SUMMER2019 ConnectNEWS AND VIEWS FROM WEST POLICE FEDERATION

Brave officer attends

Downing Street reception - Pages 6 and 7 Contents Chair’s introduction 2 Working for you

Home Office backs 2.5 per cent police By Sarah Cooper changes that focus on improving the pay rise 3 Chair of West experience of officers at an already Mercia Police incredibly difficult and stressful time. News in brief 3 Federation We are asking PSD to introduce a risk assessment at the start of any Latest developments on pensions 4 write this at investigation and are also working towards Federation agrees collective a time of a proposal to carry out regular stress statement 5 I utter assessments throughout the process so devastation in the impact on officers can be properly Government will apply ‘industrial the policing monitored. The Federation is working at a remedy’ 5 family. The tragic loss of our national level to address the unacceptable Thames Valley colleague PC Andrew Harper delays with investigations. Charity donation 5 on 15 August is the worst possible Thank you to everyone who has made reminder of the risks faced by police contact with me with suggestions as to Brave Mike and Bacca honoured after officers every day as they serve the public. how we can improve our service to you. knife attack 6 Our thoughts are with his family, friends One of the greatest areas of concern raised and colleagues. relates to information about pay and Mike ‘gobsmacked’ at bravery award PC Harper’s tragic death came just days pensions and, as a result, this will be a nomination 6 after one of our Met colleagues was regular feature in this magazine. attacked with a machete and one of our All the latest information is available on PDSA award for Bacca 7 regional colleagues, PC Gareth Phillips of the PFEW website. We also have our own Police, was very seriously website up and running which can be Riding for those who didn’t come home 8 injured during an incident involving a found at www.polfed.org/westmercia - it suspected stolen car. I know that PC is still a work in progress but we are Remembering fallen officers 10 Phillips has worked alongside our own getting there! I am mindful of not sending officers and the impact of this cannot be out emails when the information is readily Roll of Honour book launched 10 underestimated. available elsewhere as I know you are all Within our own Force, I have also this inundated. New conduct regulations to be in month attended the funeral of Special We are continuing to work closely with place in the New Year 11 Constable Joe Hunaban who tragically took the wellbeing team and efforts are ongoing Officer tells harrowing story of his own life. I know Joe was an incredibly to introduce a day into the shift pattern long-drawn-out conduct case 12 popular member of his team and the effect that will be dedicated to officer welfare. his death has had on colleagues and This may take the form of training, team Conduct and performance: a brief friends was clearly evident. The building or simply having a day to clear overview 13 circumstances of his premature death workload and therefore decrease stress. reinforce the need for us to focus on the This will be going out to consultation in Quarter of women consider quitting mental wellbeing of each and every the near future and please be assured that due to menopause 15 member of our policing family and we, as a this is a genuine consultation; no decision Federation, will continue with this work to has been made but we need your feedback support those who are relentlessly trying so we can plan what this will look like and Cover photo: Now retired PC Mike Davey and to make change for the better, all too often if it will progress. wife Jo outside No 10 Downing Street. at the expense of their own welfare. I have also been asked to provide more Photo courtesy of Anderson Photography. We focus on the impact of information on what we are doing on your investigation in this issue. The behalf. We are looking to promote our work Connect is published by overwhelming feedback we get from through this magazine and via your local West Mercia Police Federation, officers is that it is not the investigation reps. I am always very happy to chat over United House, Unit 1, De Salis Drive, itself which causes the huge associated any concerns you may have so please get in stress, but the length of time these touch about anything that is important to Hampton Lovett, Droitwich WR9 0QE. investigations take and, on occasion, the you. Telephone: 01905 744500 way in which they are conducted. At the end of August, we also had the The perception is that we do not afford opportunity to provide feedback and ask Chair: Sarah Cooper our own officers the same consideration questions of the national Federation chair, Secretary: Steve Butler expected of us all when dealing with John Apter. Every member was invited to a members of the public. In the most Q & A session held at the Federation offices Every care is taken to ensure that advertisements are only accepted from bona fide advertisers. The extreme of cases, officers have felt they and John then went out on patrol with Police Federation cannot accept liability incurred by have no option but to leave the officers across the Force over a two-day any person as a result of a default on the part of an organisation as they have lost all faith in period. I am grateful to John for taking the advertiser. The views expressed within this magazine the Force. time out to listen to the concerns of our are not necessarily the views of -West Mercia Police Federation. I am extremely grateful to those who officers and I know that this engagement have shared their experiences with me so I will help in negotiations at a national level. Contact the Federation can raise awareness and help to make Thank you to all who took part in this and changes. This is an area I am absolutely assisted with it. We will publish more E-mail: [email protected] passionate about and we are working with details about this in our autumn edition of Tel: 01905 744500 PSD and the wellbeing team to introduce the magazine. 2 NEWS IN BRIEF

ASSAULTS FIGURES Home Office There were a total of 514 assaults on West Mercia Police officers during 2018/2019, newly released figures reveal. The statistics were published within the last Crime in England and Wales report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). backs 2.5 per cent The breakdown of the West Mercia figures reveals there were 184 police recorded assaults with injury and 330 without injury. Nationally, in 2018/19 there were more than 30,000 assaults on police officers in police pay rise England and Wales (including ).

