Page 5 - Federation magazine: February / March 2017
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Federation branch boards to get the Violent crime up
message across to the MPs in their force
areas and arranging meetings in Parliament Knife crime and offences involving something designed to help tackle this
to allow assaulted officers to talk to MPs firearms are on the increase according to exact issue.”
face to face about the incidents in which the latest figures released. For the first time the figures give a full
they were attacked. The Office for National Statistics year overview of estimated fraud and
While changes to the law may act as a crime figures show a rise in violent computer misuse offences, 3.6 million and
deterrent and at least ensure that people crimes, including a seven per cent 2 million respectively.
who assault officers are properly sentenced, increase in offences involving a firearm Steve added: “These particular figures
the Federation is also calling for officers to and an 11 per cent increase in offences simply highlight the reality of the world in
be better equipped to prevent these attacks involving a knife. which we police. They reflect real crimes
in the first place. And the national Police Federation is affecting real people, all of which need
The Federation believes a national blaming these rises on a reduction in investigating by an ever reducing number
roll-out of Taser, and suitable training, to officer numbers. of police officers.
officers would allow them to protect Steve White, chairman of the Police “Increasing demand continues to take
themselves. Federation of England and Wales, said: “A its toll. Two thirds of our members tell us
Prime Minister Theresa May, while in continuing increase in violent crime and they go to work despite feeling they
her previous role as Home Secretary, made continuing reduction in police officer shouldn’t because of their mental
it clear that whether officers have Taser is a numbers is far from a coincidence. wellbeing. Ultimately, without the right
decision for each Chief Constable to make. “Knife crime has and continues to support from both police leaders and the
The Federation is committed to seeking increase. Political pressure and the Government, it’s the public that will
Government funding should a force decide inability for officers to do proactive suffer.”
to roll it out. patrolling, due to reactive demands, is The figures are for the year ending 30
I am pleased that this campaign is resulting in low levels of stop and search, September 2016.
gathering pace. The Federation has a vital
role to play in making sure the safety and Federation roadshow
wellbeing of its members is paramount. heading to West Bromwich
Most forces across the country have
now introduced their own ‘pledge’ on The date for the next West Midlands Police Federation Roadshow is fast approaching.
officer – and staff – assaults, committing to It will take place in West Bromwich on 22 February in the Conference Room
investigating all these incidents properly between 10am and 3pm.
and vowing to support the victims of the Member services providers will be available to talk to members and discuss the
attacks. This ‘pledge’ was first launched by services they can provide.
Hampshire Police, working in partnership Officers will be able to discuss any concerns they have with Federation
with its local Federation with the branch representatives who will be attending.
chair, John Apter, showcasing the initiative Free Federation merchandise will be on hand and you can also enter a prize draw to
at the national conference in 2015. win a £50 Amazon voucher.
I think the success of this initiative There is no need to book just go along on the day.
nationwide shows what can be achieved The roadshow is also coming to Bloxwich 5 April, Perry Barr Superblock 23 May,
when the Federation builds on good Wolverhampton 20 June and Solihull 17 July.
practice and works in a united way for the Look out for flyers locally for more information.
benefit of its members. Representatives at
that conference returned to their forces Sign up for the eZine
and encouraged their chief officers – and
staff unions – to work with them to get Do you want to get the latest news first? Federation secretary, said: “The idea of
similar ‘pledges’ off the ground. If so, sign up to get the West the eZine is to keep people up to date
Let’s hope that this joined up approach Midlands Police Federation eZine emailed with the latest goings on in the
continues and the Police Federation of straight to you. It is published every other Federation. It gives us an opportunity to
England and Wales can succeed with this month on alternate months to the keep people informed with both local
campaign. printed magazine. and national Federation news as well as
We all know that PFEW has had a It will provide you with all the latest Government announcements on policing
difficult few years but perhaps 2017 will be Federation news. From local opinion on and some more light hearted items too.”
the year that we can truly get back to doing national issues to information on what To sign up visit the Media Hub at
what is far more important than any colleagues are up to in Force. westmidspolfed.com
internal wrangling – representing and Steve Grange, West Midlands Police
looking after our members.
www.westmidspolfed.com federation February/March 2017 05
