holding a knife man to put the knife down but he ran off, by his wife, Amanda. with an eight-inch blade to the stomach of following her colleague and shouting: The bravery awards honour some of another. “Police won’t get you brother.” the finest officers in England and Wales The officers got out of their vehicle, PC Walsh, fearing for her colleague’s who have performed incredible acts of identified themselves as police officers and safety, screamed to warn him of the threat bravery, while on or off duty. The event is told the man to put down the knife. They from behind. PC McWalter activated his now in its 24th year. ‘Government must act on crime’

The Government needs to stop trying to l A six per cent increase in the number of policing has been severely under-funded for maintain its argument that cuts to policing homicides to 732, a four-year high years now and there is only so much we can do. have not affected crime levels and re-invest l A 12 per cent increase in fraud offences “Since 2010, we have lost almost 22,000 in the police service, says West Midlands l A 10 per cent increase in sexual police officers across England and Wales and Police Federation chair Rich Cooke. offences we have seen no corresponding fall in demand, Rich was speaking after the latest police- l A 46 per cent increase – the largest in fact, I would say the opposite is true. recorded crime figures released by the Office increase of any category of crime – in ‘We need to see a re-investment in of National Statistics (ONS) revealed crime is stalking and harassment, and policing so that we can provide our continuing to increase in all but a few l A 28 per cent decrease in computer communities with the visible police presence categories. misuse. we know they are crying out for. Effective The headline figures for the crime in Rich said the Government owed it to community policing is the cornerstone we England and Wales: year ending December police officers and the public to put money need to build on. Community based officers 2018 report showed: into policing so forces could tackle crime. provide reassurance to the public but also l A six per cent increase to 40,829 in the He explained: “Police officers are doing act as the Force’s eyes and ears in terms of number of police recorded offences their best and forces are trying to prioritise getting the intelligence it needs to tackle all involving knives or sharp instruments how they use their reduced resources, but crimes.”

10 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids A natural leader

Steve Grange, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation, presents Sophie Clement with her award. Sophie wins Police Officer of the Year Award

ergeant Sophie Clement admits her “Her gut reactions are second to none. Wolverhampton NPU, praised for his role as Wolverhampton’s sex offender An offender’s chance comment was enough encyclopaedic knowledge of offenders and Smanager is stressful and challenging. for Sophie to ask the forensic examiner to his city centre patch, and DC Tom Keady of But it is clearly a role in which she excels look for evidence of what she correctly the Public Protection Unit who was described since, at the Force’s Diamond Awards suspected as downloading of child porn and as a highly experienced and effective role Ceremony in March, Sophie was presented breach of a sex offender prevention order. model with an infectious sense of humour with the Police Officer of the Year Award “Her dogged determination also saw her despite challenging times. which is sponsored by West Midlands Police challenging the CPS to gain a successful The Force’s annual Diamond Awards were Federation. European arrest warrant for an offender who hosted by Chief Constable Dave Thompson Sophie was one of three officers put had been missing for five years.” and the compere for the evening was BBC forward for the award. Sophie also currently supports the Midlands TV presenter Joanne Malin. Her nomination details in the Diamond management of very high-risk offenders at a The Police Officer of the Year Award Awards programme stated: “A natural leader, national level. recognises outstanding service by she has created a committed team who are The runners-up for Police Officer of the individuals, over and above what is required focussed on excellence and will do anything Year were PC James Bradley of as part of their normal duties. to help one another.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 11 A fond farewell Federation’s conduct lead looks back on his career as he heads into retirement

ooking back on a 29-year policing career, John Tooms says one piece of L advice stood him in good stead: ‘If in doubt, ask.’ And it is the same advice he would pass on to a new recruit joining the Force today – along with the words of an infamous Professional Standards Department (PSD) inspector who told him: ‘It’s not what you do – it’s what you do next’. John, who has been the West Midlands Police Federation full-time conduct lead since 2010 and retired from the Force in mid-June, is certainly well placed to offer a wealth of advice to student officers. Like so many Federation officials, he first put himself forward to represent his colleagues when, having faced a malicious and unjustified complaint, he underwent a six-month PSD-led inquiry. “There was no local Federation discipline rep on my OCU/LPU at that time so, once my Steve Grange, Federation secretary (left), presents a retirement gift to John Tooms. complaint was resolved, I thought ‘why not chief officers, PSDs and the Independent require,” said John. have a go?’ And the rest is history,” he said. Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). “The ‘blame culture’ adopted by PSDs and John became a work-based LPU rep in He explained: “The only thing in the world the IPCC now IOPC for a number of years has 2003 and then a work-based discipline rep of policing that doesn’t change is constant more often than not resulted in officers (now CaPLO – Conduct and Performance change. There have been two major becoming demotivated and suspicious – this Liaison Officer) three years later. He has no legislative changes to the conduct hasn’t helped them as individuals, or the regrets about taking on the full-time role regulations in my time as a rep (2008/2012) Force in general. despite the stresses and strains it brought. with another just around the corner (2019) – “The 2015 Amendment Regulations “Effectively you are on duty or on call 24/7 along with many regular amendments to the brought in by Theresa May - fortunately now and never off duty – fortunately, I have a very regulations and guidance.” replaced by the 2017 Former Officer patient and understanding family. But I stuck “The introduction of independent, legally Regulations - that prevented any officer under with it as I felt it offered the opportunity to qualified chairs of misconduct hearings has investigation for gross misconduct resigning or make a real difference by supporting and been a big step forward with regard to retiring were, to be honest, a disaster – for the helping officers, the vast majority of whom fairness and transparency.” officers caught up in this and for the Force. were only striving to do their very best. This But nevertheless he still has concerns “I’m cautiously optimistic that the Home has been a real privilege and, most of the about the length of time taken to conclude Office is finally trying to get to grips with time, a pleasure too,” John said. conduct investigations and the detrimental these issues, having failed in 2008 and 2012, While he has seen much change in and horrendous effect they have on the via the proposed 2019 (probably 2020 due to policing terms during his career – not least mental and physical wellbeing of officers and Brexit) new conduct regulations and the increased use of IT, including Airwave, their families, especially when they are associated guidance. hand-held devices and telematics in vehicles, exonerated at the end of the process. “These new regulations are intended to Taser, body-worn video and the advent of “For far too long the welfare of an officer deal with the majority of complaints as social media – it is in the world of conduct under investigation was forgotten or ignored. learning or performance, as opposed to where the Police Federation has tried to drive To be fair, WMP has made some recent blame or misconduct, and leaving only the change. John is cautiously optimistic there improvements in this area – e.g. contact plans most serious complaints or corruption will be a shift towards the learning and and welfare Spocs though, perhaps due to allegations to be dealt with as misconduct or development ethos of the new (2019) budget cuts and staffing challenges, some gross misconduct. Current figures would conduct regulations if there is a buy-in from officers still don’t get the support they suggest investigations are being conducted in

