Page 17 - WMPF Federation DEC 2019-flip

Police Federation centenary celebration

‘I’m on your side and

I’ve got your back’

John Apter, national chair of the Police
Federation, listens to Home Secretary Priti
Patel’s speech to the event.

he ‘bravery, commitment and local community.” highlights as Home Secretary, so far, had
sacrifices’ of police officers have been Speaking about the dangers officers been working with Federation chair John
Tpraised by the Home Secretary. face, she said: “Each day, I ask myself, do Apter, saying it is ‘completely right that he is
Priti Patel said it had been ‘humbling’ to people truly understand how unpredictable, holding myself and the Government to
meet some of the ’most remarkable officers’ dangerous and challenging the work of a account on our commitments’.
from across the country, during her three police officer is? One of her first acts as Home Secretary
months in post. “Because, I worry the people posing the was to begin the recruitment of 20,000
She was addressing 700 officers and threats you face are ever more callous. The extra police officers and she also said she
invited guests including chief constables job we ask you to do is ever more complex believed it was the job of the Home
and PCCs at a Police Federation of England and dangerous. That is why I want to make Secretary to give police officers the
and Wales celebratory event organised to it clear that I am on your side and that I’ve protection they need and empower officers
mark the organisation’s 100-year got your back. to do their jobs, hence the £10 million of
anniversary. The event was held at “I recognise the bravery, commitment ring-fenced funding for Tasers.
Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, and sacrifices of both serving and former She told the hall: “As crime becomes more
London where the Federation’s first officers. And I stand with you; the brave men violent, the assaults are increasingly brutal.
conference was held in 1919. and women of our police.” Many of you will have been hurt. Many of you
The Home Secretary said: “Your courage, She paid tribute to PC Andrew Harper, will have seen friends and colleagues subject
dedication and public service has been truly the Thames Valley officer killed while on to abuse in the line of duty.
moving. I’m hugely honoured that my job is duty earlier this year, describing him as a “It takes extraordinary courage to keep
to help you do all of yours. From physically hero. running to the front-line to face that threat,
taking on violent and ruthless criminals, to She praised the Police Federation for the day in day out. But, for you, your sense of
breaking heart-wrenching and tragic news ‘key role’ it plays saying: “Whether it is duty comes first.”
to bereaved families. engaging with Government, supporting She concluded: “As long as I am Home
“From handling some of the most families or, helping officers who have been Secretary, I will always give you the backing
devastating and atrocious tragedies to assaulted, the organisation continues to you need to keep yourselves and the public
bringing safety and security to the work tirelessly to represent the interests of safe. So that, together, we can stand for the
communities in which we all live. You are the rank and file.” forces of right, and against the forces of evil.
always there. And for that, I salute you all.” And the Home Secretary said she was “Policing is a job like no other. Every day,
The Home Secretary recalled that when committed to strengthening the in every town or city, police officers perform
her parents first moved to the UK they set relationship between the Police Federation thousands acts of bravery, humanity and
up a corner shop and were victims of theft, and the Home Office, adding the 100-year compassion.
abuse and burglary, before adding: “I will anniversary of the Federation was a “You are the ones society expects to run
never forget the support shown back then ‘remarkable achievement’. towards danger, to protect the vulnerable
to my family by the police, as well as the She also spoke about how one of her and to keep us safe.”
Feature continued on Page 18

www.polfed.org/westmids federation December 2019/January 2020 17