Survey Highlights Stress and Mental Health Concerns

The Police Federation of England & Wales www.polfed.org

AprilPOLICE / May 2019

injuries #PoliceDemand #PoliceWelfare

stress

wellbeing trauma

work-life

staffing mental balance

Survey highlights stress and mental health concerns Federation’s latest Demand, Capacity and Welfare survey gives an insight into the challenges facing officers across all ranks

Editor: Catherine Feast April / May – in this issue: Federation House, POLICE Highbury Drive, Leatherhead, NEWS & COMMENT Surrey, KT22 7UY Tel: 01372 352000 5 Editorial P8 Weapons offences at highest for a decade Designer: Keith Potter 6 View from the chair: John Apter says the decision to cancel this year’s conference was taken with a heavy heart Advertising agents: Richard Place 6-8 Demand, Capacity and Welfare Survey Chestnut Media Progress on mental health, but much more to do Tel: 01271 324748 Government must recognise extreme stress in policing 07962 370808 The all too familiar safety fears of single crewing Email: [email protected] 9 Cyber attacks cause disruption for Federation Every care is taken to ensure 10 Anger over Home Office’s pay submission that advertisements are accepted 13 GPS tags ‘must not become a cost-cutting exercise’ only from bona fide advertisers. Giving student officers access to Taser is ‘a victory’ The Police Federation cannot 14 accept any liability for losses 15 Memorial to hero officer is unveiled incurred by any person as a 19 Federation lobbies MPs for change result of a default on the part of P15 an advertiser. 21 Soaring murder rate sees Government fail a generation 23 ICCC co-ordinating international policing P25 The views expressed within in unprecedented times the magazine are not necessarily 24 Hot flushes and periods are not taboo the views of the National Board of the Police Federation of England 25 College consults on conflict resolution techniques and Wales. National Chair John Apter National Secretary REGULARS Alex Duncan 27 Ask the Experts National Treasurer Tim Packham 28 Members’ Benefits National Vice-Chair 31 The Duty Officer: Police magazine’s newest columnist Ché Donald highlights the frustrations of 21st century British policing Deputy National Secretary Nick O’Time John Partington Deputy National Treasurer Simon Kempton

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Editorial April / May 2019 Weapons offences at

Catherine Feast, highest for a decade Editor Get over Brexit and get on with government Whether you voted Leave or Remain in the referendum, most will agree that the conduct of our MPs in recent months has been pretty unedifying. Instead of coming together to chart a way through Brexit and unite the nation, our elected representatives have ended up squabbling among themselves, There were 21,484 knife and offensive unable to agree on any option. weapon offences The UK’s future relationship with in the 12 months Europe is undoubtedly of huge to December 2018 importance. The trouble is that Brexit Business Images / Shutterstock © Monkey Picture seems to be sucking the life out of our A youth violence summit on April 1 at of knives will be dealt with seriously and political debate. Downing Street was an opportunity for robustly by the police and the criminal Other important issues like the the Police Federation of England and justice system.” fight against knife crime or how to Wales (PFEW) to highlight the need for Mr Apter added that fighting knife properly resource policing are denied viable, long-term funding of the police crime is not as simple as just sending vital oxygen. service to tackle knife crime. people to prison. However, he welcomed It came as official Ministry of the judiciary showing they are not afraid Stressed and exhausted Justice statistics show the number to use their powers to impose custodial While the politicians argue, outside of offensive weapon offences dealt sentences when necessary. of the Westminster bubble real life with by the criminal justice system continues and police officers are is at its highest for almost a decade (21,484 offences formally dealt with Fatal consequences struggling. The findings of our Demand, He continued: “There have to be Capacity and Welfare survey paint a in the year to December 2018, consequences, because without disturbing picture of officers being compared to 25,103 in 2009). that, this epidemic of knife crime will exposed to trauma and things people Statistically offenders are now continue and children will keep getting should never have to see. Many are more likely to receive an immediate murdered on our streets. I am reassured stressed out and exhausted. custodial sentence of 5.3 months to that the message is getting through to It should be apparent to our politicians 8.1 months on average. the whole of society that we will not sit that things have to change. We need a National Chair of the PFEW, John Apter, idly by and let carrying a knife – and its proper debate about funding and the said: “These statistics confirm what potentially fatal consequences – become very real crisis in policing and how we I, and my members, know to be true a cultural norm.” can best support officers and the public. – that knife crime is increasing and is There’s only so far policing can stretch devastating our communities. The figures were released a day after before it snaps. “They are also indicative of the hard the Chancellor announced an extra Whatever happens with Brexit, it’s time work and dedication shown by police £100m of emergency funding for the for the politicians to come to a decision officers in tackling this issue and police to tackle knife crime. so that the country can move on. There bringing those who choose to carry The Federation has welcomed the are plenty of other pressing issues which weapons to justice, despite there being additional money while warning that need attention. almost 22,000 fewer of them than there it is only a “short-term fix” and that Follow the Federation @pfew_hq were in 2010. And they send a strong additional resources will be needed to message that those found in possession solve this issue in the long term.