olice officers have been awarded a 2.5 POLICE COVENANT Pper cent pay increase. Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid revealed The Police Federation of England and plans to establish a police covenant to Wales has said the rise was a ‘small step in recognise the sacrifice made by police officers the right direction’. when he addressed this year’s Police Bravery It is the first time in three years Awards ceremony. that the Home Office has accepted in He said the covenant would recognise that full the recommendations of the Police police officers are not employees but hold the Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), the ‘office of constable’ bringing with it a high level independent body advising the Government of personal accountability and responsibility on police pay. for the protection of life and property. However, national Federation chair John Mr Javid explained: “This will be a pledge Apter has insisted the Government must do to do more as a nation to help those who more to make up for years of real-term pay serve this country. It will ensure the sacrifice cuts endured by Federation members. made by the police is properly recognised. I’m “Police officers have suffered nine years in awe of every officer who plays their part in of pay freezes and pay caps. So, while this keeping this country safe. Rest assured, the pay award represents the highest received Government has your back – and the police since 2010, it is not what we and the Police covenant will make sure of that.” Superintendents’ Association jointly asked Sarah Cooper, chair of West Mercia Police for – however, it is better than the derisory Federation, said: “Police officers put their lives rise our members were given last year,” says on the line as they serve their communities. John. National Federation chair John Apter. Their wellbeing should be prioritised by the “It is positive to see the Government Government and police leaders and this abiding by proper process and accepting all n A 2.5 per cent uplift in the dog handlers’ covenant would enshrine their welfare in law, the recommendations of the PRRB which it allowance acknowledging the unique role they play in has failed to do for the past two years. But n A 2.5 per cent uplift in London society.” this must be just the start of getting police weighting, and officers’ pay back to the level it should be.” n No change for apprentice and degree FOCUS ON WELLBEING He continues: “Before the next pay holder progression pay, which means The Home Office has pledged to embed award, the chancellor will announce the those joining the service will continue wellbeing at the heart of policing and free results of the Comprehensive Spending to receive the current incremental pay up front-line officers’ time for core policing Review – and that must include substantial, rises through their probationary period. activities. centrally-funded investment to ensure The Police Federation, in a joint The pledge is included in the report from the service is fully and properly resourced, submission to the PRRB with the the Front-Line Review of policing which also encompassing a significant, real-term rise in Superintendents’ Association earlier this puts forward six recommendations with a officer pay.” year, had sought a three-year pay deal for further review of progress expected in a year’s As well as the pay rise, which applies officers with a five per cent uplift in each time. to all ranks and came into effect from 1 year to bring police pay back to ‘fair levels’. The review was announced at last year’s September, the Government announced: However, if the three-year deal was not Police Federation conference and led to a n An increase in the on-call allowance considered possible, the Federation put series of workshops across England and Wales from £15 to £20 per 24-hour period for forward a claim for a 6.2 per cent rise this allowing officers and police staff to raise their all Federated ranks year. concerns. “The review has highlighted the issues It is positive to see the Government abiding by proper our members are facing on a daily basis. They are stretched to the limit as they try to meet process and accepting all the recommendations of the increased demand with reduced resources. They feel undervalued, morale is low and their “ PRRB which it has failed to do for the past two years. wellbeing is being affected,” says Sarah Cooper, chair of West Mercia Police Federation. But this must be just the start of getting police officers’ “Any initiative that puts officer wellbeing to the fore has to be a good thing but we need pay back to the level it should be. to see action as well as words.” 3 Latest developments on pensions

he Supreme Court ruled on firefighters’ protections for its members to be retained Apter said: “The Government would not be pensions at the end of June refusing until 2022, and that affected members must drawn into what they were going to do next, Tthe Government leave to appeal the be levelled up to this position. or how they would be reacting to the decision of the Court of Appeal which had It has also set out the following Supreme Court judgement. But they said previously held that the transitional pension expectations on the pensions issue: they would release a statement before arrangements for firefighters and judges n The Government must accept that all Parliament’s summer recess begins on 25 were illegal on the grounds of age transitional arrangements were July. This statement outlining their position discrimination. unlawful, but it must not, while cannot come soon enough.” The Federation had been waiting for the addressing that discrimination, He added: “The legal case has been ruling, seeing the issue as being linked to its introduce other unfairness to our made by the Appeal Court ruling; now is the own questions over the new police pension. members time for the Government to step up and While waiting for the Government n The Supreme Court decision applies morally do the right thing.” response to the ruling, national Federation across the public sector And John concluded: “If their statement chair John Apter called for a resolution for all n The Government concedes the existing does not meet our expectations, then we public sector pensions and, after attending a police pensions legal claims are prepared to lodge claims on behalf of pre-arranged meeting of the Pension n It honours the promises made to those our membership. That work has already Scheme Advisory Board with officials from nearest retirement, and maintains the started.” the Treasury and the Home Office on arrangements put in place Monday 1 July, days after the Supreme Court n The Government must ensure that all ruling, confirmed the Police Federation those subject to discrimination are If their statement would bring any appropriate legal claims on remedied appropriately behalf of members if its expectations were n The remedy must also apply to those does not meet our not met. who have left the service. The Federation is asking for all After the advisory board meeting, John “ expectations, then we are prepared to lodge claims on behalf of our membership. That work has already started.