12 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids a more timely way but there is a still a long operate but many changes for good either way to go – there are still many examples of can’t be made or are very slow to happen due officers being under investigation for years to all the red tape, rules and regulations. And - and it only needs the wrong change at the then there are individuals in the Force, the top of a force, PSD or the IOPC for any Federation - and in Government - who seek progress made to be reversed very quickly only to promote themselves and their own “There will also be a return to the misguided views and ideas, while making potential sanction of ‘reduction in rank’ zero impact or worse having an adverse effect though I’m not sure this is fair to constables on the the world of policing, which helps who, for obvious reasons, can’t be subject to neither the Force, its officers or the public we this. The use of this sanction will have to be serve. closely monitored. “The other major challenge has been to “I genuinely hope chief constables, PSDs attempt to influence PSD and the IOPC and the IOPC buy in to this. Recently our Force decision-makers to adhere to the law and and PSD have moved in the right direction regulations, to be consistent in their decision- towards the NPCC approved ‘ethos’ of the making and to make objective decisions 2019 regulations even though they haven’t based on all the available evidence - as been implemented yet. Sadly, experience has opposed to subjective decisions based on shown over the years that it only needs a assumptions and conjecture. certain type of senior manager to lead PSD or John Tooms early in his career. “Managing expectations is another key the IOPC and all the progress made towards a “I also remember being criticised by a challenge for any rep and one that is learning culture can swiftly be reversed to one senior manager for supporting my officers/ sometimes difficult to explain and get right.” of blame and suspicion.” team during a PDR and I quote ‘I have While he is leaving the Force at a time John’s policing career began in Class concerns you have a greater loyalty to your when he is hopeful the conduct regulations 10/90E in October 1990. Leicestershire Police officers than to the organisation’. will finally be fit for purpose and that the and civil engineering’s loss was West “And then, of course, I was subject to a IOPC and PSD adhere to them, John also Midlands Police’s gain. malicious and unjustified complaint which genuinely welcomes the current Chief He had wanted to join Leicestershire meant I was under investigation by PSD for Constable’s drive for the Force to be more Police Cadets when he was 16 but, since they six months. diverse, inclusive and representative of the weren’t recruiting, he stayed on at school and “Another frustration was having my team communities it serves. eventually got a civil engineering HND and disbanded for no other reason than to assist He is also not the first to argue that the degree at Trent Polytechnic. others officers’ promotion applications and police service itself is facing a crisis and will His first police posting were in the G2 D aspirations. continue to struggle to meet all the demands Unit at Wednesfield and then Bilston where “And then in recent years I have witnessed placed on it if there is not a significant he started his first independent foot patrol. first-hand the negative effects long increase in funding and investment. His career threw up a number of highlights. investigations have on officers and their “For the Government to say reducing He recalls: “I have worked with lots of families.” police funding hasn’t led to a rise in crime is, amazing, hard-working, committed people While reluctant to name a single person quite frankly, outrageous and total nonsense,” who I won’t embarrass by naming - including or a number of people he most admires in John said. one or two at PSD (!), having an attachment policing, he instead says he is full of respect He is now planning to take some to AO1 and getting promoted to sergeant - for the police officers who work hard and do well-earned time off to travel, relax, spend ‘the best rank in the job’ according to the their very best for the public and in support of time with his family (and go fishing!) but then Chief Constable Ron Hadfield and I have their colleagues in very difficult and knows he will greatly miss ‘the vast majority to agree – were all high points. sometimes challenging circumstances. of people’ he has worked with. After six “Leading a small team at the Merry Hill He has enjoyed supporting members with months’ ‘rest’, he plans to look for part-time Shopping Centre was also a pivotal moment genuine issues, ‘sparring’ with supervisors work away from policing. and then becoming a Fed rep and being able and managers – ‘especially when you’re right’, But he can rest assured that he has left a to make a real difference to the lives of working alongside other Fed reps, some of Force and Federation legacy of which he can members and sometimes their families.” whom are committed and highly motivated be proud. But, of course, there were also a number and who regularly put members’ interests “I’m happy that the CaPLO Committee of low points, most significantly the loss of before their own, and working closely with a (discipline reps) I leave is in a position to serving colleagues and friends Mick Swindells number of solicitors, legal reps and barristers continue to professionally and competently in 2004 and Mick Chapman in 2014. who, he recognises, have regularly gone the represent our members, sometimes at their He also came to the realisation, very early extra mile to help and support officers. greatest time of need,” John said. in his career, that if a supervisor doesn’t like But, John acknowledges, the role has not “I know that the full-timers now leading you they can make your life and career very been without its challenges. the committee, George McDonnell, Dave difficult. “There’s the old saying – ‘Accept the Hadley and Alan O’Shea, will more than “Through no fault of my own, I was things you cannot change, have the courage continue the successful legacy of previous unfairly criticised by a certain supervisor who, to change the things you can – and have the leads. A professional and competent CaPLO after I challenged them back, made it their wisdom to know the difference. This has been Committee not only supports its Federation goal to make my first two years as very true throughout my career and I haven’t members but also ensures fairness and uncomfortable as possible. Fortunately, I had always got it right,” he explains. transparency for everyone – the police and great support from my team supervision and “As with all large institutions, there have the public it serves - while holding PSD and I completed my probation successfully,” John been major frustrations with how things (the the IOPC to account – long may this said. police and the Federation) are managed and continue.”

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 13 Trying to get a pic to go with this.

It could run alongside a piece about PTSD – have I sent you that???

Peer support TRiM: ensuring a consistent approach Force-wide

review of the trauma risk scene. But this is not the case at all. It usually “While there was a policy this wasn’t management (TRiM) support offered comes into play some time between 48 aligned across a wider wellbeing strategy Ato officers and staff and the hours and a week after the event,” says and wasn’t clearly understood.,” says subsequent identification of a lack of Lorraine. Lorraine, who has worked with senior awareness of what it does and doesn’t entail “Once a TRiM practitioner has spoken to managers, line managers, TRiM managers has led to new policies and procedures being the individuals involved, they will use their and practitioners and others – including the put in place. assessment to generate a score which will Force chaplains – to help develop clearly These will be backed up by the help identify if further help or a follow-up defined procedures to ensure there is an recruitment and training of more TRiM will be needed. The process is confidential over-arching support mechanism for officers practitioners, the roll-out of awareness and details of the sessions are not shared and staff. training sessions and the provision of extra although a line manager may be made TRiM should be used, she explains, to information on the Force’s wellbeing portal aware if urgent support is needed.” identify the need for management support, as well as an input to CPD events. Under Force policies, trauma is defined encourage a self-referral to the 24/7 “We have found that the delivery of TRiM as: Employee Assistance Programme or trigger support is patchy across the Force. We have An event which includes exposure to death, a de-brief session based around some pockets of best practice where officers’ threatened death, actual or serious injury or normalisation which, in turn, will allow and staff’s individual needs are being actual or threatened sexual violence. individuals to understand if their feelings fit identified and met but then we have also The exposure may occur directly within the ‘normal’ range given the heard of instances where the TRiM processes (through witnessing the event in person) or circumstances. have just not kicked in,” says Lorraine Horner, indirectly (learning of a close friend or There is an in-built acknowledgement the Force’s wellbeing manager. relative’s trauma - this should be a that the very nature of policing means those “There seems to be a lot of mystery considerably close relationship and the working in the service will be faced with surrounding what TRiM does and doesn’t do trauma will have linked to an on duty traumatic situations but with that comes a as if it’s some kind of dark art so we want to incident). means of supporting those struggling to tackle that and also ensure there is a more However, Lorraine, who took on the come to terms with what they have seen or consistent approach throughout the Force. wellbeing manager’s position in May this dealt with. We want to give people clear expectations year after two years as the occupational “It can involve a potentially challenging of what TRiM should deliver.” health service delivery manager, points out conversation led by a line manager who will TRiM is not intended to be a diagnostic much depends on the people involved: be trained to ensure their language is tool but should be used to gauge someone’s “Individuals’ reactions differ so for TRiM it is appropriate and sensitive and therefore not reaction to an incident based on assumed not only defined by the event but also adding to the stress of the individual,” symptoms of trauma and then review those defined by the individual. This would be Lorraine says. reactions in the short, medium and long term. identified at a de-brief with the line manager “Conversations will be centred around The aim is to provide the person involved having a conversation with the individual. how can we help them and how they can with a means to manage their own reaction “It is easy to focus on major incidents help themselves.” and understand it in the context of what is and tragic outcomes but TRiM can be used The process also involves a period of considered normal in the circumstances. It is for near misses and a collection of smaller what is termed as ‘watchful waiting’. After a not intended to actually provide support or incidents which have taken a toll on the period of 28 days from the date of the advice but should identify if someone does member of staff equally as much as in incident, a psychological screening need extra support and signpost where that response to a major incident.” questionnaire will be sent to officers and may come from. A major incident earlier this year staff affected and this will be used to see if “There seems to be a misapprehension highlighted an inconsistent approach to any further actions or referrals are required.

that TRiM is something that is instigated in TRiM prompting a review of the processes “We do not want to see anyone slip the immediate aftermath of a traumatic and the subsequent regeneration of the through any nets,” explains Lorraine, incident with people perhaps rushing to the initiative. “Ultimately, wellbeing should be everyone’s

job but we do need a formalised process for It is easy to focus on major incidents and tragic helping people who, due to their job, have been faced with a traumatic situation.” outcomes but TRiM can be used for near misses“ and There are currently five TRiM managers across the Force area backed up by a larger a collection of smaller incidents which have taken a team of TRiM practitioners. Refresher courses will be offered and a recruitment toll on the member of staff equally as much as in process will begin with training factoring in “ the need for those offering the support to response to a major incident. be resilient themselves due to the vicarious trauma they may suffer.