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View from the chair Progress on mental health, but much more to do Positive steps have been made by forces John Apter, to address mental health issues, with 79 per cent of officers experienced stress and anxiety in the 12 National Chair, officers feeling more encouraged and confident to speak out – but there is still months before the survey Police Federation a long way to go. Tough decisions That was one of the key messages from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Demand, Capacity make us stronger and Welfare survey, which saw more Recent weeks have been challenging for than 18,000 officers from the rank the Police Federation as we have dealt of constable to chief inspector give with the impact of two cyber attacks. their views on the demand currently These have caused us significant issues experienced by the service, and how this in trying to recover while continuing to has affected them. provide as normal a service as possible to our members. Traumatic experience We’ve had to make some really tough Almost every police officer who took decisions. The biggest of these has been part in the survey has been exposed to cancel this year’s Annual Conference. to at least one traumatic experience Conference is an important event in in their career, with 62 per cent saying they had experienced at least one the policing calendar. It’s where we hold ©Zido Sun / Shutterstock Picture the Home Secretary to account, but also of these types of incident in the highlight important issues in policing. last year. viewed their job as very or extremely Stress and anxiety was experienced stressful – a larger proportion than in the Incredibly difficult by 79 per cent of officers within the 2016 survey (39 per cent). To cancel it has been an incredibly previous 12 months, with 94 per cent The PFEW’s National Vice-Chair, difficult decision, personally and of those affected saying the difficulties Ché Donald, said the results should be professionally, particularly in our 100th were caused or made worse by their job. “a huge red flag to the Government, year. Although painful, I do feel it is right And nearly half (44 per cent) said they chief constables and the public”. in the circumstances as our focus is, and must be, on the needs of our members. This has been the most challenging Government must face facts – extreme stress in policing is real time for the Federation in recent years – The results of the latest PFEW survey simply this is not sustainable and officers but the measure of any organisation is contradict the Government’s views on are suffering.” how it deals with a crisis. I’m incredibly what is working when it comes to fighting The results also show: proud of how everyone has pulled crime and keeping the public safe. ll Almost every police officer has been together, both locally and nationally. We The survey – the only national policing exposed to at least one traumatic have come through a lot in the last 100 survey of its kind – was first carried out in experience in their career, with 62 years and I am confident we will be even 2016, and was undertaken again in August per cent saying they had experienced stronger as we go forward. 2018, with the results published in March. at least one of these types of In other matters, I welcome the They reveal an increase in lone working incident in the last 12 months decision by the Home Secretary to cut – 76 per cent of respondents from relevant ll 79 per cent of officers say they have some of the red tape surrounding stop frontline roles* indicated that they are felt feelings of stress and anxiety and search. He is doing what he can to often or always single-crewed, and nine within the previous 12 months, make a difference, but there’s little use out of 10 officers (90 per cent) say that with 94 per cent of those saying in the Government increasing police there are not enough of them to manage these difficulties were caused powers without increasing the number the demands faced by their team or unit or made worse by their job. of officers available to implement them. PFEW Vice-Chair Ché Donald said ll 44 per cent of respondents viewed The knife crime epidemic sweeping this forces were having their hands forced their job as very or extremely country won’t be solved overnight, or by the police service alone. This issue will as they struggled to meet the increased stressful. This is a larger proportion take time and money to address. demands placed on them: “But this than in 2016 (39 per cent), and almost false economy of single-crewing merely three times that found in the general Follow me on Twitter @PFEW_Chair creates the illusion of public safety. Quite population by the HSE in 2010 (15

6 POLICE April / May 2019 DEMAND, CAPACITY AND WELFARE SURVEY n Progress on mental health, but much more to do leaving us with almost 22,000 fewer managers has also been boosted, with officers now that we had then. The 39 per cent agreeing they feel shameful legacy of austerity is an more comfortable in discussing any over-stretched service, staffed by issues – 11 per cent higher than in stressed and traumatised officers. 2016. More than 66 per cent indicated Yet those in Westminster consistently they were aware of mental health refuse to accept there is a problem or do and wellbeing support services anything about it. offered by their force, which is also an improvement from last year Improve conditions (60 per cent). “It baffles me why politicians refuse Mr Donald added: “This goes some to take steps to improve conditions way in tackling the stigma which still for those who work so hard to keep exists around mental health in the us all safe. What message does that workplace, but we are not quite there send to our members? What does it yet. We know that the only way to say to society – the same society the address stigma is through cultural Government is meant to protect?” change, and culture has got to change There was some good news however, at the top and at the bottom. with more than double the number “The top have to make a concerted of officers reporting that talking effort to bring about changes that make about mental health and wellbeing is it a more conducive environment to talk encouraged by the police service. about it, and deal with it when it arises, “Officers are stressed, exhausted and Just over 45 per cent of respondents while also ensuring there are procedures consistently exposed to things people agreed or strongly agreed the police in place which are people-centred, not should never have to see – and these service encourages its staff to openly process driven. There’s also a degree of results show just how much it is taking talk about mental health and wellbeing, responsibility for the officers themselves its toll,” said Mr Donald. compared to just 22 per cent in 2016. – they’ve got to make a concerted effort “Since 2010 the Government has Confidence in disclosing any difficulties to look after their own physical and continued to slice away at the service, with mental health and wellbeing to line mental health.” Government must face facts – extreme stress in policing is real per cent), and by the Scottish Health Almost every police officer has been exposed to Survey in 2017 (16 per cent). at least one traumatic experience in their career Mr Donald said that although the PFEW was working with forces and stakeholders to improve conditions and support officers, things should never have got as bad as they have. “I compel the Home Secretary, who claims he ‘gets’ policing, to read this report and act on it; and when he is finished reading it, share it with the Treasury,” said Mr Donald. “We need more money, more resources and more officers so that this public safety emergency can be addressed, and the pressure on officers eased before it is too late. The once revered British model of policing is currently on its knees and facing extinction; we need to act now to save it.” * Neighbourhood, Response, Roads Policing, Operational Support, Investigations, and other © Ed Simons / Alamy Picture

POLICE April / May 2019 7 n DEMAND, CAPACITY AND WELFARE SURVEY The ‘all too familiar’ safety fears of single crewing An officer was left with PTSD as well as physical scars after he was attacked Cut backs have left many officers without by a man armed with a large kitchen enough support or single crewed knife while waiting for backup. Cleveland PC Mick Johnson, a frontline response officer of 21 years, has been subjected to numerous assaults and a high-speed crash while on duty, but describes the incident in May 2017 as the “worst moment” of his policing career to date. He was called to a shop in Hartlepool where a man holding an open bottle of wine was causing a disturbance. He asked the officer “Are you here to kill me?” before pulling out an eight inch knife and becoming aggressive.

