Chairman's Blog: What police officers want from the next Prime Minister

11 July 2022

With an increasing number of candidates vying to be the next leader of The Conservative Party – and the next Prime Minister – Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation, blogs on what Officers want to see from Boris Johnson’s successor...

“As we await the few crumbs that may or may not appear in the form of an underwhelming pay rise, the race begins for Prime Minister,” said Neil.

“As the runners and riders trot out with plans it's unlikely, policing will feature. What tends to happen even if we are mentioned are the usual rounds of plaudits and praise for policing. At the same time, the mention of 'extra' although of course not extra police officers will be highlighted.

“The cuts of 2010 had a huge impact and since then demands on the police have continued to rise. Of course, we welcome new officers, and this will assist with that demand, but it will take a while for them to fully contribute. Then we need to hang on to them and a key factor here of course is again pay and conditions. 

“There are some things you can't manage without in society and the emergency services are in this category. I was speaking with a young officer who loved her team and the station she was based at however was close to tears because of the fuel costs she was managing. Another who loves her job and post - but was considering sacrificing it to save travel costs to leave more in the budget for other living expenses.

“This is a vocation and fortunately people still want to join but at what cost (literally) and with the added pressures of the job itself.

“I am not entirely sure in what form the 'top cover' promised by the outgoing PM is in evidence. There has been some positive new legislation with the assault on emergency service workers penalties increased.

“Also, Harper’s Law and the long overdue ability to welcome Special Constables into the Police Federation. The Police Covenant shows promise but thus far is still in the talking stages and needs some meaningful benefits soon.

“Whoever ends up at the helm, I hope will treat us fairly and does not take continue to take advantage of the fact we are limited in what we can say and do especially when it comes to pay.

“It's a difficult time for many and we understand that we are not alone, but our colleagues are flat out and have enough to deal with and shouldn't need to deal with the added stress of daily finances.

“If opportunities exist for officers outside of policing and given the type of people, they are with the skill set they have it won't be a surprise if they pack it in. I certainly hope they don't and inevitably allow the struggle to continue. However, for some, who can blame them.”