4 Federation agrees Charity collective statement Officials and representatives from across and are, of course, listening to the views donation England and Wales agreed a collective of all police officers, including those who statement on pensions at the Federation’s are part of the ‘Pension Challenge’. Weighed down with riot gear and National Council meeting in We have previously made it clear we coping with hot weather, a team of in mid-July. would not be paying the private legal fees West Mercia officers ran the Market The full statement issued by the Police Drayton 10K in May to raise £14,000 Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) It was scandalous that in memory of a colleague who died was as follows: from ovarian cancer. Police Federation officials representing the Government The 18 officers donated the funds officers from across England and Wales forced the changes it they raised to Severn Hospice where – our National Board and National Council “ Lisa McCallister had received care. – have met over the past two days to made to pensions They almost trebled their £5,000 discuss important issues affecting our target for fund-raising and were members, and top of that list has been back in 2012, but helped by a donation of £500 from pensions. legally it had power the West Mercia Police Federation Much has been said to the Police Welfare Fund which seeks to support Federation of England and Wales, and to to do so. There are no charitable causes close to the hearts local Federations across the country, since of members. the Supreme Court ruled there could be negotiation rights for The team were led by patrol officer no appeal by the Government on the police officers on Gary Lansdale, who wanted to help judges’ and firefighters’ pension the hospice while Lisa battled her discrimination ruling. pensions. illness. Sadly, Lisa died two months We are listening to you. We are before the event. listening to your representatives. And for the ‘Pension Challenge’. This position But her son, Reece, led the group following our discussions over the past remains unchanged. of runners as they took part in the two days we – the PFEW and local Police Once the Government proposes a run. Federations - publish this joint statement remedy – which is likely to be a Gary, who last year ran the Market on the Police Federation of England and protracted process and potentially affect Drayton 10K in uniform, said: “I’m Wales’ police officer pension position. all public sector pensions - if it becomes really grateful for the support we Our stance has always been that necessary for us to mount a legal have received from everyone – family, police officers should have stayed in the challenge on behalf of all police officers friends, colleagues and even people pension schemes they signed up to, or in England and Wales then we stand we don’t know. better, and that remains our stance in any ready to do so. It may be that no one has “Severn Hospice is a fantastic future discussions with Government over to submit claims. charity and I was pleased to be able police officer pensions. The importance of fair and just to hand over this amount and hope It was scandalous that the pensions for police officers – who it helps go some way to making a Government forced the changes it made sacrifice so much during their working difference to the quality of lives of to pensions back in 2012, but legally it careers to serve and protect the public those in need and their loved ones.” had the power to do so. There are no – cannot be understated. There has been In addition to Gary – and Reece – negotiation rights for police officers on much discussion over what has gone the runners were: pensions. before but we now need to move Mo Lansdale Following the judges’ and firefighters’ forward collectively; not just as a Police Lee and Kate Medlam ruling, the Government has said it will Federation but as proud police officers. A Helen O’Connor release a statement on the issue before collective and non-fragmented voice has Heather Bateman Parliament’s summer recess begins on 25 the ability to be very powerful and to get Stuart Edwards July. We are talking to other public sector the best terms and conditions it can for John Sarjant unions in advance of that announcement officers across the country. Chris Rogers Mark Tomlin Miranda Worrall Matt Stokes Government will apply ‘industrial remedy’ Steve Miller Amanda Blakeman On 15 July, the Government issued a the remedy will be and what it means for Alex Stacey written statement in respect of the ruling our members, so while many will have Tracy Ryan on the judges’ and firefighters’ pensions further questions about this, we are not in Tony and Cheryl Hare making it clear the Government would a position to answer those until such time Matt Harding. apply an industrial remedy to the as we have heard what the resolution may Dave Fox drove the support Land discrimination found by the Employment be and we expect those discussions to be Rover for the team. Appeal Tribunal. This means the remedy protracted,” a Police Federation statement n West Mercia Police Federation is will apply to every worker in the public said. keen to support other members’ sector pension schemes, including police You can read the statement issued by fund-raising efforts, please contact officers. the Treasury at the office for more information. “What we do not know is exactly what https://tinyurl.com/y3zsg2vn 5 Brave Mike and Bacca honoured after knife attack