Ensuing struggle

Hurrying customers to safety, PC / Alamy © Radharc Picture Johnson then deployed Captor spray against the knifeman, but it had little He would have been double-crewed dealt with by other agencies. effect. In the ensuing struggle he if his unit had been at full strength, “When I started in 1996, there were was stabbed in the arm; thankfully it but even then there would have 24+ officers on a shift; at the moment was a minor wound, and when back been a maximum of 10 officers on we now have 13 officers, with one of up arrived the man was arrested. duty as a result of it being slashed those currently acting as a sergeant, and Though PC Johnson had escaped in half, according to PC Johnson. we are lucky if we can put 10 officers serious injury the incident played on On top of this, he says the cutbacks out on the streets,” said PC Johnson. his mind – he suffered ﬂashbacks and have affected his day-to-day work, “It’s incredibly frustrating not being became introverted. He missed three leaving little time to undertake able to do the job that I still love. I weeks of work and needed counselling. proactive policing as well as buckling joined to help people, catch criminals Just as he was starting to recover, his even further under the pressure of and prevent crime, but I spend most attacker went on trial and received a dealing with people with mental of my time dealing with concerns paltry 22-month suspended sentence. health issues which could be better for safety which takes up hours.” Royal Commission would take independent look at policing Policing Minister Nick Hurd has rejected improvements to demand and capacity. an excuse for continual piecemeal reform calls for a Royal Commission to But Mr Hurd insisted a Royal which does nothing to help the service the independently assess the needs of the Commission would be “outdated and public receive. police service. static”, and that the Government could “Policing has been kicked around like a Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd put respond in a more dynamically. political football for far too long and we forward a parliamentary motion on March now need to stop and decide as a country 26, proposing that a commission be Piecemeal reform exactly what we want from our police appointed to examine the entire structure, The remarks drew criticism from service; a Royal Commission would do function, roles and funding of the service. John Apter, National Chair of the Police exactly that.” He argued that it need not cost a lot Federation of England and Wales, who The last Royal Commission into policing of time or money, but was necessary said: “Successive governments have said was in 1960. It recommended that police because “policing is too important for that a Royal Commission would cost too forces should have no fewer than 500 politics” and could identify the necessary much and take too long, but that’s just officers serving a population of 250,000.

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Decision to cancel Cyber attacks conference is cause disruption taken with ‘a heavy heart’ for Federation This year’s Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Annual Conference has been cancelled, following cyber attacks against the organisation. National Chair John Apter said the decision not to go ahead with PFEW’s flagship event was taken with “a heavy heart” in order to focus on the priority of re- establishing core services for its 120,000 members. Conference had been due to take place in Birmingham on June 11-12. Mr Apter said: “Experts in business recovery have stated that under normal circumstances it would take at least four to six months to recover from a cyber attack. The PFEW has suffered two debilitating cyber attacks Picture © Pablo Lagarto / Shutterstock Lagarto © Pablo Picture Business as usual “Our number one priority must be The Police Federation of England and necessary steps were taken to tackle the on getting business as usual back Wales (PFEW) is working hard to return first attack and re-establish business and up and running, to restore member to normal business after two debilitating support for our members.” services and support. I truly value cyber attacks. Early indications show that the first this showcase event and this has The national Federation was infected attack was not targeted specifically at been an emotional decision, both with malware on March 9, which resulted the PFEW and was likely to have been personally and professionally.” in data being deleted or encrypted. We part of a wider campaign, but we cannot Conference is the annual immediately informed the National speculate as to the second attack. Both opportunity for Federation reps Cyber Security Centre, the National are subject to a criminal investigation, led and members to engage with the Crime Agency (NCA) and the Information by the NCA. Home Secretary on a national stage Commissioner’s Office. Mr Apter added: “Everyone and to bring key issues in policing to The second attack happened on anyone is vulnerable to attacks like the fore, covered by all mainstream March 21, which also had an impact on this and unfortunately the reality is that media. We will continue to raise Federation branches. once hit, you can become the target of these issues in other ways. There is no evidence of data being further attacks. Our priority remains to This year’s Police Bravery Awards, stolen, but this cannot be ruled out at this secure and stabilise the situation in order stage and investigations continue. taking place in London on July 18, to get everything back up and running as PFEW National Chair John Apter will go ahead. soon as possible, with our members said: “The impact on PFEW systems Mr Apter added: “Investigations at the forefront of all decisions that are is significant and I want to offer my are continuing into what has been being made.” reassurance that we are doing everything a crushing experience for the A dedicated helpline is available if possible, working with the NCA and Federation. However everything you have any concerns about your BAE Systems – who are experts and possible is being done to get systems data – call 0800 358 0714. Advice can professionals in this type of criminal up and running quickly.” also be obtained from Action Fraud on activity – to stop any further damage. The 0300 123 2040.

