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West Midlands Police Federation thinks its
members deserve better than to be told
sergeants are no longer being trained to carry
Taser on grounds of cost. It is not good enough
and it has to change immediately.
Taser could save an officer’s life. Sergeants
are often the only officers free to support
colleagues at back-up shouts, they are mostly
single-crewed in some of the most violent
streets of the UK.
To prevent sergeants, who are already
trained and have years of experience, using the
tactic from undertaking a simple one-day
refresher course, on grounds of cost, is
nonsensical.
As far as I’m concerned, there is no reason
why every West Midlands Police officer who
wants to carry a Taser should not be given the
training and authority to do so, regardless of
their rank. So we will keep pressing the Force
on this issue until common sense prevails.
We will also continue to ask questions
about the closure of police stations and the
worryingly high number of experienced
officers who are quitting the Force over pay
and pensions frustrations.
The rising level of violence on our streets is
also something the Police Federation is
keeping a very close eye on.
A recent assessment by Her Majesty’s
Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Want to get fit and healthy?
Rescue Services found the West Midlands had
the highest rate of firearms offences (24.5 per
100,000 population) and knife crime offences
(1.55 per 1,000 population) so we will be WEST MIDLANDS POLICE IS ONE OF FOUR FORCES INVOLVED IN
working hard to make sure our members feel A PILOT SCHEME FOR A NEW SPORTS PROGRAMME
they are getting the protection and support
they deserve. Officers are being invited to take part in an “Signing up for 1TeamActive will
But not all challenges are negative and one exciting new fitness programme which is encourage both you and your family to get
I am particularly looking forward to is this being piloted at a select few forces across the moving more while having fun.”
year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT) charity bike ride country. Those interested in taking part can apply
which raises vital funds for the Care of Police Created by TeamPolice, in partnership as an individual or sign up with their family.
Survivors (COPS) charity. with Sport England, 1TeamActive is a free Each application will be assessed by
I took part in the 2019 PUT ride and will sport and activity scheme designed to Cardiff Metropolitan University and, if
do so again this year. I am actively improve the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of successful, the participant will begin their
encouraging colleagues to join me. those involved. journey with a fun, interactive event day.
It really is an incredible experience and West Midlands Police officers and staff The programme is a total of 11 weeks,
everyone who takes part always talks about are being encouraged to apply for the including two activity classes a week, led by an
the wonderful camaraderie. It brings out the 11-week programme, specifically those who instructor and local to the participant’s home.
very best of the police family and it is all done tend to do less than 150 minutes of moderate Sophie added: “1Team Active aims to get
in the name of such a worthwhile cause, a activity each week, and those who feel that participants moving for at least 150 minutes
charity that supports the families of fallen their mental health has suffered due to the a week. Plus, we want everyone to feel like
officers. demands of policing. they’re in this together, and thanks to an
So if anyone’s New Year fitness pledge is West Midlands Police is one of only four interactive platform, every participant will be
starting to flag, this is the ideal way to get forces across the nation taking part in the able to stay in touch with one another, share
motivated again! pilot programme. stories, challenge themselves and motivate
As usual, I will end by urging you all to Force wellbeing manager Sophie Petrie their peers.
stay safe and reminding you that West said: “It’s no secret that movement has a “And the best bit is, this is all totally free
Midlands Police Federation is always here for significant impact on our lifestyle and getting to those taking part.”
you and making sure your voices are being active can make us feel happier, as well as The aim is that the scheme will be rolled
heard loud and clear, and acted on. healthier. out nationally across all forces, depending on
“So, if you would like a physical and the outcome of the scheme.
mental boost to your health, then get in If you are interested in applying then
touch because you are the ideal candidate. email Sophie.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation February/March 2022 5