Page 4 - Federation Magazine December 2017 / January 2018

Secretary’s introduction

The police

service is under

significant stress

At the outset of the Government’s the start of 2018. Supported by newly
austerity measures, the Police Federation elected deputy chair Che Donald, he must
warned that cuts to policing budgets would seize the nettle and do all he can to steer
affect the service we were able to provide the organisation through the difficult times
to the public – and not in a good way. ahead.
Our arguments were dismissed, we The new regulations which allow for
were told by the then Home Secretary, the change in our election processes,
Theresa May, that we were scaremongering. recommended in the independent review,
But, over the last year, I think that has are expected to finally pass through
proved not to be the case and, in fact, many Parliament and be signed into legislation at
senior police officers have started to add the end of December, heralding the start of
their voices to our arguments. The latest a new era.
report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of For that reason, I would urge anyone
Constabulary, Fire & Rescue Services who thinks they might have what it takes
(HMICFRS) also added weight to what we to be a Federation representative to find
were saying. Inspectors concluded that, out more about the elections which will be
while most forces have risen impressively held next year.
to the challenges they face, policing All members of the Federated ranks
remains under “significant stress”. – constables, sergeants, inspectors and
I think that covers it extremely well. chief inspectors – can put themselves
Policing is under significant stress. Our forward for election.
officers are feeling the effects of that stress Being a Federation representative is
in terms of their mental, and physical challenging but rewarding in equal
By Steve Grange, secretary of West Midlands wellbeing. The public is feeling the effects measure. Standing side by side with your
Police Federation
of that stress in a reduction in the quality colleagues, helping them through the
of the service we are able to provide with difficulties they face at work – and
fewer officers and increased demand. The sometimes away from work – is not for the
ny hope that there could be some crime figures are steadily rising as we find faint-hearted. But, the Police Federation
good news for policing in the it difficult to maintain effective offers a training package that will help reps
AChancellor’s autumn budget in neighbourhood policing, the kind of not just in their Federation role but also in
November were soon dashed when the policing we know helps prevent crime, their general working life.
police service didn’t even get a mention. gather intelligence and tackle criminals. Please take the time to read our article
Despite all the trials and tribulations of There is only so long we can prevent on Page 11 and take a look at the reps@
2017, with terrorist attacks, rising crime, this level of stress resulting in a complete work campaign materials at polfed.org
low police morale coupled, not surprisingly, breakdown. Policing is facing a critical Finally, I would like to take this
with a growing number of officers period. opportunity to wish you all a very merry
reporting stress-related illnesses, it would At such a pivotal time, the Police Christmas and a happy new year; let’s hope
seem the Government is not listening to Federation has just named its new chair. it’s a good one.
what we are saying. Calum Macleod will take over the reins at

04 federation December 2017/January 2018 www.westmidspolfed.com