Page 15 - WMPF Federation June-July2018-flip_Neat

Would you Protect the Protectors:

like a free brave officers speak out

Financial

Health Check? By Al O’Shea, West Midlands Police

Federation representative
he Protect the Protectors session
held the audience captive and was
Twell received and informative in
its entirety.
The panel were excellent and it was very
positive for the room to hear of the support
offered by MPs Holly Lynch, Chris Bryant
and Philip Davies for this campaign. It was
important that delegates, observers and
guests had the opportunity to understand
the hard work they are doing on our behalf
and credit must be given where it is due.
Equally, we were able to acknowledge
the great work of regional Police
Federations in bringing the issues that
surround the Protect the Protectors
campaign to those who can make change
Let the Federation help you with on our behalf which was a message I am Supporters of the Protect the Protectors campaign (left to right) MPs Holly Lynch, Philip Davis
and Chris Bryant, with Federation response drivers’ lead Tim Rogers and West Yorkshire Police
a free confi dential one-to-one certain got out to the room. Federation chair Nick Smart.

It was highlighted by speaker Nick
Financial MOT. Smart, chair of West Yorkshire Federation, That should never be accepted as part of the level of violence offered to us, officers find
that it is our responsibility as reps to get the
See what your colleagues say: message back to our members and let them job and should always be a consideration themselves more vulnerable now than ever
know of the incredible work the Federation when dealing with those offenders who before and are at risk of serious harm.
Your meeting could help you manage the financial "Not only did she help me to understand how is doing in bringing about change. assault emergency service workers. I would summarise this session as
issues that may arise throughout your police the new pension will affect me but she also I would expect that many in the room We listened to the awful treatment of encouraging, and I am pleased that there
helped me save money!"
career and into retirement. Wayne Bennett, serving police officer, 2018 prior to this session might have agreed West Mids PC Vaughan Lowe at the hands is very hard work being done by the Police
Federation and the MPs they work with
the wheels at Westminster turn slowly
of an IOPC investigation following a pursuit
in relation to bringing about change, that resulted in a fatal traffic collision that on a daily basis. However, I would like to
If you’re struggling to understand what workplace "Visiting Caroline Harris was well worth the however, having had a small contribution has seen him endure to date a six-year see our Force make a significant increase
benefits are available to you and your dependants, time. She helped put my mind at rest with to Protecting the Protectors, I would agree investigation. It was clear to everyone in the to Taser-trained officers, if not a roll-out
George Burrows could help. They have arranged for informed information rather than guess with MP Holly Lynch that, in terms of room of the impact this has had on him and to all that volunteer. I believe there is a
Caroline Harris, a financial welfare specialist with work" Ian Skidmore, serving police officer, 2018 bringing about new legislation to better he should know that he has the support lasting appetite for better PPE in light of the
over 25 years' experience, to work alongside the protect emergency workers, the wheels at of all who heard his account. It was no threats we face and officers concerns must
be heard.
Westminster have turned rather rapidly in
surprise that an online question that asked
Police Federation and provide detailed information on "Caroline cleared up any doubts about my this instance. I am disappointed that the the room in the absence of support from
the range of pensions and schemes available to you. pension and helped me understand my tax inclusions where spitting is concerned were the Government changing legislation to
code better, which has resulted in a tax not adopted and the increase in sentencing protecting police drivers, what would they OUR R EP SAY S :
refund. I highly recommend any officer who for those who assault emergency workers, do in regard to police driving saw over 70
is close to retirement come and speak to
her." however, the hard work in relation to that per cent say we should not pursue. “I thought the speakers were
Contact the Federation to arrange your Simon Shippam, serving police officer, 2018 continues. support offered by panel member Chief excellent in this session. It was clear
It was encouraging to hear of the

It is without a shadow of a doubt
free, confi dential one to one support. that the speakers who stood out in this Constable Dee Collins and I was particularly that PFEW has forged good links
with MPs and they are supportive. I
interested at her thoughts around Taser
session were the brave officers who put
feel the work being done is excellent
0121 700 1200 themselves forward to recount incidents and that conversations need to be had and should be continued. I liked how
around it being the ‘less than lethal option’
that had happened to them during their
this helped showcase all the hard
or ‘personal protection’ use. I have my own
duty. We heard from PC Laura Gargett (West
work that has been done to get the
Yorkshire) who was seriously assaulted on
duty and told of the personal impact it had view on Taser and I agree with the thought changes we have achieved so far.
of being issued for personal protection.

“My role and the areas I have
Appointments take place at Guardians House on her family and young children. Laura I agree those conversations need to be most contact with don’t response
returned to work as soon as possible out of had, however, they need to happen as a drive or pursue. But I wouldn’t be
West Midlands Police Federation is an Appointed Representative of George Burrows. George Burrows a sense of duty and loyalty to her team. matter of urgency. It is my belief that in the confident pursuing until legislation
is a trading name of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, which is authorized and regulated However, before doing so she had to absence of a robust roll out of Taser at a is changed.”
by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Offi ce: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 Blythswood endure the emotional trauma of listening to time of perilously low numbers of officers,
Street, Glasgow, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909. West Midlands representative
www.ajginternational.com. her children ask her ‘please don’t die today’. single crewing and the ever-increasing Dan Chappelow
GB1445/FP251-2018/V2
www.westmidspolfed.com federation June/July 2018 15
Financial Health Check A4.indd 1 04/11/2016 11:13