est Mercia dog handler PC Mike Photograph courtesy of Anderson Photography Davey and PD Bacca have been Whonoured at this year’s Police Bravery Awards after being cut by a violent and unpredictable man who also slashed at his own neck seemingly intent on seriously harming anyone in his path. The brave duo, who both retired in February this year, were put forward for the prestigious awards by West Mercia Police Federation and attended a Downing Street reception and a gala awards evening along with other nominees from forces across England and Wales. Among the other guests at the afternoon reception at Downing Street was Theresa May who was carrying out one of her final official duties as Prime Minister. The then Home Secretary Sajid Javid and former police minister Nick Hurd were at the evening awards ceremony. Mike, who completed 24 years’ service for the Force, was accompanied to the awards by his wife, Jo. He, Bacca and other officers had responded to calls about a man smashing shop windows in and acting in a violent and unpredictable manner in the Mike and Jo Davey at the awards evening. early hours of 6 June 2018. It was reported as a possible burglary attempt. take his life. Mike deployed Bacca to disarm Bacca took him to the ground, where the The distressed and agitated man was in him but he immediately slashed and hacked man slashed him again and managed to the middle of the street and when he saw at the dog, cutting his head and ear. break free. Bacca finally caught him and kept the officers became threatening, wielding a Mike then used Pava spray on the man him detained as Mike wrestled to disarm large knife at them. None of the officers had as he continued to attack Bacca, but it had and handcuff him. Taser and the man refused to engage with no effect so he tried to take control leading Mike had stitches in a deep cut to his Mike. to a violent struggle. right hand while Bacca had several cuts and He started to furiously hack at his own The offender managed to break free and wounds to the head and neck, which also neck with the knife in a clear attempt to fled with Mike and Bacca running after him. needed stitches. Mike ‘gobsmacked’ at bravery award nomination Mike Davey says he was ‘absolutely gobsmacked, chuffed and stopped as he was going to kill someone, himself or one of my humbled’ when he found out the Federation had put him forward for colleagues. It was instinct and training. There was also no fight or the Police Bravery Awards. flight, it was fight or die. But, all the same, he said he didn’t feel he was brave since “It sounds a cliché but, yes, I would do the same given the same instinct and training had just kicked in when he arrived at the set of circumstances - that’s what all cops sign up for, to protect and incident. serve, another cliché!” “The whole incident was bizarre,” he explained, “From the On the day of the awards, Mike said it felt like a great privilege moment I got there it was strange. There was no conversation, the to go to No 10 and he and his wife enjoyed speaking to the other police weren’t saying anything, the criminal wasn’t saying anything. nominees – and a good meal – at the evening ceremony. Usually you go to an incident and there is shouting and swearing but However, he was not so keen on the ‘competition’ element of the there was nothing. event, explaining: “It should just celebrate us all not choose between “They were just opposite sides of the road and no one was us. How do you quantify bravery?” saying anything. When I looked at him, I didn’t see the knife. The Mike concluded: “It was a great experience and truly humbling to lads had said on the radio that he had one. If it hadn’t been such a hear what we all did. But there are thousands of cops out there that violent situation I would have laughed when he pulled the knife out are doing the same thing every day.” ‘Crocodile Dundee’ style. He also extended his thanks to West Mercia Police Federation “I didn’t feel brave, I just knew I had to do it. He had to be and chair Sarah Cooper for hosting the couple ‘so fantastically’. 6 Brave duo - Mike Davey and Bacca. Photo courtesy of the PDSA.

PDSA award for Bacca Bacca has been presented with the canine behalf of the Force and said afterwards: “With organisations such as this and equivalent of The George Cross by a “Congratulations to PD Bacca for being the recent implementation of Finn’s Law, leading animal charity impressed by his awarded the PDSA gold medal - an award he our serving animals are receiving more crime-fighting efforts. so richly deserves.” and more recognition for the sacrifice Bacca was presented with the Gold He added: “Our police dogs, although they make in protecting all of us. It is only Medal Award by the People’s Dispensary trained extensively to deal with all sorts of right that we too protect these animals for Sick Animals (PDSA) during a special incidents, do, on a daily basis, put their own by bringing those to justice who can ceremony at the Birmingham Rep Theatre safety on the line to protect not only their cause significant harm to them. at the end of July, just weeks after being handlers but the communities in which we “I was honoured to be able to attend honoured for his involvement in the same live. this event alongside PC Davey and PD incident at the Police Bravery Awards. “My thanks go to the PDSA which does Bacca to witness them receiving such The medal and a certificate were so much to care for sick and injured animals a prestigious award, and one the entire received on Bacca’s behalf by handler Mike for people who struggle with the high Dog Section within West Mercia Police Davey. cost of veterinary bills and for recognising will be intensely proud of. Assistant Geoff the heroic actions of our serving animals “On behalf of the Force, thank you Wessell attended the ceremony on through its Animal Awards Programme. and thank you to Bacca and Mike.” 7 Riding for those who didn’t come home

The West Midlands Chapter of the Police Unity Tour - the chapter included representatives from the West Mercia, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands forces.

By Steve Butler, secretary of West Mercia representing the Federation and to take the Federation, Rich Police Federation part in the Police Unity Tour 2019. Our West Cooke, to ride this year and, after I got a Midlands Chapter aims to raise around commitment from West Midlands Chief was one of around 460 cyclists to battle £15,000 and I’m grateful the West Mercia Constable Dave Thompson last year, he was driving rain to remember more than Police Federation Welfare Fund was again true to his word and also rode the tour with I 4,000 police officers who have died on able to donate £500. us. duty - and to support family members left This year our chapter has grown, and Our Amanda behind – by taking part in the annual Police we had all four regional forces represented, Blakeman was an ever-present rider and Unity Tour (PUT), a sponsored bike ride in aid West Mercia, West Midlands, Staffordshire her support to the tour goes a long way of Care of Police Survivors (COPS). and Warwickshire. in making it the success it is and I must In horrendous weather conditions, those I managed to persuade the chair of mention DS Laura Douglas who, with the who had taken part in the PUT rode into the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Photograph courtesy of COPS Staffordshire on the morning of Sunday 28 July ahead of the annual Service of Remembrance organised by COPS as part of its annual survivors’ weekend for the family members of officers and staff who have died on duty. It was a privilege to be at the event

Cyclists started their journeys from points around England and Wales and are expected to raise around £200,000 for COPS The PUT cyclists are greeted by the crowds as they ride into the arboretum. 8 Photograph courtesy of COPS