POLICE April / May 2019 9 n NEWS Tune in to our Anger over Home Office’s pay submission next podcast Police Federation of England and “Unfortunately, we’ve waited an Supporting members through difficult Wales (PFEW) National Chair John additional month to see nothing times is one of the main reasons the Apter has dismissed the late publication more than a Home Office PR list of Police Federation of England and Wales of the Home Office’s submission to supposed achievements, and no firm (PFEW) exists. More often than not, those the Police Remuneration Review Body recommendations on police pay.” difficult times stem from unfounded (PRRB) as “not worth waiting for”. The PFEW has written to the PRRB to conduct or performance complaints. In its submission the PFEW evidenced express its anger and disappointment, Episode two in our podcast series shines the need for a three-year pay deal as well as raising concerns about how a light on our work in this area and offers consisting of a five per cent increase seriously the Home Office takes the pay advice to members should they find in police officer pay this year, followed review process it defined. “Submitting themselves under investigation. PFEW by a further five per cent in 2020/21 and its evidence nearly a month late does National Chair John Apter, and Conduct the same again in 2021/22. This would nothing to instil confidence in police and Performance Lead Phill Matthews, start to rectify years of below-inflation officers that it takes the pay review join broadcaster Ian Collins to discuss: pay awards. process seriously,” Mr Apter concluded. ll new discipline regulations However, the Home Office’s A less than two per cent pay uplift in ll unfounded cases / complaints submission – which came nearly a each of the next three years was the ll our relationship with the Independent month after it was due – stated it National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Office for Police Conduct will only make £70million available, recommendation to the PRRB. ll long investigations and mental health which equates to a pay rise of just ll moving towards a performance 1.3 per cent, considerably less than Penalising officers / learning culture the recent 2.7 per cent increase The NPCC is offering a four per cent ll support and advice for members. awarded to MPs. increase this year, followed by a pay Other topics covered include our Mr Apter said he wished he could say freeze next year, so that it can model relationship with the Government, police it was worth waiting for. “I wish I could the financial impact on their proposed funding and the question of industrial say that they had taken the additional pay structure. “This modelling should rights for police officers. weeks to read our published evidence already have been done,” said Alex Listening to a podcast is similar to and concede that, in the face of such Duncan, PFEW National Secretary. “It’s listening to a radio programme. It’s a comprehensive research and analysis, not fair to penalise officers for lack of digital audio file that can be streamed it agreed with us and suggested officers progress by the NPCC on pay reform.” or downloaded from the internet and receive a five per cent increase, for And while the Federation has called listened to on various digital devices and each of the next three years. I wish I for on-call payments to match those through numerous online services. A lot of could, but I can’t. of staff members – £29.17 per day, to people listen on their phone, but you can also listen on a desktop PC. If you missed FedCast 1 on pensions, pay A three-year pay deal, pay reform and action on allowances – our PRRB demands and police drivers, you can listen to it at any time; you can find us on your iPhone The Police Federation of England and to demonstrate a commitment to or iPad using the default Podcasts app, on Wales (PFEW) has asked for eight key move towards the overall rectification an Android device via the Google Podcasts things in its submission over pay, including of the gap between the current pay App, and on Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn. a three-year pay deal which would see a level and just pay levels. Should Thank you to all the officers who have five per cent pay rise each year. a three-year settlement not be fed back to us on our first episode; many Officers who completed the PFEW annual considered possible, then we seek found it really helpful to be able to listen pay and morale survey contributed to a one-year deal of 6.2 per cent. to our updates on the go. the evidence which forms part of the ll Regarding on-call payments, in The next FedCast episode will feature submission to the Police Remuneration the absence of a full review of the Mr Apter and Operational Policing Lead Review Board (PRRB), the body which allowance usage and amount (as Simon Kempton. Topics up for discussion makes recommendations to Government sought by Winsor, the PRRB and will include kit, single-crewing, fitness on pay for officers. The eight demands are: the staff associations), officers testing and our relationship with the ll An across-the-board pay uplift for the should be paid the same rate as National Police Chiefs’ Council. next three years of five per cent in year staff members – £29.17 per day, If you have a question for future one, and five per cent in each of years which should be paid to all ranks. FedCasts please email: communications@ two and three. This would enable the ll The PRRB should reject completely polfed.org, or tweet us at @PFEW_HQ National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) the NPCC proposal regarding Police using #AskFed

10 POLICE April / May 2019 NEWS n Anger over Home Office’s pay submission The Home Office submission equates to a pay rise of just 1.3 per cent – much less than the recent 2.7 per cent increase awarded to MPs Picture © Ian Shaw / Alamy Picture

be paid to all ranks – the NPCC called agree with a three-year pay proposal In recent years the recommendations for on-call allowance to be paid at “a and recommended a 2.1 per cent on pay made by the PRRB to the newer higher rate of £20 per call out”. increase for officers this year. Home Secretary have been ignored, However, officers have pointed out, they Before making their recommendations and a revised, lower pay award made aren’t currently paid this allowance per to the Government, the PRRB considers to officers. In response, the PFEW call out; it is one payment for a 24-hour submissions from a number of has initiated a judicial review into period of on-call. organisations, including the the lawfulness of the Government’s In their written submission to the Federation, the NPCC, the Police decision to ignore the PRRB’s PRRB, the Association of Police and Superintendents’ Association, the recommendations. Crime Commissioners (APCC) didn’t APCC and the Home Office. A three-year pay deal, pay reform and action on allowances – our PRRB demands

Constable Degree Apprenticeship ll A full cost-benefit analysis of the should continue for now, there (PCDA) and Degree Holder Entry existing Assessment and Recognition must be an opportunity to review Programme progression pay. In the of Competence (ARC) process should the circumstances under which meantime, we believe those on the be undertaken. Only if it can be they are paid, their impact on equal PCDA scheme should progress along proved to be worth the overlay in pay, and the guidance around the existing constable pay scale, in terms of cost and time, should the their use, perhaps by incorporating the way that all other entrants do. NPCC then proceed with plans for a more standard criteria. ll The PRRB must require the NPCC to Higher Skills assessment point linked ll A review should be undertaken of set out a full and proper project plan to pay. Further, consultation regarding both the London and South East for pay reform, including a workable any payment associated with the (SE) Allowances. In the meantime level of detail, within a set period. Higher Skills assessment must be the discretionary element must be ll The PRRB should insist that the undertaken at the Police Consultative removed from the SE Allowances; Home Office, NPCC, and staff Forum, and a full Equality Impact all SE Allowances should be set associations determine which Assessment undertaken before at the upper limit permissible elements of the pay reform should such assessment is linked to pay. (currently £3,000), and both the be prioritised, as the NPCC have ll In respect of bonus payments London and SE Allowances should not actioned this since last year. introduced last year, while they be uprated in line with inflation.

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GPS tags ‘must not become a cost-cutting exercise’ Following an announcement in February by the Justice Secretary David Gauke that thousands of criminals will be fitted with GPS trackers in England and Wales, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) National Chair John Apter has said that while the use of better / Alamy © Stocksolutions Picture technology “was long overdue”, it must not become a cost-saving initiative. The proposed tracking scheme will allow authorities to monitor criminals 24 hours a day, and can be used to create no-go zones, check offenders are attending rehabilitation programmes, monitor an offender’s behaviour or ban someone from going within a certain distance of an address. The Justice Secretary said the tags will “better protect victims of domestic abuse or stalking and could also help keep people out of gangs”. They are also thought to provide a tougher option for community sentences, The GPS trackers will allow which can be used alongside alcohol authorities to monitor or drug treatment programmes. criminals 24 hours a day

