Page 18 - Federation Magazine: April/May 2018

Tackling abuse

‘It has to stop’

– Force gets tough on hate

crimes against staff

“I’d report being assaulted but

being verbally abused and called “I was called names and I’m
racist names, I haven’t got the regularly verbally and racially
time to complete a report every abused on the phone, but people
time I’m abused! It’s just part of are under a tremendous amount
the job, isn’t it?” of stress when they call us and
well, it’s just part of the job, isn’t it?”

“Working in the front office you
get verbally abused a lot, I “It’s just part of the
wouldn’t dream about reporting it job… isn’t it?”
as a crime. It’s just part of the job,
isn’t it?”

he Force’s tough stance on hate crimes are subjected to this in the line of duty. “The Federation firmly backs the Force on
against its officers and staff has been “It’s simply not part of the job. We want this issue and we are pleased to see that it is
Twelcomed by West Midlands Police staff and officers to have the confidence to taking a tough stance, encouraging people
Federation. come forward and report offences to report all these incidents and pledging to
A new 10-point assaults plan – now committed against them. do all it can to tackle the perpetrators of
incorporating hate crime – has been “In return, we promise to investigate
launched and sets out the Force’s approach their case with the same care, compassion
to tackling the abuse suffered by its and commitment as we do with any B-Well
employees with Superintendent Mat Shaer, member of the public.” Free professional counselling, information
the Force lead on hate crime, pledging to Between January and November 2017, and advice. Open to all employees,
ensure things change. 171 racially aggravated offences were 24 hours a day, all year round.
“Quite simply, it’s not right that our recorded against police officers and staff. Tel: 0808 168 2143 or visit
people are coming to work and being But John Williams, acting chair of West www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk
subjected to hate and it’s seen as ‘just part of Midlands Police Federation, believes the
the job’,” he said. actual number of incidents will be much WMP Chaplaincy Service
“I’ve been listening to victims and the higher since many officers and staff simply If it’s spiritual support or just a listening
staff networks who, like me, believe this has don’t report when they are victims of these ear, WMP’s network of chaplains and faith
to stop.” offences. advisors are available 24/7. The service
He added: “Whether it’s directed to our “We are aware that many officers – and welcomes contact from people of no faith
staff or the public, hate crime in all its forms staff – simply view this abuse as part of their too.
is not acceptable. Challenging hate is a Force job but it should not be considered as such,” j.butcher@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
priority and extends to officers and staff who says John.

18 federation April/May 2018 www.westmidspolfed.com