West Mercia cyclist Steve Butler. help of the support team, gets through a lot of the admin and support for which we were extremely grateful. The weekend can, of course, be difficult A young supporter awaits the arrival of the cyclists. for the families of lost officers, but I know Photograph courtesy of COPS it can also be a source of comfort for and their families know that them, with many saying they get great we respect such sacrifice. The reassurance from the PUT and the service. work of COPS plays a massive At first, I wondered whether a lot of this part in all this and I plead would bring back bad memories for them, that we can get even more but they say it’s quite the opposite, making riders to take part and raise them proud and happy that their loved ones money next year, one proviso are not forgotten, So, it was a real privilege though: you must bring some to be there. good weather to cover all the The service was attended by more weekend. than 800 people and events took place all weekend for surviving family members. Valued support Chief officers from UK forces, the Home The true value of the support Office and staff associations were among offered to fallen officers’ those who took time to honour fallen families was fully evident at officers and lay wreaths with the West this year’s COPS remembrance Midlands Police Band and a piper providing service at the National music. Memorial Arboretum. A succession of speakers - two sons of Each year, a number of the fallen officers, a sister and a fiancée - spoke loved ones left behind when Stu Kershaw, who rode the Police Unity Tour in memory of movingly and with good humour recalling an officer has died on duty Derbyshire DC Gary Freeman, hugs Angela Morgan, Gary’s their police officer loved one who had address the service to talk fiancée, after she gave a moving account about re-building been lost on duty and also, importantly, of about their loss but invariably her life following his death. the invaluable support COPS offers family about the way in which members. the peer support and counselling offered come home, saying losing her fiancé had The Blue Knights motorcyclists - long- through the COPS charity had helped them. broken her heart and nearly broken her due time supporters of COPS - were first to arrive This year those taking part in the to overwhelming grief. at the arboretum on the Sunday morning. service included Angela Morgan, fiancée With the formation of COPS in They were shortly after followed by more of Derbyshire DC Gary Freeman who died 2003, Angela had found support from than 460 cyclists from the PUT. The cyclists along with DC Anthony Thornley when their the families of other fallen officers and started their journeys from points around vehicle was in collision with a lorry on 19 thanked both the charity and those who England and Wales on the Friday and are August 1994. took part in the Police Unity Tour. expected to raise around £200,000 for COPS. At the time of Gary’s death, COPS did not Other speakers during the service Why do I do it? Simply it’s about exist and Angela talked about the realities were George Parker, son of PC Andy Parker ensuring that our colleagues, who have paid of re-building her life after losing an officer (30) of who died in a the ultimate sacrifice, are never forgotten who went to work one morning and didn’t motorbike crash on his way home from a night shift on 23 September 2005; Greg Lashmar, son of PC Brian Lashmar (39) of the Met, who also died in a crash on his It’s about ensuring that our colleagues, who way back from night duty, on 24 January 1989, and Donna Cox, sister of PC Jo-Ann have paid the ultimate price, are never forgotten Jennings who was 23 when she was killed “ in a patrol car responding to a disturbance on 12 November 1989. and their families know that we respect such Denis Gunn, past president of COPS, read out the names of the officers added sacrifice. Continued on Page 10 9 The service was attended by more than Remembering our fallen officers Each of the cyclists taking part in the involved in a road accident. “ Police Unity Tour wears a wristband DC John Irvine (29) who died in a car 800 people and events featuring the name of a fallen officer crash on 24 July 1977 having swerved to throughout the two days of the ride. miss a child while attending a call. took place all weekend The cyclist, where possible, gives this PC Ashley Burchell who was training his wristband to a member of the officer’s police dog when he died on 11 May 1985 for surviving family family after the tour and, in turn, the when he was 38. family presents the rider with a medal for PC John Bonelle who died in a road members. taking part in the PUT. accident while on motorcycle training West Mercia officers ridden for this course on 6 May 1998. He was 34. to the roll of honour since the last COPS year were: PC David Hopkins who died on 28 May service in July 2018: PC Howard Overton of the former 1998. David (41) was in collision with Special Agent Nole Remagen (42) of the County Constabulary who a car while acting as an outrider for a United States Secret Service, who died on died, aged 51, when he was hit by two cars cycling race. 17 July 2018, two days after suffering a while trying to save a child who had run PC Richard (Ricky) Gray (43) who was stroke while on presidential protection duty into the road. The accident happened on shot when trying to arrest a gunman in Scotland; 28 May 1928. holding two officers hostage on 6 May PC Joseph Cooke (39) of the Met who PC Francis Blencowe of the former 2007. He was posthumously awarded injured his shoulder while making an arrest. County Constabulary. Francis a Queen’s Commendation for Brave While having surgery on the injury, five was 43 when he died on 19 February 1966 Conduct. months later, he suffered a brain injury after being struck by another vehicle as he PS Ian Jones (53) who died of heart failure which proved fatal on 25 December 2018; questioned a car driver. while on duty at Police Headquarters in PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble (24) of Thames PC Anthony Barsby who died on 15 May Worcester on 2 March 2011. Valley Police, who was killed in an accident 1969 when, while on patrol, his motorcycle PC Anthony Wright (47) who died when as he drove home from work on 26 was in collision with a lorry. He was 30. his motorbike was in collision with a car December 2018; PC Ronald Boxley who was 30 when he while he was on duty at on PC Kevin Flint (52) of died on 1 July 1971 after his patrol car was 9 August 2011. who died on 15 January 2019 when his

motorbike was in collision with a car as he Photograph courtesy of COPS drove home from work; and PS Colin Michael Fox of the who died on 1 May 2019. Photograph courtesy of COPS