Embracing technology He continued: “What we can’t have The Ministry of Justice said the GPS Mr Apter, said: “The improved use of is for this really good tech to be used tags, which cost £9 a day, will be rolled GPS tracking is long overdue. Many as a cost-cutting exercise preventing out across England and Wales from other parts of the public and private people who should be in prison from this summer. The Government has sector have been using this for many being locked up. It’s a great additional used electronic tagging services as part years, so it has come far too late, but I tool to track offenders and get the of the sentencing and supervision of am glad that the justice system is now evidence we need to lock them away offenders since 1999. It said the new embracing a better use of technology, but it shouldn’t be an alternative to GPS tags will not replace the current so on that side of things, I welcome it. those who deserve to be in prison.” system but would be an extra option. Bravest of the brave will be honoured in July An amazing 72 officers, representing 41 buildings and cars, and talked individuals A winner will be chosen from each of forces have received nominations in this down from rooftops. the eight regions across England and year’s Police Bravery Awards. Wales, with one going on to win the The event, hosted by the national Police Judging panel overall award. Federation in conjunction with Police Joining the Federation’s national Last year’s joint overall winners Mutual, takes place at a London location vice-chair Ché Donald on the judging were PC Keith Palmer, who lost his on 18 July. panel, is Baroness Helen Newlove, life in the Westminster terror attack, Courage takes many forms, as evidenced National Police Chiefs Council Chair and PC Charlie Guenigault who by this year’s nominees. They include Martin Hewitt, President of the Police confronted knife-wielding terrorists officers who have pulled people from Superintendents Association Paul at London Bridge. the sea, rescued victims from burning Griffiths, Andy Elkington of Police Mutual.

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Decision to allow student officers access to Taser is ‘a victory’ News that student officers will be allowed access to Taser has been hailed as a “victory for our members and for common sense” by the National Chair of the Police Federation of England and

Wales (PFEW), John Apter. Gibbon / Alamy © Les Picture Mr Apter said the decision by Policing Minister Nick Hurd was the right one, and that the PFEW had long campaigned for all frontline officers – including those within their probation – who want to carry Taser and who pass the assessment criteria to be able to do so. But he was critical of The move to allow student the lack of any new funding to support officers access to Taser has the policy change. been welcomed, although there’s no new funding for Extremely effective equipment and training “Given the huge number of incidents police officers attend, the number of Taser training material for student and fired on 2,000 occasions. times Taser is used remains very officers will be provided by the College The Met has also announced that small and as our members know, of Policing, but ultimately chief an extra 330 of its officers will be the mere presence of the equipment constables will decide if student officers trained to use Taser by March 2020. is often enough to de-escalate will be given access to the equipment. This will bring the total number of situations making it extremely effective Last year, out of 313,000 recorded Met officers who are trained to carry as a way of protecting officers and the incidents where force was used by police and use Taser to nearly 6,800. public,” said Mr Apter. officers, Taser was drawn 17,000 times Liberty challenged over flawed opinions on spit guards A head-to-head meeting is to be held with the UK-based spat at or bitten. This impacts on them and their families. I am human rights organisation Liberty to challenge their views sure any reasonable person would say we must do all we can to over spit guards. prevent the need for this? The move comes after they expressed their concerns about the use of spit guards, stating: “They are dangerous, degrading ‘Dangerous and unjustified’ and unjustified. They have no place in the future of policing “The statements you made about spit guards being and must be relegated to the past.” dangerous and unjustified are sweeping and do not stand up John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England to scrutiny. The act of spitting phlegm or blood, or biting an and Wales, has invited Liberty to attend training sessions to see officer, is degrading and disgusting. The police have a duty of first-hand how officers are trained in the use of spit guards, and care to protect the public, and the use of spit guards does not has challenged their demands and claims. just protect officers but also protects members of the public. “You claim that the use of spit guards is dangerous and can My advice to those who don’t want to have a spit guard applied be attributed to a number of deaths,” he wrote. “The examples is don’t spit or bite – it’s quite simple. you use are from the USA where, like Taser, spit guards are used “I stand by my support for the full roll out of spit guards in a very different way. The training given to officers ensures to all police officers. This essential piece of equipment the detained persons safety is a priority. protects officers against those vile individuals. Their use is “The personal impact of being spat at or bitten must not be proportionate and safer than any alternative, it protects those underestimated. There are many police officers who have to who protect the public. They deserve this and your flawed and undertake intrusive anti-viral treatment as a result of being biased opinion gives no credible alternative.”

14 POLICE April / May 2019 officer isunveiled Memorial to hero humbling experience”. Federation members, saiditwas a“deeply the unveiling andlaidawreath onbehalfof National Chair, JohnApter, whoattended and Leslie Rhodes. Kurt Cochran, Andreea Cristea, Aysha Frade, car atpedestriansonWestminster Bridge: also losttheirlives whenMasooddrove a and professionalism. Four otherpeople for gallantry, inrecognition ofhisbravery posthumously awarded theGeorge Medal of Westminster inMarch 2017.Hewas Masood whileondutyoutsidethePalace where PCPalmer died. outside theHousesofParliament, closeto It was later placed attheCarriage Gates, in consultation withPCPalmer’s family. commissioned by thePolice MemorialTrust Palmer’s family, friends and colleagues. Downing Street andwas attended by PC Theresa May. Theunveiling took place at byunveiled PrimeMinister inFebruary killed asheprotected Parliament, was officer PC Keith Palmer, who was tragically A memorialcommemorating heroic police Police Federation ofEnglandandWales PC Palmer, 48,was stabbed by Khalid The remembrance stone was specially

never beforgotten.”never memorial willshow themthatKeith will daughter andfamily feel, butwe hopeour singleday,”every saidMrs Winner. Bobbies give to thepeopleourcountry courage andsacrifice British theordinary that Keith’s bravery madehim“a truehero”. Memorial Trust, saidthere was “nodoubt” day,” hesaid. immensely proud ofwhatKeith didthat his own life. Weare, andwillalways be, unfortunately itwas atthesacrifice of that daysaved thelives ofothers, but national hero”. recognises thatPCKeith Palmer isa Ken Marsh saidthememorial“rightly beforgotten.”he willnever bring themcomfort, andreassurance that hope insomesmallway thismemorialwill withKeith’sever family andcolleagues. I and thoseofthewholepolice family, are as sacrifice hemadethatday. Mythoughts, asareminder ofthe and shouldserve “The memorialisafittingtribute to Keith “Nothing will ever ease“Nothing willever thepain hiswife, “His actionspersonified theservice, Geraldine Winner, ChairofthePolice “It iswithoutdoubtthatKeith’s actions Metropolitan Police Federation Chair

POLICE April /May 2019 NEWS

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18 POLICE April / May 2019 NEWS n

Federation lobbies MPs for change Picture © Robert Evans / Alamy © Robert Picture