14 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids New survey reveals one in five officers has PTSD 73 per cent of

One in five police officers is suffering from thoughts, let alone come to terms with those with PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), some of the horrendous things they have according to the results of a new survey. seen. or CPTSD will be And Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands “The Government needs to take notice Police Federation, believes the Home Office of these findings and act by re-investing in and police leaders, now need to act on the policing and in police officers.” unaware they findings before more officers start to suffer. Policing: The Job and The Life is a “Police officers join the Force to serve survey of 17,000 police officers from 47 have it and protect their communities,” said Rich forces in the , carried out when the survey results were announced. by Cambridge University from October to “But, in return, they should be December last year with funding from protected and supported themselves. All Police Care UK. The results show: too often, police officers are succumbing to l 21 per cent of police officers who the pressures of the job and the traumatic responded reported symptoms l 69 per cent of officers feel trauma is not incidents they deal with. consistent with PTSD or the more severe well managed in their force “I believe their mental health and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) l 93 still go to work even when suffering wellbeing has increasingly suffered since l 73 per cent of those with PTSD or CPTSD from a work-related psychological issue. the cuts to policing. With fewer officers to will be unaware they have it The survey’s findings echo the Police meet the demand, they are being run l 66 per cent of those reported a Federation’s latest Demand, Capacity and ragged, trying to maintain an effective psychological or mental health issue Welfare Survey which also found evidence of policing service for their communities but which they felt was a direct result of widespread, repeated exposure to trauma barely having time to process their police work within the police workforce. www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 15 Powerful message Photo courtesy of Dean Wainwright Photography

Knife Angel leaves the city he Knife Angel’s stay in Birmingham “We have seen a shocking rise in the where it should be classed as a national has been a resounding success in number of crimes involving a knife or emergency by the government. In the West Tterms of raising awareness of the another sharp weapon and in the last Midlands knife crime has risen by 85 per dangers of knife crime and reminding year alone there were 50 murders in the cent since 2012 and shows no sign of people of the impact of violent crime, West Midlands perpetrated by people abating.” according to West Midlands Police using knives,” says Rich. And he added: “It is a similar story Federation chair Rich Cooke. “The Knife Angel is hugely impactive across the country.” The Knife Angel, which was in Victoria and people who have seen the sculpture Before coming to the West Midlands, Square in the city centre from the first week during its time in Birmingham and before the Knife Angel visited Hull and Liverpool. of May until 12 June, is a 27 foot sculpture that in Coventry have spoken of finding it For more information about the Knife comprising of 100,000 confiscated and very moving.” Angel, please visit the British Ironwork surrendered knives. It was created by artist West Midlands Police and Crime Centre’s website - Alfie Bradley and has been touring the Commissioner David Jamieson has said: www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk country. “Knife crime has now got to the stage

16 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids PM must act on knife crime

ith the number of people caught The police recorded crime figures for the with knives and weapons same period show, over the year to Wreaching a nine-year high, the December, offences involving knives or sharp new Prime Minister must put tackling instruments increased by six per cent to In the 12 months serious violent crime at the top of the 40,829, the highest since records began. Government’s agenda, says Rich Cooke, chair John Apter, national Federation chair, to the end of March of West Midlands Police Federation. said: “While I welcome the slight increase in 2019, 22,041 possession Rich spoke out after new Ministry of those responsible being sent to prison, we Justice statistics, released on 13 June, reveal still see situations where violent offenders offences were dealt the extent of the violent crime epidemic. who carry knives are let off with nothing with by police and “With the political storm surrounding more than a slap on the wrist. Brexit, it appears the upsurge in knife crime “In addition, we see a significant courts – 34 per cent up has fallen off the news agenda but that increase in violent crime being reported but cannot be allowed to happen,” says Rich. the fact is there are nearly 22,000 fewer on 2015 and the “We are seeing too many people being officers on our streets since 2010. highest total since killed and injured in our communities for “More offences and fewer officers is a that to be allowed to happen. We need the dangerous combination and it is frustrating 2010. Government to prioritise dealing with this for me and my colleagues to witness the issue and one sure way to start would be for lives of so many being blighted when we it to invest in policing so we can get more know what can be achieved when we are a officers onto our streets.” properly resourced service.” The new figures show in the 12 months The statistics also show offenders are was given straightaway compared with 22 to the end of March 2019, 22,041 possession also now more likely to receive an per cent in the year ending March 2009. The offences were dealt with by police and immediate custodial sentence for a knife average length of custodial sentences courts – 34 per cent up on 2015 and the and offensive weapon offence and for longer. received increased from 5.5 months to 8.1 highest total since 2010. In 37 per cent of cases a prison sentence months. Force receives more funding to tackle violent crime West Midlands Police is one of 18 forces and put more officers into the worst worst affected by violent crime to be given a affected areas. share of the final part of the £100 million The £100 million Serious Violence Fund fund allocated by the Government to tackle was announced by the Government in the the knife crime crisis. March Spring Statement. Around a third of The Force will receive £7.62 million, the the funding - £35 million - will support the second highest amount behind the Met setting up of violence reduction units (VRUs) which will get £20.6 million. and other preventative activity across the Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands country. VRUs are a multi-agency approach Police Federation, has welcomed the bringing together police, health agencies, funding but says the Government needs to local government and community do more than just come up with a ‘quick fix’. representatives to tackle violent crime and “It is time the Government realised that “Today, unless you report an incident its underlying causes. it needs to invest in long-term solutions. which poses an immediate or significant Another £1.6 million is being spent on The cuts to police funding have led not only threat, the likelihood is you won’t see us for ensuring forces collect better data to help to a massive reduction in police numbers days - if at all. That’s the lamentable truth, their planning and ensure targeted action. but also to the closure of scores of police and no-one in policing is happy about it. But Rich argues more still needs to be stations and police bases,” Rich explains. The public miss that policing presence and done. “Those combined factors have meant the only people who benefit are the “The Government must rethink its that the visible policing presence our criminals, those intent on anti-social spending priorities and divert proper communities want, and need, has all but behaviour and those causing disturbances resources towards public safety. Budgets disappeared. In recent years, policing has in our communities.” may be stretched but our citizens surely pay been dominated by the need to save money In announcing the allocation of funding, enough in tax to expect a police station in and, inevitably, forces have had to prioritise Home Secretary Sajid Javid claims forces can their own town and the occasional officer what they deal with. take urgent action to tackle violent crime patrolling the streets,” he said. www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 17 Outstanding service

“I’m due to receive the medal at a civil ceremony in Birmingham in September but Queen honours we have also been invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party next year when we are looking forward to meeting the Queen. It’s all very exciting. “It sounds clichéd but I accept the award Force’s lead on behalf of all the fantastic chaplains and faith advisers who give up their time across the West Midlands to support police officers, staff and the wider community.” John, who is responsible for the delivery chaplain of chaplaincy services across the Force, has been congratulated by Chief Constable Dave Thompson who said: “John has been a brilliant chaplain drawing in many faiths to provide guidance and pastoral support to our Force. He has made our chaplaincy hugely supportive of the work of WMP. The medal is richly deserved and huge congratulations to him.” John spent seven years as a Force volunteer chaplain – after 10 years devoting time to the Met – before joining the Force as the chaplaincy lead in 2009. He is available along with the voluntary chaplains to provide friendship and pastoral care to everyone in West Midlands Police. The chaplaincy offers another strand of help alongside all the other individuals and departments that provide help, encouragement and welfare within the Force. “We endeavour to get to know staff through ordinary situations as well as in times of crisis. From time to time, as well as accompanying officers and staff on their duties, we may attend NPU and departmental meetings, award ceremonies and other social events,” John explains. Under his guidance, the chaplaincy team has developed from just a handful of volunteer chaplains to more than 60 representing all six major faiths. There also 20 faith advisers covering all the major faiths. The chaplains – who collectively volunteer thousands of hours a year – perform an important pastoral role, supporting staff and officers at times of stress, concern or crisis. But they also provide support for the Force around day to day business, helping with neighbourhood police networking and providing faith diversity training for officers Honoured by the Queen, the Rev John Butcher. and new recruits. John and his wife, Angela, have two he Force’s multi faith lead chaplain informed he would receive the honour children and live in New . He is has spoken of his joy and immense which is given for outstanding military or associate minister at Hockley’s Life Tpride after being awarded the British civil service. Community Church alongside his wife. Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday “It came as a huge surprise. When the He comes from Rotherham in South Honours List. letter arrived I had to ask my wife ‘am I Yorkshire and was the fleet parts manager And the Rev John Butcher has also reading this correctly?’ I couldn’t believe for the Ford main dealer in Sheffield where admitted a sense of disbelief when he was what was written in the letter,” he says. he had worked his way up from being an