ABOUT COPS Care of Police Survivors (COPS) supports Roll of Honour book launched the families of police officers and staff For first time, the National Police Roll of Honour who have lost their lives on duty. has been published in book form. It provides practical and emotional The new book, the UK Police Roll of support ensuring survivors have the help Remembrance, was launched in London in July they need to cope with such a tragedy, and and is available to buy for £25. that they remain part of the police family It lists the names of officers who lost their as they rebuild their lives. It arranges local lives on and in the line of duty in chronological and national peer support events and also order, with indexes by both police force and works with Winston’s Wish and RedArc to individuals’ surnames. The book also includes provide counselling and specialist milestones in policing history to set the deaths bereavement support for families. in a historical context. The charity was founded in 2003 by Royalties from the book will be used to survivor Christine Fulton MBE and the late continue the Police Roll of Honour Trust’s Jim McNulty, a detective with Strathclyde. work. Find out more at www.ukcops.org or You can order a copy of the book from please follow @ukcops on FB and Amazon and through the Roll of Honour Trust @UK_COPS on Twitter. online shop at www.policememorial.org.uk/store 10 New conduct regulations to be in place in the New Year

The new conduct regulations which focus officers who have simply made an honest on improving performance are due to go live mistake and those who perhaps just need a early next year. learning and development plan put in place. The regulations aim to embed a culture “For far too long, we have seen officers of learning and development rather than facing unnecessarily long conduct enquiries sanction and punishment. They will be laid that in the end have not benefited anyone.” before Parliament in December. To ensure the new regulations are fully “We expect the new legislation implemented by forces, officers and staff underpinning the changes to regulations to in professional standards departments be in place in January or February,” says Phill will start training programmes in late Matthews, who is the national Federation’s September and October. conduct and performance lead. The Federation received the first draft “We have been heavily involved in the of the new regulations at the end of consultation for these new guidelines and 2018 and made a range of comments and we are optimistic they should lead to a shift representations. in the approach to police conduct matters. A second draft, delayed in part due to Phill Matthews, the national Federation’s “While no one is saying that those work around Brexit, taking into account conduct and performance lead. who commit the worst kind of misconduct the amendments put forward by the n The devastating impact of long-drawn- should not face disciplinary proceedings, we Federation, was completed over the out conduct investigations is highlighted by want to see a different approach to those summer. our feature on Pages 12 and 13.

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Other Legal Services Contact your dedicated force representatives today on • Wills, trusts and probate • Employment law 0161 930 5274 • Residential conveyancing e-mail [email protected] • Personal injury claims (on or off duty) or visit us at www.gorvins.com/wmrp • Dispute resolution matters 11 Officer tells harrowing story of long-drawn-out conduct case father and then felt under more pressure The Federation has been raising concerns and stress as I had to explain the process to him. He is in his 70s and it affected his health about the way in which conduct through stress too.” investigations have impacted on the The officer is critical of the support he mental health and wellbeing of officers. received from a former West Mercia Police With some cases dragging on for Federation conduct representative but was years, officers’ lives are left in limbo, grateful for the help he received from the affecting not just their own health but West Midlands Police Federation conduct also their family life. lead, John Tooms (now retired), who he felt Here we put one officer’s story in was far more effective, helping bring the case the spotlight but, as we are all aware, to a conclusion. there are many officers going through Having complained about the way the ordeal of these inquiries, often Thames Valley Police handled a false and malicious allegation made against him, unnecessarily. the force did finally accept lessons could be learned from the way it handled the case and long, the criminal allegation took nearly 12 one officer did apologise. An officer’s story months then just as it was finalised as ‘no He believes the whole process should case to answer’ at court, our PSD landed an have been handled differently. A West Mercia officer caught up in a conduct internal investigation on me which took “The allegations should have been put investigation that went on for just short a further nine months to complete with a forward before a superintendent at the of two years has revealed he nearly lost his finding of NFA,” he recalls. start. In a summing up of the case, the wife, family and home due to the stress and “I thought I was going to lose my job and superintendent said they would have dealt pressure he was under. livelihood which would break up my family with it by way of an informal chat and words Describing the stress as more than he had and I would lose my home. I had time off of advice rather than an eight to nine-month ever experienced, he says the inquiry left him sick with anxiety and had marital problems. ‘investigation’ by PSD which actually was just moody, caused him to snap at his children and I drank too much alcohol and my health a copy and paste of the court papers,” he says. also affected his elderly father’s health. He suffered. While feeling relieved, upset, angry, ended up being off work for five months with “I had marital problems and nearly lost frustrated and disappointed once the case stress and had to undergo counselling. my wife and family due to the stress and ended, his over-riding concern is that he felt The whole ordeal has not only shaken his pressure I was under. My children suffered as if he was treated as if he was guilty until faith in policing but has also led to him calling because I became moody and snapped at proven innocent by PSD despite it being found for an investigation into the whole way PSD them when it wasn’t their fault. there was no case to answer at court. operates. “I kept the situation from most of my “The department was out to get me and “The investigation went on for far too extended family but had support from my I felt totally isolated. Thankfully, I have a few