The PFEW is lobbying for more protection for officers carrying out response driving and pursuits

Support for police drivers was on the Prosecutions can arise as result of Service and Independent Office for agenda when the Police Federation tactical contact or collisions, and courts Police Conduct (IOPC) all agree that the of England and Wales (PFEW) held are not obliged to take into account law needs to change. The PFEW hopes meetings with Conservative and Labour an officer’s advanced driver training or an announcement of an exemption for politicians at Parliament in March, approved police tactics. police officers from the common driver to gain backing for our Protect the National Board members Tiff Lynch, standard, with appropriate caveats, will Protectors campaign to change police Dave Blundell and Pursuits Lead Tim be made by the Home Office in the form driver legislation. Rogers led the event. Mr Rogers said a of a Ministerial Statement. The PFEW is pressing for change on that a number of the MPs were surprised Those present also lobbied MPs on the the issue of police driver vulnerability; that the Government is effectively need for changes to IOPC investigations currently response drives and pursuits saying to police officers ‘we accept that – calling for a 12-month time limit to be are illegal, with the lack of any response drives are against the law, but introduced to prevent cases dragging additional protection or exemption we’d like you to do it anyway’, expecting on for years at great cost to the public from the ‘careful and competent driver’ officers to risk prosecution and the loss purse, as well as huge detriment to common legal standard leaving officers of livelihood and liberty. the wellbeing of officers and all others exposed to potential prosecution. The Home Office, Crown Prosecution associated with such investigations. A decade-long investigation is ‘totally unacceptable’

The Federation has described as “totally decision of the panel, and said that “The Independent Office for Police unacceptable” the length of time it has while it was “right that the incident was Conduct has serious questions to taken to conclude an investigation into the investigated and scrutinised”, taking more answer about their handling of this conduct of five police officers, following than 10 years was “totally unacceptable”. case, why it has taken 10 years to the death of Sean Rigg in August 2008. finalise, and what was the justification Forty-year-old Mr Rigg, who had Decade of heartache for putting all involved through a decade schizophrenia, suffered a cardiac arrest “No police officer goes to work wanting of stress and worry,” he said and died at Brixton police station after he to be involved in an incident like this and “As well as the catastrophic human was arrested and restrained. In March the we must remember that the family of Mr cost, this process highlights the need for culmination of a process which has lasted Rigg have also had to endure a decade of statutory time limits to be introduced for more than 10 years saw all the officers heartache,” said Mr Matthews. these investigations. I have written to the involved cleared of any wrongdoing, with Following the conclusion of the Home Secretary asking him why these a Metropolitan Police misconduct panel investigation Mr Matthews challenged matters are allowed to drag on indefinitely. finding “none of the allegations proved”. the Home Secretary to implement a legal “We do need legal protection for our Phill Matthews, PFEW National Conduct framework that would put a time limit on members to ensure this situation can and Performance Lead, welcomed the similar investigations. never happen again.”

POLICE February / March 2019 19

NEWS n

Soaring murder rate sees Government fail a generation The Government is “failing a generation” as the murder rate for young people rockets and stabbing deaths reached the highest level on record. That was the reaction of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to homicide data released in February which showed 285 people were stabbed to death last year, while the number of murder victims aged 16 to 24 increased by 45 per cent over the same period. The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, revealed the murder rate for the whole of England and Wales rose by 15 per cent from 606 to 695 between March 2017 and March 2018, a fourth consecutive year of increase.

Admissions increased In 285 of these deaths, victims died as Friends and family laid flowers at the scene in east London where 17-year-old Jodie a result of being stabbed – the highest Chesney was stabbed to death in March; PFEW Chair John Apter has warned that number since the Home Office started the Government’s inability to get to grips with knife crime is failing a generation recording the data in 1946. Hospital Wire / PA Rousseau © Stefan Picture admissions for stab-related injuries also generation. The consequences of cuts cent increase) than in the previous year. increased by 15 per cent. to police funding are clear for all to see. However, recent trends in homicide are John Apter, National Chair of the PFEW, This country is in the grip of a terrifying affected by the recording of exceptional said the entire Government should read spiral of violent crime, with the police incidents with multiple victims. If these statistics and hang their heads service struggling to cope,” he said. these are excluded, then the number in shame. “The Government has a duty l There were 726 homicides in the year of homicides increased by 89, or 15 per to protect its citizens and is failing a ending March 2018, 20 more (a three per cent, from 606 to 695. Emergency knife crime funding is only ‘short-term fix’ An emergency funding boost to tackle confirmed that the Home Secretary will epidemic are already run ragged. the knife crime epidemic sweeping work with police chiefs to find a lasting He added that it was a sad state of the country has been welcomed by solution to the problem of violent crime. affairs when “the Home Secretary has Federation National Chair John Apter – Mr Apter said the funding was welcomed to take a begging bowl to the Treasury but only as “a short-term fix”. and that the announcement “clearly in a bid to solve the crisis we find Chancellor Philip Hammond appeared shows that the Home Secretary has ourselves in.” to have heeded the National Police listened to us and fought for this extra “While the funding is welcome it is, however, just a short-term fix as knife Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) request for urgent money, which will help in the short term.” and violent crimes continue to plague funding amid a surge in serious violent our towns and cities,” said Mr Apter. “We crime, with an additional £100million – Begging bowl still urgently need additional resources to understood to be more than what was Mr Apter, who held a private meeting solve this issue in the long run.” initially asked for – being allocated over with the Home Secretary two days before Further announcements on police the course of 2020. the Spring Statement, said he had made funding are expected to be made Police funding will rise to £970million it clear in the meeting that police officers during this summer’s Government from this April and the Chancellor also at the forefront of tackling the knife crime spending review.

POLICE April / May 2019 21 22 POLICE April / May 2019 NEWS n

ICCC co-ordinating international policing in unprecedented times Britain has decided to leave the guidance. It has four thematic desks, European Union (EU), but what are the each staffed with experts from across implications for international policing law enforcement: missing people and and criminal justice in the UK? property; judicial co-operation; police Co-operation on policing has been co-operation; and manhunt/extradition. an important benefit of the UK’s The ICCC has enlisted more than 20 EU membership. Tools such as the experts into a regional network of SPOCs Schengen Information System, an to equip officers on the ground with intelligence database used 620 million guidance and support on the latest times last year by UK law enforcement to policing and security tools available. look up suspects and vehicles, integrate seamlessly with our own systems. National campaign Failure to agree any future co-operation The ICCC is raising awareness and between UK police forces and European promoting its services through a partners would have consequences for national campaign, which includes national security, including counter- posters, leaflets and desk drops that will terrorism, organised crime, modern be seen in police stations across the UK. slavery, tracing vulnerable missing DSU Jerry Pearson, ICCC Head of Unit, people and foreign national offenders. said: “By being open about the changes and the impact they may have, we hope One-stop shop to ensure that all police officers in the To mitigate any negative impacts of our UK are fully able to continue operational withdrawal from the EU and to maximise policing, and to avoid potential the opportunities, the International problems in the future.” Crime Co-ordination Centre (ICCC) As the UK progresses beyond Brexit, has been set up by the National Police the role of the ICCC will grow in both Chiefs’ Council. It aims to be a one-stop in using European Arrest Warrants, significance and strategic value. shop for police officers and staff across experienced in doing extradition, people By making regular and up-to-date the UK requiring advice and guidance on who have been in Europol.” information available to all UK police any international policing matter. The new central unit is working with officers and staff, it hopes to mitigate the Deputy Assistant Commissioner Home Office national policy leads and risk of these unprecedented times. Richard Martin (pictured), who heads the partners including the National Crime Call the ICCC for advice and guidance ICCC, said: “We have brought together Agency and Crown Prosecution Service, on any international policing matter on a group of real experts experienced to crystallise new policy and operational 0300 790 0000. EU officers’ status to remain post Brexit The status of EU national warranted be treated the same as other EU nationals, UK on March 29, 2019 will be able to stay officers will remain the same after the after Brexit. but will have to apply to the EU Settlement UK’s departure from the EU, with or If a deal is stuck by March 29, regulations Scheme by 31 December 2020, in order to without a deal. will see a ‘national of a member state’ secure their status in UK law. Due to the unique employment status of status switch to that of a ‘British national Recognising the nationality officers, the Police Federation of England or EU national with indefinite leave to requirement in Regulations, a Home and Wales has been pushing the Home remain in the UK’. Office spokesman said the Government Office to shed light on the situation, to put has always been clear that it “highly affected members’ minds at rest. ‘Highly valued’ values” the contributions EU citizens Although anything EU exit related is However, if the Prime Minister’s deal fails make to the social, economic and subject to last minute change, the to pass through Parliament – leaving a no- cultural fabric of the UK, and that current stance is that police officers will deal situation – EU citizens resident in the “we want them to stay in the UK”.

POLICE April / May 2019 23 n NEWS Hot flushes and periods are not taboo

Society is much more liberal and open than it was 10-15 years ago, but certain subjects remain difficult for some to discuss – including so-called ‘women’s issues.’ The mere mention of periods or menopause can be just too awkward for some to bear, but these issues are very real and come with a whole host of difficulties, including pain, anxiety, hot flushes, sweats, fatigue and brain fog. Try dealing with this while doing long days on patrol, guarding a scene or policing a public order situation where there is no quick access to a toilet. Sadly many officers and staff don’t feel comfortable talking about what they are going through, and those who do, find they get little empathy from colleagues and managers. This creates a Catch-22 situation – unless people speak out it becomes more difficult for others to understand, and for managers and the service to put in place the support that is so badly needed. The Police Federation of England and Wales is working with the Menopause Action Group to effect positive change. Last year it ran the first survey of its kind on the menopause – aimed at officers and staff who have gone through or are going through the menopause. It also sought views from line managers, and with nearly 6,500 responses, the findings are due to be published at the MAG Conference, taking place in April. Full results will be published in the next edition of POLICE.

Case study: ‘I felt I was going to melt’ I joined the Met in 2003 and have mostly been on low, the only thing the doctor recommended was the frontline in a uniformed role. Throughout this anti-depressants. time I’ve suffered with Endometriosis which, due For years I struggled with terrible mood swings which to heavy bleeding and pain, affected my home and could bring the whole team down. I would be out on work life massively. patrol and get so hot that I would almost be clawing During this time I had male line managers. I switched my body armour off as I felt I was going to melt. The to neighbourhood policing as I felt that I was letting constant dragging on my abdomen by my protective my team down due to having time off every month. equipment belt was awful. However, this proved as difficult as I was constantly on I decided that we needed to do something about foot patrol on my own, with no quick access to a toilet. the issue of menopause in the workplace and, having I then had an operation called an ablation which attended the national Menopause Action Group (MAG), stopped my periods, but brought the menopause we created a mini MAG for the Met. on almost straight away; this was not explained to We managed to get senior leaders to talk about the me, so for a while I thought that I was either going issues and to create senior points of contact for each mad or was bipolar. It wasn’t until I started to get borough. There is still much to do, but we need officers hot flushes and night sweats that I realised what to speak out without fear and to ask for reasonable the cause was. adjustments while they are suffering with symptoms I’ve never been able to take hormones due to of the menopause. Until we are in a place where the migraine headaches so didn’t even consider menopause can be openly discussed we will keep on

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). When I got very fighting to keep it on the agenda. / Shutterstock.com © Lazyllama Picture

24 POLICE April / May 2019 NEWS n College consults on conflict resolution techniques Police officers and staff across England The CoP guidelines will ensure officers are consistently and Wales were asked to give their trained in conflict management techniques including feedback during February and March on de-escalation, communication and negotiation new evidence-based guidelines aimed at improving conflict management using de-escalation, communication and negotiation techniques. The College of Policing (CoP)

guidelines have been written to Live News © Finnbarr Webster/Alamy Picture ensure officers and staff are trained in relevant techniques that could help de-escalate a conflict situation. The guidelines are the first stage in developing a National Policing Curriculum for personal safety training (PST), to ensure that PST is delivered consistently, meets frontline needs, and addresses recommendations from the research carried out in 2017 on officer and staff victims of assault.