18 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids John has made our What is multi faith What do chaplains do?

chaplaincy hugely chaplaincy? Chaplains try to: l Pray regularly for the Force in general Multi faith chaplaincy is available to and for the situations and members of supportive of the any individual or group regardless of staff they are involved with

faith, religious tradition or no faith at l Be available to anyone of any faith or work of WMP. The all. “ none who needs someone to talk to who It provides a team of people who is outside the structures of the Force medal is richly are committed to working together to “ “ l Be an ongoing presence in the offer pastoral and spiritual care and workplace, aware of the stresses and confidential support to those who work deserved and huge strains of life in the Force and able to be within the organisation and to their a critical friend to individuals and the families. There is also a team of advisers congratulations to organisation from different faiths to help those who l Visit, if appropriate, staff who are ill at need support from a person of their home or in hospital and provide care to him. own faith. family and friends There are also a number of NPU l Provide care for the bereaved and be chaplains who are recognised within involved if a member of staff dies their own faith community, and who particularly if this is while in service volunteer their time and efforts to l Lead formal religious services as required support specific NPUs and apprentice after leaving school. by the organisation or individuals. But he left that position in 1986 to departments. The chaplaincy team is committed spend three years to attend theological to building up relationships within the How do they do it? college and train for the church ministry. His Each chaplain will develop their own way of organisation and to be alongside first church was in Hackney, East London working but they will incorporate some, or people in both the good, and the not so where he was minister from 1989 to 2002 all, of the following: good, times. when he moved to his current church, then l Loitering with intent – many chaplains Their ministry is threefold: called Hockley Pentecostal Church. will just drop in, trying to be around at l To be a presence that reminds us of His interest in force chaplaincy began in shift change or other times when our humanity the early ‘90s while he was in London. officers and staff will be about l To be a pastor to assist people in John explains: “It all started back in 1992 l Accompanying officers and staff on their times of need when I was invited to a clergy/police duties to understand the stresses l To be a prophet in speaking out meeting in Hackney where we could discuss involved in modern day policing against real or potential injustice in and tackle together some of the problems in l Attending LPU and departmental the structures. the area. meetings to understand the issues Each chaplain will do that in their “At that meeting one of the affecting the day to day and longer term own way, depending upon their superintendents arranged for me to visit the operations personality, circumstances and how local police station and suggested a late l Attending awards ceremonies and other long they can give to their NPU. The evening/early morning tour around the social events to meet people in a NPU chaplain may be at awards streets of Hackney in one of the patrol cars. I pleasant setting rather than at a time of evenings or be seen out on patrol. They must admit that I probably learnt more crisis will certainly be available for support in about Hackney and its problems on that l Providing input to training. patrol than I had done all the months I had times of crisis whether that is to an individual or to the management team. previously lived there and worked as a Find out more church minister. They will be a confidential listening ear “Not only did it prove to be of great and will accept all confidences without If you want to contact a chaplain or a multi benefit for my own local knowledge, but on judgment. faith adviser, you can contact John Butcher that occasion I was able to share with the Chaplaincy is never a vehicle for at Lloyd House, on extension 7800 6265 or police officers some of the everyday faith preaching. This is true regardless email him on problems they have to face on the beat. In of the faith of the chaplain. [email protected] both the patrol car, and in the canteen later on in their break, I was able in some small way to understand some of the stresses been asked to see if I would consider being area and also regularly represented the involved in modern day policing. the police chaplain for the Hackney Police. Met at national chaplains’ meetings “After that initial visit, I wrote a letter to It wasn’t until later when I had been where he met the late Bill Hopley who the Hackney station saying how much I appointed that I was told it was the police was the Force chaplain for West Midlands appreciated the time they had given me and officers I had spent that initial visit with Police for a number of years. the welcome that I had received. The next who had recommended me to the Bill encouraged him to continue with contact came when I got a phone call from superintendent.” the chaplaincy in Birmingham and linked one of the superintendents asking if he Up until the time the family moved to him with D2 OCU, near could come to see me. Birmingham in 2002, John continued to be to where John lives, as its voluntary “When he came, he said that he had the chaplain for the police in the Hackney chaplain.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 19 EveryonePause – menopause survey results published

20 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Overall, how problematic have symptoms of the menopause been for you at work? Preparing for retirement? Spaces are available on the West Midlands Police Federation retirement seminars. The seminars are aimed at officers in the last 18 months of their service and hree quarters of women who took aim to prepare them for life outside the part in the first nationwide survey on Force, financially and generally. going through the menopause while T Among the topics covered by the working for the police said they found facilitators at the one-day seminars will menopausal symptoms moderately or be: extremely problematic at work. l Managing change and uncertainty The Police Federation of England and had been either moderately or extremely l CV writing and interview techniques Wales (PFEW) carried out the EveryonePause problematic for them at work. l Transferrable skills survey over six weeks in October last year The survey was open to police officers l Pensions and state pension and has now published the results. and staff with 59 per cent of respondents l How do I manage money and these “Officers and staff do not feel they can being police officers and 40 per cent police financial changes? be open about what they are going through staff (the remainder were in another role l Budgeting and would rather struggle to come into within the police service). l Starting your own business work or take leave instead of report sick. Different questions were asked l Taxation The survey results show that there is less depending on whether respondents had l New horizons (what’s next?) than adequate reporting facilities in forces,” personal experience of the menopause and/ l Savings says Hayley Aley, a women’s lead for PFEW. or had managerial or supervisory l Investments and finances, and “We need every force to recognise the responsibilities. l Protecting your wealth. impact that the menopause can have on In fact, 45 per cent of respondents said The next available date is 15 August health and just how unwell it can make you that they either had gone through or were with further seminars being held on 12 feel – every force should add menopause as going through the menopause while 18 per September, 17 October, 21 November an option in their sickness absence cent said they had managerial and 19 December. reporting fields. responsibilities and 14 per cent fell into both To book, email “I’d like to say that our findings come as of these categories. A further 23 per cent of [email protected] with a surprise – they don’t but we now have an respondents fell into neither of these ‘Retirement seminar’ and the date you evidence-base to push for positive change.” categories and answered a set of broader wish to attend in the subject title. Key findings were: questions concerning their awareness of the Include your name, work and l 76 per cent of respondents who had menopause. personal email address, phone number, either gone through or were going One in five respondents said they had proposed retirement date, number of through the menopause said that they considered leaving the Force because they places required and dietary had found symptoms of the menopause had found it difficult to deal with the requirements in the email. either moderately or extremely menopause at work.

problematic at work Only 11 per cent of managers said they 2020 dates l More than eight out of 10 said that had been trained to support someone going Dates have now been agreed for the tiredness and sleep disturbances through the menopause. West Midlands Police Federation resulting from the menopause had been And the majority of managers did not

retirement seminars next year. either moderately or extremely know whether their force had a formal policy They are, as follows: problematic for them at work or guidance on managing the menopause at Thursday 23 January 2020 l The majority said low mood and lower work with at least two thirds of them saying Thursday 6 February 2020

confidence as a result of the menopause they would find it useful to have this. Thursday 12 March 2020 Thursday 9 April 2020 We need every force to recognise the impact that Thursday 14 May 2020 “ “ Thursday 11 June 2020 the menopause can have on health and just how Thursday 23 July 2020 Thursday 20 August 2020 unwell it can make you feel – every force should Thursday 24 September 2020 Thursday 22 October 2020 add menopause as an option in their sickness Thursday 10 December 2020. “absence reporting fields. As ever, book early to avoid disappointment.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 21 Progress praised ‘Good’ rating for Force in PEEL inspection

