Page 5 - Top Cover Issue 15

MAY 2019 TOP COVER 5

stopping suspects. It might also see “
it. We know that Taser works. It can As firearms officers you
reduce assaults on officers, it adds to
the protection we can give the public, carry a huge burden of
and it helps prevent injuries when responsibility. Government and

a reduction in the amount of calls chief officers, as well as the
from colleagues to firearms units media and public, need to
and gives greater protection if
single-crewed or on lone patrol. show their support and
I have therefore asked the understanding of
Home Secretary to make
ring-fenced funding available what you do.”
to chief officers who wish to
roll Taser out to their officers.
I await his response!
For over seven years I have
to introduce the necessary changes Support Programme to support officers
also fought to get the
in law soon. and their families while an officer is
legislative change needed
Another issue that I know is under investigation and/or suspended.
to ensure that police
of concern to all officers is the We know that the WSP has made
drivers are not
unacceptable and unforgiveable length a real difference for people and has
vulnerable when
of time some misconduct cases take to even saved lives. Offering support
responding to
investigate. As firearms officers you and helping officers and their families
emergency calls
will know this only too well, as cope when they are vulnerable,
or pursuing
some past cases involving AFO’s anxious, depressed and even suicidal,
suspects. It
have dragged on for years, putting the WSP has made a real difference.
makes no sense
additional stress and strain on officers I would encourage any officer who
whatsoever
and families. The lengthy restrictions unfortunately finds themself in such
that you’re often placed on officers can also result a situation to pick up the phone and
highly trained in de-skilling, as well as placing more use the WSP. Please don’t suffer or
and expected
demand on colleagues and impacting struggle in silence. This confidential
to respond on everyone’s health and well-being. service is there to help you. It’s a
to emergency The Police Federation is therefore service I personally support and one I
incidents, yet there pushing hard for the Home Office to am extremely pleased to see the Police
are currently no look at setting shorter, defined time Federation continue to support.
exemptions in the limits in Police Regulations. I have never been an AFO but I
law that consider the Talking of health and well-being, respect and admire those who are.
high level of specialised the PFEW is very proud to be able As firearms officers you carry a huge
training police drivers are to work alongside the PFOA burden of responsibility. Government
given. Instead, all driving and support the Welfare Support and chief officers, as well as the media
standards are measured Programme (WSP). This is something and public, need to show their support
against that of non-police I believe passionately in and it’s what and understanding of what you do.
trained ‘competent and we are there to do – to help and That means giving you the resources
careful driver’. support colleagues. needed, valuing you and publicly
We have lobbied While the job can be highly stressful, supporting you. Thank you for what
hard and the and we are trained to deal with that, you do; not just protecting the public,
Home Office get we are not trained on how to deal but also helping and protecting our
it; they understand with these same situations where we colleagues too.
and appreciate become the subject of the investigation Working closely with the PFOA
the situation. Having or are suspended from work. And it’s I can assure you I will do all I can as
consulted last year, not just officers it affects, it’s families National Chair of PFEW to help,
we expect to see the too. It was with all that mind that the support and represent you.
Home Office take steps PFOA and PFEW created the Welfare

WWW.PFOA.CO.UK