Fit for purpose Responding to the consultation, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) National Chair John Apter said officer Assistant Chief Constable David The guidelines are not designed to safety training must be fit for purpose Hardcastle, the chair of the CoP’s replace the use of reasonable force and based on their needs, rather than guideline committee, said: “Sometimes but to empower chiefs and supervisors what a textbook tells officers what they the use of reasonable force can’t to support their officers and staff on must learn. be avoided. By ensuring personal appropriate use of force, and ensure “It must cover all aspects of safety safety training includes these everyone across forces in England training, from de-escalation and beat additional techniques, officers and and Wales is trained consistently craft skills to an officer fighting for their staff will have the best information and to the same level, addressing life. Officer safety training is essential to help judge whether they need to an Independent Office for Police and it must be relevant,” said Mr Apter. go ‘hands on’.” Conduct recommendation. Knife crime: PM fails to address the issue The Prime Minister is “delusional” for that the Government is seeking to address been stripped to the bone, and the failing to acknowledge the link between in its serious violent crime strategy. consequences are clear – children being the scourge of youth knife crime and But Theresa May insists there is “no murdered on our streets,” said Mr Apter. cuts to officer numbers, according to the direct correlation” between police cuts “What makes this all the more sickening National Chair of the Police Federation of and knife crime, and stressed there is that it was predicted. When we England and Wales (PFEW), John Apter. was a “cross-government” response to warned of the consequences of reduced Since 2010, funding cuts have reduced the problem. Mr Apter said the PM was funding Theresa May accused the Police officer numbers by 21,000, and Police “delusional” and refusing to acknowledge Federation of ‘crying wolf’. Those concerns Community Support Officer numbers by “what is plain for everyone else to see”. have become a reality, but still the Prime 7,000. As a result there are fewer officers “In the face of a national crisis that Minister fails to accept the harsh truth. on our streets to tackle the very crimes is deeply concerning… Policing has This is the true cost of austerity.”

POLICE April / May 2019 25

ASK THE EXPERTS n

The five stages of divorce – what to expect when going through a divorce (Part 1) 1: Separation Separating from a spouse is never easy. As well as the emotional challenges for all involved, there are also the challenges surrounding the practicalities of separation, such as residency and finances. It’s in the best interest of all involved that immediate discussions post-separation are as amicable as possible, and it may be better for any discussions to take place in a neutral environment, rather than in the matrimonial home. Any discussions should never be within earshot of children. 2: Mediation Going straight to court isn’t the only option after separation; mediation can help to sort out differences around money, property and children, and gives both parties the chance to put their side of the story across in a safe and neutral environment. The mediator can encourage you to think about things from another perspective, and compromise to reach a conclusion that everyone is happy with. They’ll help you to communicate with your ex-partner effectively, and will remain impartial. 3: Divorce If you’re satisfied your marriage has irretrievable broken down, divorce proceedings can be made through the Family Court to bring the marriage to an end. Under UK law, irretrievable breakdown is the only grounds for divorce. It has to be proved by the person who starts the divorce petition (the petitioner) by establishing one of the following facts: A: Adultery – the petitioner finds it intolerable to live with the respondent as a result of them committing adultery (adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a man and women, so cannot be used in same sex marriages or civil partnerships). B: Unreasonable behaviour – the petitioner cannot live with the respondent because of their unreasonable behaviour. C: Desertion – the respondent has deserted the petitioner for at least two years. D: Two years separation (with consent) – the respondent accepts divorce proceedings as the parties have lived separately for two years. E: Five years separation (no consent required).

If you’d like specialist advice from a family lawyer please contact Slater and Gordon on 0808 175 7710 and we’ll be happy to help. Hannah Cornish Practice Group Leader in Family Law, Slater and Gordon W: slatergordon.co.uk

POLICE April / May 2019 27 MEMBERS’ BENEFITS You can find out more about these offers in the Members’ Area of the Federation website (www.polfed.org).

Big discounts on health insurance for Federation members and families www.generalandmedical.com

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POLICE April / May 2019 29

THE DUTY OFFICER n

Playing the numbers game

Former Defence Minister Michael Fallon a job (no jokes about my rank please) recently told a reporter that the military Believe me, if we randomly turned them could be used to deal with knife crime on all the time the battery and memory if the police needed back up. We seem wouldn’t last long enough. reluctant to arm officers, but it’s okay The successes in convictions for to allow soldiers carrying rifles to back domestic violence offenders, showing us up? vicious assaults on police and the ability The army is 6,000 staff below its set to resolve complaints or false allegations target, and senior officers are telling quickly, should not be belittled. My the Prime Minister that we need more favourite comment was that in the future officers to fight the knife crime crisis. we will fit facial recognition technology to But apparently there is ‘no direct cameras. Yes, maybe one day, but at least correlation between certain crime and let us do something before you complain police numbers.’ From dealing with about it. people on the streets the feedback I am u u u u getting is ‘we don’t even bother hiding our drugs and weapons as we don’t get It’s not yet April 1, but this week we stopped anymore’. saw stories on police wanting a dog DNA On a more positive note, it was good database. Only on the last set of nights, to see that the Policing Minister has now while fighting back-to-back in town with authorised Taser for probationers. It’s a my Sgt Steve as the only units available, I move I fully support, particularly after my turned and said to him: “You know what The Duty last article highlighted that 80 per cent of we need? A dog DNA database. That my team are in their probation. would be really useful right now.” An MP has also helpfully suggested that u u u u we should microchip knives to reduce Officer I also confess to being a little confused knife crime. Why didn’t I think of that as arming model; all carry Taser, and nearly about another issue at the moment. my next project for promotion? all carry firearms in safes in their cars and Liberty are now saying that body-worn u u u u can arm themselves if necessary. video is a bad thing! Apparently by Of the 8,100 frontline officers, 5,700 wearing big, yellow, beepy flashy things It would be remiss of me not to mention receive training with the pistol and saying ‘CCTV’ on our chests we are the recent terrorist attack in New Zealand. rifle, and 2,100 receive training with intruding on people’s private lives and I am sure all of you will join me in the pistol only. Is this something we spying on them. I for one know that I condemning the incident and admiring need to consider? always close my eyes and never make the response. notes in my pocket notebook when I go to Of interest is the New Zealand Police Follow me on Twitter @TheDutyOfficer1

Nick O’Time Colin Whittock

POLICE April / May 2019 31