Page 8 - WMPF December-January Magazine.url_Neat

Vote of confidence

Public backs policing

during pandemic

est Midlands Police Federation crime dropped by 16 per cent in the West “Although crime fell during the pandemic
secretary Steve Grange has Midlands Force area in April, May and June. the pressure on the police remained. Policing
Wpraised members’ efforts during Victim-based crime fell dramatically with had to adapt to a situation unlike anything
the pandemic as new figures show a huge theft offences down 41 per cent, robbery we had experienced before and continues to
vote of confidence from the public. down 43 per cent and shoplifting down 53 do so even as the national lockdown was
Crime figures released by the Office for per cent. lifted and crime returned to pre-lockdown
National Statistics (ONS) revealed that However, public order offences went up levels. That pressure has increased with local
between 90 and 92 per cent of adults were by 35 per cent, and stalking and harassment lockdowns being rolled out and because of
satisfied with the way local police were was up 57 per cent. the additional challenges they bring to
responding to the pandemic. Steve said: “Lockdown meant that in a lot policing.
Steve said: “It’s been an unprecedented of instances the opportunity to commit “It’s so good to see the vast majority of
period for policing and has given us a lot of crimes was taken away, but our members the public have positive views of the way my
challenges but it’s one that our members continued to work tirelessly on the front-line colleagues have responded to the pandemic.
have really stepped up to. to keep people safe and in carrying out This is despite unfair coverage in certain
“They’ve worked with their communities targeted operations. sections of the media.
to enforce the lockdown and to protect the “It’s always positive to see crime figures “Policing the pandemic has been
public and key workers, and these figures come down, but we’re now seeing a return to incredibly challenging, and my colleagues
show the respect they have from the public. pre-lockdown levels. have more than stepped up to do the best
“They’re a real vote of confidence from “And, with coronavirus restrictions still in they could in the most difficult of
the public that we’re doing a good job in place, it’s stretching our resources and circumstances. It’s clear the public have
difficult circumstances for everyone.” increasing the pressure on our members. recognised this.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales They continue to do a brilliant job in very “Policing must retain this positive
(TCSEW) figures found that more than two challenging circumstances.” relationship with the community and work
thirds of adults gave police a positive rating John Apter, the national Federation chair, together. With multiple level restrictions
for the work they were doing in their local added: “The 12-month period this survey coming into place in different parts of the
area. Around half said they were doing a relates to was prior to and during the Covid country, the pandemic is certainly not over
good job and one fifth said they were doing lockdown, and it’s already been widely - and neither are the challenges to policing
an excellent job. reported that crime fell during this time. it has brought.”
The new ONS figures also show that Therefore, the results come as no surprise. Find out more about the ONS figures.

“
It’s been an unprecedented period for

challenges but it’s one that our

members have really stepped up to. “

policing and has given us a lot of
08 federation December 2020/January 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids