Federation response to attacks on police - calling for a review of policing
20 April 2009
Federation urge any review into the future of policing is done as part of a whole sale review of the Criminal Justice System
In recent weeks a number of attacks have been made on the police by the media and members of government damaging the reputation and consequently the morale of many police officers nationwide. It is often forgotten that police officers do an extremely dangerous and difficult job, but ultimately they do this for the safety and protection of the British public. Sadly it is only the negative angles and not the many success stories, which highlight the tremendous bravery and courage shown by officers that grab the headlines. Something must be done and urgently by all the stakeholders involved to restore the public’s faith and trust in the police.
Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says:
“Since 1999, the Federation has called for a Royal Commission on the future of policing to engage all bodies and the public to ensure what policing looks like in the future meets the expectation and the incredible demands placed upon it. This must be done across the board and not a review of policing in isolation.
“It is highly inappropriate for the Federation nationally to comment on the specifics of individual investigations. Sadly this hasn’t stopped members of parliament giving their very strong opinions to the press based on inaccuracies and ignorance. This is done not to further or inspire debate on the future of policing but to further their own future in politics.
“What must be recognised is that the priority of policing any public order event is the protection and safety of not just the protestors involved but the public around the event. These officers are volunteers who prescribe to the training they are given and the commands and methods available to them. The policing of protests in the United Kingdom is the most successful and public engaging in the world, using the least aggressive tactics and methods available to ensure the right to a democratic, peaceful demonstration is given. If these methods are deemed inappropriate or unsuitable then it must be the policy on trial and not the police.
“These attacks on the police must end. What signal does it send to officers who volunteer to take on these high stress roles that they will be publicly castigated if they do?”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Police Federation of England and Wales represent the rights and welfare of rank and file officers. The Police Federation will support all officers in their right to a defence.
A Royal Commission is a major government public inquiry, the last one took place 40 years ago
The Police Federation of England and Wales reissues its call for a Royal Commission into the entire criminal justice system, not just policing in isolation.
Although the Federation of England and Wales cannot comment on specific cases, it is pertinent to clarify the following;
Ranks above Sergeant do not have collar numbers.
Police Support Units have undergone specialist training and skills in public order duties and offences.
Instead of TSG officers wearing standard black trousers and white shirt, when policing demonstrations they often wear fire-retardant clothing. This level of protection allows them to deal with many violent situations. The mode of dress should be appropriate to the threat level and tasks to be undertaken.
TSG officers are trained to a higher standard of operational readiness in their public order role than most other Police Support Units outside of London; TSG training is refreshed every five weeks as a matter of routine.
All officers are trained to the common minimum standards as defined in the ACPO Public Order Tactical Trainers Manual. The grades are dependent on the training that the officer has received.
For further detail on Police Support Units, tactical considerations, authority levels, command structure, equipment, training principles, use of force etc, please refer to; http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/keeping_the_peace.pdf
http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/firearms.pdf
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