upset, saying he drank too much as a way of work and get some counselling as I feared His wife’s view trying to cope. to leave him alone or allow him out of the “We nearly lost our marriage and the house in fear he would end his life.” No other employer would get away with children suffered. I saw a massive difference And she added: “This wasn’t the man I treating people the way in which the Force in my husband’s mental and physical health. married and fell in love with. He had lost all did during the investigation, according to For example, he would spend many a late his confidence, didn’t want to socialise and the officer’s wife. evening going over and over the situation, even if we did, the investigation became the And, she said, she would have held the verbally and in his mind,” she explains. topic of conversation. There seemed to be Force responsible if anything had happened “When he came to bed, he would just be no escape and no one to give us an update to him during the two years of the lying awake with the scenario going around of what was happening. proceedings against him. and around in his head. He had no appetite “There was no support or contact from “Yes, he does wear a uniform but he is a and lost well over a stone in weight in a the organisation other than the sergeant human being, no other employer would be matter of weeks. and inspector on his shift. Unaware of the allowed to get away treating employees like “He became impatient through lack procedures, we were left very much in the this,” she says. of sleep and constant worry. It became a dark and I was expected to support my “Every investigation should be treated struggle for him to get up in the mornings. husband, continue with family life and keep on its own merit, rather than just as if After several weeks of being put on a home life normal. This put a massive strain they are being investigated and that’s the worthless project, he eventually went off on our relationship.” protocol.” sick for a period of time. She said the couple felt they were An officer herself at the time of the case, “I felt after a while this was not helping the victims and yet the investigation was she has since left the job and says she felt with his self-esteem and day to day life. allowed to drag on for 18 months and finds she lost part of her husband during the case. He didn’t want to see anybody or even go it ironic, and frustrating, the Force promotes She described him as stressed, moody and out of the house. I suggested he return to victim contracts of 7 to 28 day updates, yet 12 I thought I was going to lose my job and Conduct and performance: “ livelihood which would break up my family and I a brief overview DI Lesley Williams is Michael Lockwood, when he addressed would lose my home. West Mercia Police a CaPLO seminar stating: “I do not want Federation’s conduct ‘independence’ to mean an organisation good friends in the job who supported me lead or, as the post which is cold and detached. I want both and this, along with my family, helped me get is now known, myself and my staff to have a better through the nightmare,” he adds. the conduct and understanding of what it feels like to be a “PSD should be looked at, the performance liaison beat officer, custody sergeant or firearms investigating officers are slow and give officer (CaPLO). officer. That doesn’t mean we can’t hopeless excuses as to why the investigation Lesley was elected develop relationships with Federation reps is taking so long. We even had a visiting DI to the position by or talk to bereaved families. But we need from the department who gave a talk to the the Federation’s executive, the Branch to understand the impact of demand on shift about how wonderful PSD is and why it Board, and is supported by members of police officers. I really want us to have a gets good results. the CaPLO committee which is made up mutual respect for each other. I appreciate “He couldn’t look me in the eye when I workplace Fed representatives who have that will take time and there will bumps challenged him on why investigations take all received the specialist training needed in the road, but we need to have that so long. Who polices the police police? I could for them to be able to advise members on understanding.” not bring myself to call them ‘professional’ conduct and performance issues. The new conduct regulations are now and referred to them as the standards As CaPLO, Lesley is the strategic expected to come in to effect in early department throughout. lead and specific point of contact for 2020 but Lesley says regulations alone will “They don’t realise the damage they the Branch Board for all conduct and not change a culture. cause to hard-working and committed performance related matters. She “I am keen to see progression under police officers under investigation. I’ve lost provides specialist advice and help the new regulations to ensure the ethos something inside me after 23 years’ service to both branch representatives and of learning and development rather than and having gone through this process, I members on conduct and performance punishment is taken on board by the still come to work and give it my all but issues. Lesley also ensures the branch Force,” she explains. something is missing; I don’t have the passion is compliant with, and holds the Force “Timeliness of investigations is also for the police anymore as a result.” to account on, all necessary legal and a priority to members and there is a n For balance, PSD were invited to submit regulatory matters and requirements need to put an end to long-drawn-out content for inclusion within this feature but related to conduct and performance. investigations into officers’ conduct. nothing had been received at the time of Within the conduct portfolio, the Anything below a serious breach should going to print. CaPLO leads on Post-Incident Procedures not attract service of a Regulation Notice for the branch. and will be diverted out of the system and If you are currently suffering as a result Lesley’s background includes working dealt with outside of the complaint and of an investigation please seek help from in CID, professional standards and anti- conduct regs.” Force welfare or contact the Federation corruption, tactical firearms (Commander office for details of other support as OCCI), vulnerability and safeguarding Advice to officers available support. Members of the Group and mental health. If an officer is served with a Regulation Insurance Scheme can access Red Arc on She has become the Federation’s Notice advising them they are subject 01244 625180. CaPLO at a pivotal time in the conduct to investigation, Lesley Williams, the world, with the Independent Office for Federation branch CaPLO, advises them to Police Conduct (IOPC), which replaced sign the document to accept service but offers little to its own colleagues in this the much-maligned IPCC at the start of not to make any response until they have stressful time. 2018, finding its feet and new conduct spoken with a conduct trained Federation “They have a whole team designated regulations, aimed at instilling a learning representative. for investigations, yet it appears their time and development ethos rather than one “We will advise on how and when to management of investigations is never solely focussed on punishment approach, respond, attend any interview, arrange questioned and certainly needs addressing,” due to be launched. legal representation and support the she says. Lesley believes the launch of IOPC has member throughout the investigation “We all have mortgages to pay, bills to been a key development from a conduct process and beyond. This may include pay and families to support. This is someone’s perspective and refers to the comments criminal proceedings, civil proceedings or career and life you are dealing with, yet the made by the IOPC director general, even inquests,” she says. Force feel it’s acceptable to drag out the investigation process for months. We will advise on how and when to respond, attend “The Force bangs on about the wellbeing of officers, addressing mental any interview, arrange legal representation and health needs, stress and strains of the job, “ yet fails daily and certainly when an officer support the member throughout the investigation is under investigation.” And she concludes: “The whole process process and beyond. This may include criminal has been very damaging and upsetting. The police service does not look after the proceedings, civil proceedings or even inquests welfare of officers and no amount of welfare buses and blogs from the chief officers will Continued on Page 15 address the situation.” 13 “It’s nice to relax knowing my divorce settlement is sorted.”