he Force has been rated ‘good’ in its latest inspection by Her Majesty’s TInspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). In 2018/19, the inspectorate adopted an integrated assessment (IPA) approach to its existing PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) inspections. This knowledge to inform its future4 financial and capable police service that is starting combined into a single inspection the planning and workforce development, to show signs of real strain in some areas. effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy aspects of which are impressive.” Many of the forces we inspected are in areas of PEEL. This means it will now assess The Force was praised for upholding an general providing a good service to the forces against every part of the IPA ethical culture and promoting standards of public, but all are faced with competing programme each year. professional behaviour but inspectors priorities that if not managed correctly In a report issued in May, inspectors highlighted issues surrounding the backlog could see this service deteriorate. reported the Force is: for staff vetting. “Despite these worrying trends, there l ‘Good’ at effectively reducing crime and In conclusion, Ms Williams said: have been some areas of innovation and keeping people safe “Overall, I commend West Midlands Police improvement. In particular, we are seeing l ‘Good’ at operating efficiently and for the progress it has made over the past forces getting better at identifying providing sustainable services to the year. This gives a good foundation for vulnerability, with officers now having a public; and continuing improvement in the year ahead.” greater understanding of what to look for l ‘Good’ in the way it treats the public The Force was one of the first 14 to be to provide the right service. We also found and its workforce. inspected in the PEEL 2018/2019 several forces developing innovative ways HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy inspections with the remaining 29 forces of using technology to better manage the Williams said: “I am pleased with most due to be inspected in two subsequent demand on their resources. aspects of West Midlands Police’s groups. “But the forces we inspected are trying performance in keeping people safe and In a statement issued with the first set to meet ever-more complex and high-risk reducing crime. I am particularly pleased of inspection reports, HMICFRS found police demand with strained resources. We have with its efficiency planning. But it needs to forces were generally performing well but previously reported that re-deploying make improvements in its effectiveness to said the ‘cracks are widening’. neighbourhood officers, often to response, provide a consistently good service. The inspections revealed a relatively can damage their crime prevention work “The Force is good at investigating positive picture of performance being and limit their engagement with crime and tackling serious and organised provided by a service straining under communities. We found that this trend has crime. However, the Force needs to improve significant pressure with forces being continued over the last year. Most forces how it protects vulnerable people. It needs affected in different ways across also continue to have a large number of to be more consistent in the way it neighbourhood policing and investigations vacancies for detectives.” assesses the risk and responds to through to counter-corruption and He said forces’ methods for managing vulnerable people.” workforce health and wellbeing. demand were having a knock-on effect in However, Ms Williams expressed The national report stated: “Given the other areas – including their ability to root concerns about crime recording and, while current operational and financial context out corruption – and also having a negative acknowledging improvements had been forces find themselves in, it is not clear for impact on officers’ wellbeing. made since the last inspection, said ‘much how long they will be able to maintain The inspector concluded: “If these more’ needs to be done. She also remained their current performance levels. For many trends continue, the service the police concerned about how the Force responds of the forces inspected in this group, cracks provide is bound to deteriorate. A to current demand. in the system are widening.” discussion is therefore needed about what She explained: “That said, the Force has HM Inspector of Constabulary Matt needs to change. There is too big a gap a comprehensive understanding of its Parr said: “The patterns we are beginning to between what police can do, and what the future demand. It is using this detailed see emerge paint a picture of a committed public expect of them.”

22 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Supporting members Putting the emphasis on quality training

he national Federation’s learning and Zuleika attended the initial workplace “As a local chair you are the voice of rank development team have liaised with reps’ course before going on to be trained to and file officers. You are heavily involved in Tworkplace representatives and branch deal with equality matters. Ten years ago, she negotiations with senior leaders, presenting officials across the country to assess training became the equality lead for her local branch evidence and findings in order to illustrate courses and pinpoint their future needs. and then underwent the course directors’ your case; ultimately acting in the best And Zuleika Payne, who became a training to become a trainer in equality interests of officers in their endeavours to member of the Federation’s National Board matters. protect and serve the public,” Zuleika last September after last year’s elections and “This also afforded the opportunity for explains. now acts as the learning and development me to be part of the consultation process “I have learnt that if you have a particular lead, has pledged to ensure the training when the equality training package was interest or inkling in life and opportunities provided meets the needs of both the designed,” she says. present themselves, then take them! I saw branches and the wider membership. On becoming the branch vice-chair in the opportunity to become a member of the 4 “Since taking up the role I have been keen 2011, she completed the media training National Board as one not to be missed. to help local Branch Councils identify their course in 2012. Her training has also enabled When a further opportunity came to put training requirements,” says Zuleika, her to deliver courses to other reps within her myself forward for election as the lead for “Supporting the Branch Councils is key if we region. learning and development, I took that one are to be successful in our mission to provide Zuleika believes she has received good also. the most appropriate training. quality training through the Federation: “I “I realise the importance of providing “We have also consulted with have always maintained that the training I quality training to our reps if they are to be practitioners as part of our commitment to have received from PFEW has been of an successful and effective when representing re-designing the courses offered. We are keen incredibly high standard. So much so, it our members. Reps deal with an assortment to offer quality training packages that are certainly enhanced my knowledge and of issues ranging from health and safety, current and relevant.” service delivery in my day job, before I became discipline and equality matters. Zuleika, who has 27 years’ policing service a full-time rep.” “I feel I bring enthusiasm, commitment including two years as the full-time While enjoying her role within South and creative thinking. I also have a Federation chair in South Yorkshire, is part of Yorkshire, she has also relished moving onto willingness to learn, share and explore new the eight-strong learning and development the national stage. ideas but, above all, to do this with humility.” team at the national Federation headquarters in Leatherhead. Their priorities include answering to the overall strategy of the Police Federation of Higher level training courses England and Wales (PFEW) and identifying The new training courses being offered will experiencing distress or are vulnerable. the objectives which will ultimately help the ensure members are supported by more “The whole ethos will be about being organisation achieve its goals. confident and competent workplace able to provide the right support at the right Put simply, Zuleika explains: “We need to representatives and branch officials, time.” address the training needs among our reps in according to the head of the Federation’s The Federation is also broadening the order to support them in their endeavours to learning and development department. range of training on offer to enable reps to support rank and file officers.” Mario Manelfi says the reps will also be develop more skills. New courses will include Her own Federation career began when able to access a wealth of online resources mental health, strategic thinking and having she was working in the same department as after completing their courses. difficult conversations. her workplace representative. When they “The reps will have been accredited to a In addition to new courses, and after retired, she was approached and asked if she higher standard since we are moving from feedback from members, the Federation has would be interested in the role. Skills for Justice (SFJ) Level 4 to SFJ Level 6/ re-written the conduct and performance Having previously sought advice and degree level as part of the Federation’s course to make it more relevant to the reps, been supported by a Federation rep, she – in three-year business strategy,” he explains. and ultimately to the members. line with many other officers who find “They will have increased their As part of the new training programmes, themselves in a similar position – saw it as know-how and skill set sooner than Federation staff whose roles involve an ideal opportunity to give something back previously therefore enabling them to offer supporting the workplace representatives and help her colleagues. appropriate guidance and support at the and local Branch Council members will also It was a career choice that, of course, right time for the members. This will be of receive training through job-based gave her the opportunity to see what the particular benefit when members may be competency development initiatives. Federation’s training programmes had to offer.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 23 Pedal power Clocking up the miles ahead of charity challenge

ith his wife expecting a baby in September, two children to help Wlook after, a dog to exercise and a full-time job, it’s no great surprise that West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke is struggling to fit in enough training ahead of a 195-mile charity cycle at the end of July. Rich is a member of the West Midlands Chapter of the Police Unity Tour (PUT), an annual sponsored cycle ride in aid of Care of Police Survivors (COPS) supported by officers and supporters from many police forces. The various chapters of the PUT will set off from points around England and Wales on Friday 26 July coming together in to then ride into the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas for the COPS memorial service on Sunday 28 July. Rich is looking forward to the challenge of taking part but admits he has his work cut out in building up his biking miles. “I feel I’m progressing, certainly my average speeds are increasing but this challenge is all about endurance and I’m struggling to get longer, say 50-mile plus, rides under my belt which I see as the key area in the run-up to the tour,” he explains. “At present I don’t feel like I am ready because, while I’m optimistic I can do this, it’s just a question of making the time for more training - maybe doing a few early starts. It can be difficult, as many members will know, with a wife expecting a baby in September, two children to feed and entertain, a dog to be walked and a full-time Rich Cooke in training. job to hold down. At least I don’t have shifts to contend with currently unlike most (morning stop) before heading to Ludlow. (lunch stop). colleagues.” Ludlow to Bishops Castle (lunch stop). Rugeley to Tamworth Snow Dome and then While the exact route has not been Then to Shrewsbury (park for ceremony and Drayton Manor to meet other PUT Chapters. confirmed, as roadworks will have to be then to a hotel). Around 75 miles. assessed, the provisional schedule is as Around 100 miles, with one major climb. Day 3 follows: Day 2 Combined chapters ride to the arboretum. Day 1 Shrewsbury to Newport (morning stop). Around 20 miles. Hindlip to Leominster Police Station Newport to Cannock Chase and Rugeley Chief Constable Dave Thompson will join

