Avon and Somerset Police Federation

Reap what you sow

This month political enthusiasts and commentators will be in their delight as they descend on Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester for the main political party conferences.

Traditionally the conferences were a time for open debate, disagreement and real party politics. Regrettably now, they are little more than slick, stage-managed events  designed to capture headlines and propel key politicians into the public limelight. However, the back rooms are where much of the business of influence takes place, and never more so than this year with a host of new faces following the election.

With so much at stake for policing the Police Federation will be at the heart of these discussions. In the last month we have seen a leaked report from ACPO which clearly shows that some chief officers are prepared to sell the rank and file down the river to save their own skins. Don’t forget, they too started at the coalface, but they were
less keen to reduce numbers when it might be them needing back-up on the streets. And what absolute tosh to suggest that police regulations hinder their ability to use
their officers as required; that’s a poor excuse for poor planning. For those chiefs that need reminding – New Year’s Eve is 31 December.

The government’s review of police terms and conditions is just around the corner, and the coalition has already talked of possible 25 percent cuts to police funding. With cuts of that magnitude there will only be one winner; the criminals and those who prey on the law-abiding. But it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing this all as a done deal. The Comprehensive Spending Review is not until October, and the government must realise they will reap what they sow. Cut policing now and they may regret the inevitable increased lawlessness and mayhem that will face the public when they head to the ballot box in five years time.

My plea to all politicians – look carefully at what the leaders of ACPO are saying, sift through the self-interest and note there’s far less substance. Listen to those chiefs who openly say they need sufficient numbers of police officers in all areas to be able do the job society expects. And have the courage to put your head above the parapet and protect your police service. The consequences of saving a quick buck today and burying your head in the sand are far too severe to contemplate.

Editorial

News: Anger over leaked ACPO report

News: PNB staff side fights for police pensions

News: Constables call to protect rank numbers

Federation views: National Detective Forum chairman Steve Williams warns that cutting detective numbers could open the floodgates to crime

View from the chair: Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation, warns that proposed cuts will only be welcomed by criminals

Local Focus: Simon Payne, chairman of Warwickshire Police Federation, urges all ranks to pull together to meet the current challenges

Pulling the strings: Criminology expert Peter Joyce examines some of the dangers of the latest white paper on policing, including the introduction of elected police commissioners

Time for life?: Undergoing IVF can be a lengthy, complicated and often stressful process; Tina Orr-Munro reports on how the police service supports staff going through this treatment

In sickness and in health: Forces are wrongly using performance policies to discipline officers with recognised disabilities, says  Deborah Munday of the NDPA

Coping with the cuts: Cuts in the policing budget seem inevitable, but Professor Peter Latchford asks whether the service can respond with imagination and bravery

View from the sidelines: Clive Chamberlain, chairman of Dorset Police Federation, takes a different look on life