Police Federations
West Midlands Police Federation is a part of the Police Federation of England and Wales, which is the representative body for every Police officer below the rank of Superintendent. It was established by the Police Act 1919, to provide the Police with a means of bringing their views on welfare and the efficiency of the police service to the notice of the government and to the police authorities.
All the elected officials of the Police Federation must be serving police officers. Police officers are not permitted to belong to trades unions and are prohibited by regulations from taking any part in politics. The federation does, however, liaise with public sector trade unions and has excellent relationships with the TUC and all political parties. Under the provisions of the Police Act, the police are forbidden to strike, and must at all times obey the lawful orders of senior officers. Police pay, allowances, pensions and conditions of service are negotiated nationally in the Police Negotiating Board, which covers all police services within the United Kingdom.
How we are organised
There are 43 Police forces in England and Wales. Each is a branch of the National Police Federation and negotiates directly with the chief officer and the police authority. Normally, the national chairman will not comment to the media on a local matter that does not have national implications, and such enquiries should be directed to the Chairman of West Midlands Police Federation.
How we serve our members
The Federation raises voluntary contributions from its members. The funds of the federation are used mainly to provide services to members. Subject to the discretion of the national joint central committee, free legal and medical advice and assistance is provided to enable members to pursue civil claims for damages for such things as injuries sustained in traffic and other kinds of accidents; defamation arising from Police duty; and criminal assaults. The funds can also be used to assist officers who are involved in equal opportunities cases. The Federation also provides legal advice and assistance to members who are charged with certain criminal offences, arising wholly from the course of their duties. It also pays for legal assistance to members facing serious disciplinary allegations.
It is the member who takes legal action. The Federation simply provides the financial backing, within the rules of the funds (which are approved by the annual conferences).It is therefore wrong to say that the Federation is suing in an individual case. Nor does the provision of legal assistance from the funds imply that the Federation is "backing" a member facing a criminal or disciplinary charge. All members are treated equally, and the Federation does not take a prior view on the merits of a case, where this is a matter for the courts or the disciplinary authority .
Role of a Federation Representative
Key Responsibility One - To understand the purpose, structure and current objectives of the Federation
Key Responsibility Two - Representing and advising members
Key Responsibility Three - Communicating with members and force managers
Key Responsibility Four - Managing casework
Key Responsibility Five - Managing yourself and your learning