24 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids New National Police the West Midlands Chapter riding the tour along with Superintendent Scott Jones from the regional organised crime unit, Force Wellbeing Service academic researcher Gill Wall and police staff member Lisa Cummings. The chapter National Police Wellbeing Service detect and treat workplace health issues. also includes riders from West Mercia, has been launched as part of an Practical support will be offered in Staffordshire and , ensuring all investment in improving welfare eight areas: four forces in the West Midlands region are A support in policing. l Dealing with trauma, major incidents represented. Oscar Kilo, first launched in 2017, will and disaster resilience now operate this new service. All police l Psychological screening forces in England, Wales and North Ireland l Individual resilience About COPS subscribe to Oscar Kilo which hosts the l Peer support Care of Police Survivors (otherwise known as Bluelight Wellbeing Framework and l Line management COPS) is a UK registered charity dedicated to provides resources, information and l Leadership helping the families of police officers who guidance to help shape wellbeing l Wellbeing at work have lost their lives on duty. It aims to provision, provoke debate and encourage l Outreach services – including ensure survivors have all the help they need collaboration and innovation. Wellbeing Vans which will bring to cope with such a tragedy, and that they As Oscar Kilo was developed, the Home services to forces. remain part of the police family as they Office, the College of Policing and the Future projects will include developing rebuild their lives. National Police Chiefs’ Council worked minimum standard for forces’ Only another survivor can fully together with the backing of £7.5 million of occupational health services, medical and understand what new survivors endure and funding from the Police Transformation physical fitness standards, suicide that shared experience is the basis for the Fund over three years to help provide prevention, HR policy review and work charity’s peer support programme. enhanced welfare support for policing. with the NHS to tailor services for police COPS enables survivors to help survivors, The National Police Wellbeing Service personnel. the extent of help provided will always be aims to provide support and guidance for Find out more controlled by the new survivor. Sometimes all police forces to improve and build upon If you’re interested in wellbeing in an understanding listener is needed. wellbeing within their organisation. policing and you have .pnn email address, Sometimes more practical help is required. Everything about it is sector specific and you can register with the National Police Whatever the need, COPS will be able to put designed to meet the unique needs of Wellbeing Service. You don’t have to be a survivors in touch with those who truly policing. senior leader or a wellbeing lead – any understand. The aim is to help every member of the member of the police service, no matter COPS is independent of the police service police service understand how to build your rank or role, can login. and was founded in March 2003 by Jim personal resilience, to feel confident that When you log in, you will be able to McNulty and Christine Fulton (MBE). Jim was they can speak up when things aren’t going access to all of the toolkits, resources and a retired police officer from Strathclyde well and to get the best personalised training under the eight key areas above Police. Christine is the widow of PC Lewis support possible when necessary. and find out more about how forces are Fulton who was murdered on duty in The key purpose is to provide evidence- being supported. Glasgow in 1994. based approaches to promote, prevent, Visit www.oscarkilo.org.uk COPS makes contact with the survivors of every officer who loses their life on duty, explaining what COPS does and inviting them to make contact when they are ready for such support. Survivors’ weekend Each year, usually in July, COPS holds a survivor weekend incorporating social activities and concluding with a service of remembrance. It allows families to meet with other survivors, share experiences and learn how others have rebuilt their lives. Activities are arranged for the children and, where appropriate, childcare is provided. The COPS service of remembrance is held on the Sunday morning of the survivor Dame Kelly (second from left) with the Wellbeing Bus team at Flint House. weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum. It is attended by representatives Dame Kelly Holmes officially opened the refurbished and extended gym at the Flint House of the UK police service, staff associations police rehabilitation centre in May this year. and the wider police family. All are welcome. While at Flint House, she also visited one of the Wellbeing Vans and its team of This year’s survivor weekend runs from support workers who were making a two-day visit. 26 to 28 July. www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 25 How does a court deal with finances on divorce? A real life story

By Chris Fairhurst, partner at McAlister which officers are naturally protective. client also had care of their children and Family Law It’s easier to point to a real example of could not borrow enough on a mortgage to what can be achieved. Here is a true outline buy a new home, without having some ften one of the first questions from of a case settled very recently. The client, an interest in the cash assets. new clients, faced with how to sort officer, had tried to represent themselves for Our client had offered early on to ‘offset’ Oout arrangements after separation nearly two years. The other party was the former spouse’s potential interest in the from their spouse, is a straightforward: represented and had applied for several police pension and accept less than “What will a financial settlement look like for different applications in relation to the otherwise entitled to in respect to the family me?” children and the home. home, but this was rejected. The matter had The law relating to how a court decides The client had managed to obtain an to be dealt with at a final hearing, when the that question is highly discretionary, to take order to spend time with the children but the judge agreed with our ‘open proposal’ - that account of the fact that no two families’ former spouse insisted they were the ‘main the house be sold and the cash be divided circumstances are the same. You cannot look carer’ and thought that entitled them to a equally, in addition to a more limited pension at a chart to get an answer. greater share of all the modest assets, share than had been sought, due to our Explaining to a client that the court uses consisting of equity in the family home, successful argument that the pre- several different factors set out in Section 25 some savings and the pension. relationship pension accrual should be of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 The court tries to achieve ‘equality’ if excluded. including, but not limited to, the ages of the ‘needs’ such as providing a family home are Our client was very happy at this positive parties, length of marriage, earning capacity met; this doesn’t necessarily mean equal, outcome and realised their position was and obligations in respect of children or other because that is hard to achieve when there much better than that which had been family members, all of which depend on your are different assets and, in a case where hoped for when representing themselves. particular circumstances, doesn’t help in there is limited capital, it is difficult to buy Don’t be tempted to deal with matters advising with any certainty of outcome. two properties when previously there was without obtaining expert and experienced What does matter is the experience of only one. legal advice. You may find that you are the lawyer who is dealing with your case. In our case the officer was faced with a settling your financial case for more than There is nothing like having someone who former spouse seeking all the cash in the might be required. has represented people in a similar position. home and savings because they said their Chris Fairhurst has more than 20 years’ It doesn’t guarantee getting exactly what you needs required it, as well as a share in the experience in the matter of complex divorce seek but it certainly helps, especially where a pension fund. cases and is regarded as one of the UK’s police officer is concerned, because of the We were able to argue successfully that leading police divorce experts. nature of the police pension schemes, of such an order would not be fair because our

26 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Support police widows Federation Retired and serving West Midlands Police Kate is pictured officers are being urged to write to their with the couple’s MPs in support of a change to regulations daughter roadshow that could lead to pensions for life for all Kelly. police widows. A template letter and a link to MPs’ stops at addresses can be found on the National Association of Retired Police Officers’ (NARPO) website. Perry Barr The plea for support comes after a Parliamentary drop-in at Portcullis House in The successful West Midlands Police London at the start of May organised by widowers in England, Scotland and Wales to Federation Roadshow programme made NARPO to raise awareness of the Widows’ retain their pension entitlement in full as is its latest stop at Perry Barr. Pension for Life Campaign which calls for already the case in Northern Ireland. The roadshow team of Federation parity for police widows and widowers As a result of repeated Government staff and workplace representatives were within the UK should they choose to inaction on this issue, NARPO has in the atrium at Drive from 10am re-marry or co-habit following the death of reluctantly sought legal advice from a until 3pm on Tuesday 30 April. their husband or wife. leading human rights barrister in an effort Federation representatives were able The campaign has been driven by Kate to get justice for those women, men and to answer members’ questions while Hall, whose husband Colin died of a heart children who, it says, are victims of this member services providers were on hand attack while working as a West Midlands archaic and unfair regulation, which severely to talk to officers and discuss the services Police dog handler in 1987 and who lost her restricts their life choices. they provide. police pension when she moved in with a It has now received legal advice that Free Federation merchandise was new partner years later. indicates there is a sound case to pursue handed out and members could also Holly Lynch, MP for Halifax, who this matter under the Human Rights Act enter a prize draw for a £50 Amazon successfully championed the Police and, in particular, the right to fair voucher. Federation’s Protect the Protectors proceedings under Article 6, the protection Look out for details of the next campaign for tougher sentences for those of property, under Article 1 Protocol 1 and roadshow dates. who assault police officers, has tabled an the Right to Respect for Private and Family Early Day Motion calling for widows and Life under Article 8.

