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Official recognised

George receives

Chief Constable’s

Award

eorge McDonnell, West Midlands Police Federation’s
conduct lead, has been presented with a Chief Constable’s
GAward in recognition of his dedication to supporting
members.
George, who became the Conduct and Performance Lead
Officer (CAPLO) in June last year, was presented with the award by
Chief Constable Dave Thompson.
“Supporting colleagues through conduct and performance
processes is rewarding, and challenging,” says George, “It’s not a
role you take on thinking you are going to get an award from the
Chief Constable so I am really pleased that Mr Thompson has
recognised the part I play not just in supporting officers but also in
helping the Force.
“But, of course, I don’t work in isolation. I share the role with
Dave Hadley and we also have a CAPLO committee so I would like
to pay tribute to their work too. We are all part of a team and we
are committed to doing the best we can for members and for the
Force.
“Having been investigated myself, with the outcome being an
entry in a police notebook and an apology for the whole sorry
episode not being concluded more quickly, I remember the
experience being completely daunting so I have an understanding
of how colleagues feel when they are facing conduct proceedings. George McDonnell.
“This has helped me as I have developed this role,” he says. adhere to the same standards against which we are often measuring
A constant challenge has been ensuring the line between our officers.”
officers making an honest mistake and being deliberately bad is George joined the Force in October 2001 and was posted to
maintained, something he hopes the new conduct regulations response for five years, listing a rewarding posting to the professional
introduced earlier this year should finally resolve. development unit as a highlight, along with receiving several
But he also believes officers need to play their part in helping Commander Commendations.
improve performance. He first became a Federation workplace representative in January
“We all need to continually reflect on self-performance, ask 2014, formalising a role he had found himself undertaking quite by
whether we could have done something differently or better. As a chance.
Federation, we have to drive that reflection but continually hold George’s award from the Chief was greeted with supportive
the investigating authorities to account on behalf of all those who Tweets.
have been investigated or are under investigation,” he says. Solihull Alphege Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “This
“We also have to encourage those same authorities to conduct is a man who thoroughly deserves this recognition and more… His
their business more expeditiously, be more professional and to dedication is relentless. He helps people daily and generally it goes
“ “Great to see a Chief who recognises the great work and huge effort
unheard. Well done, George and thank you.”
The Federation’s national conduct lead, Phill Matthews, added:
We are all part of a team and we
that goes into properly representing members (particularly around
are committed to doing the best
discipline cases). Congrats, George, well deserved.”
we can for members and for the
While Martin Plummer wrote: “Well done, George. Treasure that,
Force. it’s rare for a force to recognise the essential work Fed reps carry out
daily, especially the role of the CAPLO which is extremely stressful for
all parties involved. Well done, many congratulations.”

www.polfed.org/westmids federation August/September 2020 17
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