Getting a divorce is never easy, especially on top of the pressures of police work. At Slater and Gordon we offer Police Federation members a free initial consultation, a divorce fixed fee package and discounted hourly rates. We’ll be with you every step of the way so you can focus on your job and let us deal with everything else.

For all life’s legal needs and with offices throughout the UK. 0808 175 7710 slatergordon.co.uk/police-law

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 14 Quarter of women consider quitting due to menopause

West Mercia Police Federation has they had attended work despite feeling vowed to work with the Force to try to they should have taken sick leave due to improve the support available to officers their symptoms going through the menopause. n 32 per cent said they had taken Earlier this year, the national Police annual leave or rest days due to the Federation published the results of the menopause. first ever nationwide members’ survey Aspects of the working environment on the menopause which was carried causing the most problems for West Mercia out last year. Federation members were: the temperature The West Mercia results revealed: of the working environment (64 per cent); n 72 per cent of members who inadequate control of the ventilation (58 per responded said the symptoms of the cent); workload (38 per cent); shared offices/ menopause were either moderately workspace (31 per cent) and shift work (30 or extremely problematic, compared per cent). to 76 per cent nationally “With more and more women in the n 49 per cent felt their job workforce and officers having to work longer, performance had been negatively all employers, police forces included, need affected by the menopause (46 per to give more consideration to how they are cent nationally) going to help support those going through n 20 per cent felt the menopause had the menopause,” says Sarah Cooper, chair of negatively affected their manager’s West Mercia Police Federation. and colleagues’ views on their “Quite often, some fairly simple competence (21 per cent nationally) adjustments to people’s working n 24 per cent said they had considered environment and working arrangements leaving because they found it can make all the difference but we also need difficult to deal with the menopause to be sure that line managers are trained at work (20 per cent nationally) to offer any extra support that might help n 35 per cent said had disclosed women officers. them the support and consideration they to a line manager they were “It is quite shocking to think that a need at this time of their lives.” experiencing symptoms of the quarter of women going through the The national Federation is now menopause menopause have considered quitting their working with other parts of the police n 23 per cent said they had taken job; these are women who have made a service to produce national guidance on sickness absences due to the valued contribution to the Force and can the menopause. This is expected to be menopause, with 59 per cent saying continue to do so if steps are taken to give launched in September.

Conduct and performance: a brief overview Continued from Page 13 It is key for officers to be aware that representation in relation to any matter. If you are not in the scheme then you there is specific criteria for funding from the The funding criteria requires whether the will have to fund your own legal expenses or Police Federation of England and Wales in alleged gross conduct was committed in rely solely upon Federation representation respect of representation. Not all matters or founded upon something done in the at any subsequent process. that occur while ‘on duty’ fall into the performance or purported performance of If you are interested in joining the description of ‘on duty conduct’. duty as a member of a police force; it should Group Insurance Scheme please contact Funding criteria states: be emphasised that it is not a matter of the Federation office or any workplace rep. In criminal cases whether the member was merely on duty First-time joiners get three months’ free Activities related to personal (rather than at the time of the alleged gross misconduct subscriptions! professional) relationships, whether on or but the fact that it arose out of their Similarly, conduct reps are also there off duty, will not ordinarily be funded. performance or purported performance of to help with IOPC queries, performance In gross misconduct cases duty. matters and Regulation 12 and 13 processes. Whether the alleged gross misconduct was So, what happens if the Police Federation If you have any queries around conduct committed in or founded upon something of England and Wales does not fund legal and performance matters, you can contact done in the performance or purported representation? Lesley by emailing performance of their duties as a member of If you are a member of the West Mercia [email protected] or lesley. a police force. Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme, [email protected] or Discretionary criteria: provided in partnership with Phillip telephone 07896 421 554. The Federation has absolute discretion Williams, applications for funding are made You can also keep up to date on the as to whether to fund legal advice and through the scheme. twitter page @wmpfcaplo 15 “Now the pressure’s gone, I can get back to my police work.” You never know when you’re going to need legal advice. Slater and Gordon have been advising and supporting Police Federation members for more than 50 years, taking the legal stress away and leaving you to focus on keeping people safe.

For all life’s legal needs and with offices throughout the UK. 0808 175 7805 slatergordon.co.uk/police-law

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