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Bloxwich, , Brierley Hill, Coventry, , Lloyd House, Perry Barr, Sheldon, Stechford, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton As part of our commitment to your Federation we offer appointments to suit you For further information contact the Federation office on 0121 752 4900 or Call Warren & Co to find out the dates for each location

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home www.polfed.org/westmidsWarren & Co are a Member Service therefore there will be no charge federationfor administering June/July your 2019 mortgage. 27 Going Call us through a before your divorce? ex does.

We’ve been working with the Police Federation for over fifty years – longer than any other firm. No one understands better the unique pressures of police work and how to protect your rights – including your pension. If you’re going through a divorce, we offer a free initial consultation, a divorce Sandeep Sandhu fixed fee package from £350 plus Associate in VAT and Court fees and discounted Family Law at hourly rates plus we give you Slater and Gordon access to some of the country’s best family lawyers. If you think we could help, call us on 0808 175 7710 slatergordon.co.uk/police-law Offices throughout the UK.

28 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Does the common law spouse exist? Going Call us By Sandeep Do I need a Deed of Trust? at assets held in joint names and claims are Sandhu, associate A Deed of Trust (also known as a Declaration limited to those under the laws of property in family law at of Trust) is a legal agreement that can be and trusts. Slater and Gordon throughused to specify how a aproperty is beforeheld It’s vital that careful your thought is given to between joint owners. They can include the above matters prior to co-habitation. Common law specific information such as each party’s While it may be ‘unromantic’ to plan for a marriage hasn’t contributions towards the purchase price or possible separation, more couples are existed in Britain divorce?their respective shares in the property,ex for does.acknowledging that it’s something of a since 1753, yet the example. necessary evil. It’s far better to agree your Going Call us belief that it does is Moving in with a partner who owns respective intentions and plans from the widespread. No one property in their sole name or jointly with outset,We’ve than been to separate working and with face the legal acquires rights over another? interventionPolice Federation and costly forcourt over proceedings. fifty someone else’s property simply by living l Consider what will happen if the Theyears best – waylonger to ensurethan any that other you’re firm. with them so it’s important to consider your relationship breaks down protectedNo one when understands considering better co-habitation the is through a before your position before you decide to co-habit. l Does the legal title need changing? to: unique pressures of police work Below is a short guide for anybody planning l Will you be making financial l Considerand how the to protectabove points your carefullyrights – and to move in with their partner: contributions towards the property and ensureincluding you yourhave pension.frank discussions If you’re with Joint tenants or tenants in common? will these constitute an interest? If yourgoing partner through a divorce, we offer If you own the property as joint tenants, the there’s no financial contribution, it’s l Considera free initial entering consultation, into a co-habitation a divorce property is held in equal shares – one tenant unlikely that you’ll be able to establishSandeep Sandhu agreementfixed fee packagewhich can from detail £350 how plus the divorce? ex does. Associate in VAT and Court fees and discounted cannot have a larger ownership than any legal interest property is to be dealt with both during Family Law at hourly rates plus we give you Slater and Gordon another. A key concept in joint tenancies is l Do you have children with your partner? theaccess relationship to some andof the upon country’s separation l Prepare a will We’ve been working with the the right of survivorship. This means that if Will it be possible to bring an application best family lawyers. any one of the joint tenants dies, the for the benefit of the children upon l It’s always best to seek legal advice. Police Federation for over fifty remainder of the property transfers separation, if no agreement can be ForIf you an initial think weconsultation, could help, please call us call on years – longer than any other firm. automatically to the survivor or survivors. reached? Slater0808 and Gordon 175 7710 on Freephone No one understands better the The transfer happens even if the joint tenant l Is there anything else about the property 0808 175 7710 or online and we’ll be happy slatergordon.co.uk/police-law unique pressures of police work provides for something different to happen that you need to know? This is to help. Alternatively, you can make contact and how to protect your rights – with their property in a will. particularly important if the property is via theOffices Federation throughout office. the UK. including your pension. If you’re If you own the property as tenants in held in joint names with a third party, going through a divorce, we offer common, the property doesn’t have to be such as a former partner or spouse. a free initial consultation, a divorce held in equal shares. For example, one Many people also ask whether there are any Sandeep Sandhu fixed fee package from £350 plus tenant in common can own 75 per cent of other financial claims upon separation. If Associate in VAT and Court fees and discounted the property and the other 25 per cent. there are children of the relationship, child Family Law at hourly rates plus we give you There’s also no right of survivorship for maintenance will be payable by the Slater and Gordon tenants in common and should one tenant ‘non-resident’ parent. Other than this, it is access to some of the country’s in common die, their share of the property doubtful. The rules for separating co- best family lawyers. passes under the terms of any will, or the habitees are very different to divorcing If you think we could help, call us on intestacy rules. couples. Generally, you will only be looking

0808 175 7710 Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. slatergordon.co.uk/police-law No one acquires rights over someone Offices throughout the UK. else’s property simply by living with “ them so it’s important to consider your “position before you decide to co-habit.

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Generic A4 Poster (civilian).indd 1 14/07/2014 17:04 PW-F-0022-AD-I am able series-A5.indd 1 11/03/2019 15:02 “Quality Insurance Ashley books a crime-fighting panda multi-talented West Midlands Police it was while reading stories to son Frankie officer has been inspired by his day that he seriously thought about creating his A job to write a children’s book giving own books. He enrolled on a masters in an insight into his role on the front-line. Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge PC Ashley Crowley has used his 16 years’ School of Art and his final project was a book at Internet Prices!” policing experience to create ‘Officer Panda’, a called ‘PC Panda.’ After a short exhibition in detective who encourages readers to help London, he was contacted by an agent in New him follow a trail of clues to solve a mystery. York, and within two weeks he had a two “A panda was my natural choice for a book deal with publishers Harper Collins. character as the British light blue and white Ashley has since gone on to illustrate four police cars in the 1960s were known as ‘panda PC Ashley Crowley with his book ‘Officer Panda’. other books and says his role still inspires him cars’. The idea grew from there,” he reveals. everywhere, in the back of old books, on the every time he draws while working on the “I’d say he is based on a mixture of the 1980s green striped printer paper with the books helps him deal with the stresses of Save up to 40% on your Insurance, for all serving officers I have met throughout my career. In perforated edges and on used envelopes policing. the first book he gets around on a traditional usually with an old Biro. Art was also my “One book that I have illustrated deals bicycle and I like to think he has the eye of an favourite subject at school,” he explains. with the emotions a child experiences when & retired Police Officers, Specials, Staff and Partners experienced detective,” said Ashley. Ashley did a foundation course in art and they lose a parent. As a police officer I In the first book Officer Panda is a design at Warwickshire College and a degree definitely have to deal with people at times of fingerprint detective and during patrols he course at Southampton Solent University. heightened emotions and when people are starts to notice giant fingerprints appearing After graduating, he worked on London based sometimes at the lowest point of their lives throughout the town. The second novel sees magazines as a junior designer. so I definitely think that experience helps me the character take to the skies to follow a His uncle was a police officer, meaning as convey emotion in a story,” he says. mysterious trail of clues, including confetti, a youngster when he wasn’t drawing he was “When I am working on a book I will very balloons and a mysterious package. It is down attending an open day at the police station or much be immersed in the process, I can work to the reader to help solve the mysteries, playing with a toy police car. for hours and sometimes very late listening to which were inspired by Ashley’s early career. In 2003 he joined the Force, working in music and drawing. Drawing can be a very An author, illustrator and police officer the Chelmsley Wood and Solihull areas. He intense thinking process so I completely lose may seem like a strange CV. But, he says each then transferred to Norfolk Police in 2013 myself when I’m working and often forget of these skills were introduced to him at an before returning to the West Midlands last about the stresses of my day job.” early age. year as a response officer. For more information on his work visit the MOTOR INSURANCE “As a child I loved drawing. I drew literally Ashley also became a father in 2010 and ashleycrowley.com website. HOME INSURANCE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE I am able to have peace of mind for the future

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The team can guide you through the legal process of dealing with your case and represent you in court proceedings, if necessary.

Initial advice is available free of charge at Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham. Call 0161 762 4416 NOW! irwinmitchell.com/private or visit www.policeinsure.co.uk Birmingham Family team: 0121 214 5278 Tax & Trusts Wills & Probate Disputes Property & Family expert hand, human touch Follow us on: www.facebook.com/PoliceInsure @PoliceInsure www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 31

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Prices from just £6.05** per month - Cover for you and/or your partner - Payable on death by any cause - Choose from 3 levels of cover: £50,000 £6.05 per month* Legal Services £75,000 for West £9 per month* Midlands Police With 20+ years’ experience working with the police, Gorvins Solicitors, have been a leading provider of legal services to the Police £100,000 Federation and all its members. We also act for officers, their partners, police personnel £12 per month* and families, so whatever level of support you require during the divorce process, we can help.

