Page 24 - WMPF Federation DEC 2019-flip

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‘I am proud to be a Fed rep’

t’s almost two the officer’s needs. I have supported with her local senior leadership team
years since Dawn individuals through return to work something, she says, historically, the
IMurkett first interviews, conflicts within teams, conflicts Federation has not necessarily achieved. She
became a Federation with supervision. holds quarterly meetings with the
workplace “I have supported several officers through Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) chief
representative. Independent Office for Police Conduct superintendent where any issues raised by
She was spurred on investigations and, in the discipline field, I staff are brought up and any changes that
to take up the role have supported members through may need Federation input or advice are
after being subject of a misconduct and gross misconduct discussed.
complaint herself and investigations. “It is an invaluable meeting which is very
believing, while her “All officers are different, some need a lot productive and has massively developed the
dealings with the of time and reassurance, some are happy to trust and confidence between all parties,” she
Federation had been good, there were some just have support at required stages and, says, “As a CAPLO rep, I also have a good
things that could be done better. while some are happy with a text or email, relationship with the NPU appropriate
So, at the start of 2018 she became a rep, some want a phone call or a coffee shop authority – again to strengthen the
and hasn’t looked back since. meet. relationship between the Force and the
“I had a positive experience with the “One thing I learned very quickly is to be Federation.”
Federation but also felt that there were fluid with people’s needs, I try to be available The challenges ahead for the Federation,
some aspects, having been on the receiving in the day, evenings and at weekends as we she said, will include keeping up with the
end of a complaint, that could be done better are a 24/7 service and people don’t just need changes in regulations and keeping staff
– particularly the contact and understanding support in office hours.” trained with new policies, while for the Force,
element from other departments,” she She continues: “As I have been subject to and policing nationally, it will be cuts to
explains, “I have tried to bring some empathy an investigation myself in the past, I feel I am funding along with the changes to
to my role when dealing with colleagues and in a good place to offer empathy. Sometimes recruitment criteria, the training of new
am keen to tailor my approach individually. people can’t talk to their partners, sometimes recruits and keeping serving officers
“I have learnt very quickly that each they don’t want to burden them. motivated due to the effects of the cuts and
person needs something slightly different “One thing, as all reps do, is to be realistic changes to pensions.
from a rep, and sometimes all people need is with our members with timeframes and Nevertheless, Dawn is keen to rise to
a listening ear, and sometimes people just adhere strictly to confidentiality. those challenges.
need a hug!” “Sometimes the support is just an “Everyone – from police staff to officers of
Dawn joined West Midlands Police in affirmation email or some clarity regarding a all ranks – since Day 1 has fully supported
2002 and spent the first five as a response regulation, other instances may involve me. Whenever I have called for help or advice,
officer before joining a new neighbourhood supporting that individual for a protracted I have always been supported. I have been
unit. She is currently a neighbourhood officer period of time which can in itself be quite given some fantastic learning opportunities
in Willenhall, Coventry. stressful depending on the type of and have always been encouraged to push
She joined the Federation when she allegation.” myself in my own development. The training I
joined the Force, saying: “It was never a As a rep, Dawn can advise any officer in have received has been the best training in all
consideration not to join, to me it is like not England and Wales but says she feels ‘great of my service, the training is current and
considering having any other form of pride’ when a supervisor or inspector she has relevant,” she concludes.
insurance.” known for many years comes direct to her as Female Fed reps historically are in the
Since becoming a rep she has attended a rep for advice. minority. I was encouraged to join a
courses on representing and advising “I engage in person, on the phone, by committee that I wanted to join rather than
members on performance, attendance and email – which ever suits the member best. I one than ‘needed people’ or ‘needed a female’.
conduct, successful claim handling, disability have been a Coventry officer for all my service In the Federation I am wholeheartedly
in policing, legal updates and stated cases which is a positive thing. Most people know treated as an individual and supported and
and managing the menopause. With the me and I hope I have a good reputation as encouraged as such – something I like to
training being ongoing, there are more not just an officer but as a rep,” she explains. cascade to our members. I am proud to be a
courses in the pipeline for 2020 and she will Since becoming a rep, she has made it a WMP Fed rep, and I hope to continue to doing
undertake training on the new conduct personal goal to have a good relationship to,” she concludes.
regulations, which come into effect in
February, in January. One thing I learned very quickly is to be fluid
Dawn is a Federation Conduct and “
with people’s needs, I try to be available in the
Performance Liaison Officer (CaPLO). The
CaPLOs make up the Federation’s discipline day, evenings and at weekends as we are a 24/7
committee and specialise in supporting and
advising members facing conduct service and people don’t just need support in
allegations.
Speaking about the support she can office hours. “
offer, she says: “I like to think it is bespoke to

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