Cost effective: Fixed fees and discounted rates for officers, police personnel and families

Expert team: Specialists in police pension treatment Call us today on divorce and dissolution and also in relation to children matters

Prompt service: First appointment free, including 01403 327719 telephone meetings www.georgeburrows.com Other Legal Services • Wills, trusts and probate West Midlands Police Federation is an Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited and George Burrows is a trading name of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Contact your dedicated force representatives today on Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow G2 7AT. • Employment law Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909 www.ajg.com/uk 0845 6347 999 • Residential conveyancing * Benefit levels reduce and premium rates increase on retirement. Cover ceases at age 65. Full details are available from the Federation or George Burrows. e-mail [email protected] • Personal injury claims (on or off duty) 32 Terms and conditions apply. federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids or visit us at www.gorvins.com/wmp • Dispute resolution matters **The premiums quoted are correct at 1 April 2019. GB1401/FP458-2019/V3 Life cover Protecting the things

The West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund promotion, physiotherapy and full that matter most to you. was set up in 1974 when West Midlands use of the extensive wellbeing Police was formed. facilities including hydrotherapy pool, Over the years it’s helped thousands of swimming pool, steam room, hot tub, serving and retired officers, police staff and games room, gym and gardens Top up life cover from George Burrows. Developed specifically for serving officers, their families through difficult times. l Financial help - members can access and their partners, who subscribe to the Federation Group Insurance Scheme. With almost 7,000 members, the WMP interest free loans or charitable Benevolent Fund offers police colleagues’ grants in times of hardship or distress peace of mind that the fund is there to help l Death grant of £3,500 - we will them in times of need. immediately pay out £3,500 to your For just £2 per month members’ chosen beneficiary in the event of benefits include: your death. If you have children, we l High street shopping vouchers if you’re will pay them £25 per week until their Prices from just £6.05** per month off work through injury or sickness sick 18th birthday - Cover for you and/or your partner for more than 21 days l Stay at our holiday homes by the sea l Convalescence breaks at the multi- - our members can enjoy discounted For more details about the - Payable on death by any cause million pound health and wellbeing rates at our holiday homes just steps treatment centre, St Michael’s Lodge away from the sea in Weymouth, fund and how to join visit - Choose from 3 levels of cover: - offering stress management, relaxation Dorset and at Court Cottage on the techniques, pilates, yoga, swimming, luxury Hillfields Village in Dartmouth. www.wmpben.co.uk complementary therapies, health £50,000 £6.05 per month* Legal Services £75,000 for West £9 per month* Midlands Police With 20+ years’ experience working with the police, Gorvins Solicitors, have been a leading provider of legal services to the Police £100,000 Federation and all its members. We also act for officers, their partners, police personnel £12 per month* and families, so whatever level of support you require during the divorce process, we can help.

Cost effective: Fixed fees and discounted rates for officers, police personnel and families

Expert team: Specialists in police pension treatment Call us today on divorce and dissolution and also in relation to children matters

Prompt service: First appointment free, including 01403 327719 telephone meetings www.georgeburrows.com Other Legal Services • Wills, trusts and probate West Midlands Police Federation is an Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited and George Burrows is a trading name of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Contact your dedicated force representatives today on Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow G2 7AT. • Employment law Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909 www.ajg.com/uk 0845 6347 999 • Residential conveyancing * Benefit levels reduce and premium rates increase on retirement. Cover ceases at age 65. Terms and conditions apply. Full details are available from the Federation or George Burrows. e-mail [email protected] • Personal injury claims (on or off duty) or visitwww.polfed.org/westmids us at www.gorvins.com/wmp • Disputefederation resolution June/Julymatters 2019 33 **The premiums quoted are correct at 1 April 2019. GB1401/FP458-2019/V3

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS

NARPO is a rank-free association of retired police officers, dedicated to improving benefits for its members. NARPO has Branches across West Midlands:- Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, , and Wolverhampton.

• FREE ADVICE – Pensions, Benefits, Computing, Taxation; • MEMBER SERVICES – Welfare Support, Car, Health and Travel Insurance, Car Purchase, Domestic Appliances, Trusted Legal Advisors, Mobile Phones, Travel Discounts, Job Opportunities + National/Local Websites, National Magazine, Branch Newsletters; • SOCIAL EVENTS – Keep in touch with old friends and colleagues.

Annual membership fee deducted from pension:- £20.64 in 2018.

ARE YOU RETIRING SOON? Join on-line www.NARPO.org, or for more information, contact the secretary of your preferred Branch:-

Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall:- www.NARPOWestMidlands.org Wolverhampton:- www.NARPO-Wolverhampton.co.uk

0121 752 4900

34 federation June/July 2019 www.polfed.org/westmids West Midlands Police Federation Workplace reps - June 2019

Location Collar Rep(s) Posting Airport 776 Chris Cotton Operations 8322 Scott Davies Operations Bilston 4331 Lisa Bird CTU Bournville Lane 9533 Mark Hambling Intel 20186 Paul Welch Force Response 5456 Winston Christie Force Response 115 Archie Murphy Force Intel Bloxwich 1284 David Keasey Response Brierley Hill 6889 Chris Smith FCID 4575 Stephen Green FCID 9694 Roy Teague Force Response Cosford 8346 Paul Swan Learning & Development Coventry 3426 Alan O’Shea CV - NHF 2162 Dawn Murkett NPU Coventry 1329 Jason Sayers Learning & Development 4368 Julie Fleming NPU, Stoke and Wyken 6886 Narinder Sidhu PPU CTU - rep details Check locally CTU not for publication 6329 Simon Wheeler NPU 21420 Suky Bagri Learning & Development 633 Sean Gilsenan tbc 20643 Matthew Fitzgerald NPU Harborne 8129 Warren Hines Investigations -FCID Lloyd House 2504 Donna Moore FCID 133 Eakbinder Kaur FCID 1978 Deano Walker Birmingham Partnerships Check locally CTU - Operations 1687 Pete Snape BWC & S - NHT Newtown 7658 Matt Minton Response 6219 Lorayne Brown Force Support Oldbury 9898 Jason Durnall FCID Park Lane Barrie Punshon Perry Barr 7665 John Stolz CJC 6979 Jon Nott Investigations - FCID 4993 Rod Rose Investigations - FCID 5008 Karen Geddes NPU 3000 Nick Simpson Neighbourhood Co-ordinator 667 Dan Wood NPU Solihull 1188 Steve Temperton Response 5512 Gary Haywood Response 698 Richard Ansermoz Neighbourhood Task Force Stechford/Sutton 5456 Winston Christie Force Response Stechford 6557 Stuart Whitehead Birmingham EAST Steelhouse Lane 29965 Dan Chappelow ROCU Tally Ho 2593 Adrian Ford Learning & Development 5454 Trudy Gittins Learning & Development Tipton 29997 Mike Horton Force Support Unit 20428 Christopher James Force Support Wednesbury 1876 Giles Dean NHT 8345 Jean Brennan Information Management West Bromwich 1353 Stephen Parkes PPU Wolverhampton 9233 Darren Neville WV Organised Crime and Gangs 5287 Sarah Thomas-West WV - NHT 21287 Lee Hayward Force Response Guardians House 3895 Steve Grange Secretary 9270 Rich Cooke Chair 8474 Tim Rogers Dep secretary 6906 John Williams Dep chair 9878 Dave Hadley Custody 4132 George McDonnell CaPLO 5583 Cliff Tomkinson P & E 5139 Peggy Lamont Regional

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2019 35 You protect us. We protect you.

At Slater and Gordon, we Legal services: understand that police work can be challenging and stressful, • Crime and misconduct allegations but with us by your side, dealing • Personal injury claims - on or off duty with legal issues needn’t be. • Family law For over 50 years, we have • Employment law been defending, advising and • Police pensions representing thousands of police officers just like you. • Wills, trusts and estates

With offices throughout the UK, we are the only firm to offer a full range of legal services to the Police Federation.

GET IN TOUCH 0808 175 7805 24h Criminal Assistance number: 0800 908 977 slatergordon.co.uk/policelaw

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.