Fed chair ‘optimistic’ for year ahead as he welcomes new Chief
18 January 2023
The ‘optimistic’ chair of West Midlands Police Federation says that for the ‘first time in years’ he feels like the membership’s voices are starting to be heard, as he calls the appointment of new Chief Constable Craig Guildford ‘a breath of a fresh air’.
Rich Cooke has admitted he feels hopeful about the next 12 months, with plans to focus on local policing models hopefully high on the agenda within the Force.
After years of ‘beating against the wall for change’, Rich says that we are now seeing at least a ‘clear acknowledgment’, with the past few months showing ‘what an influence the Federation can have locally’.
“Late last year, we saw changes in the law which meant police drivers being judged by the standards of trained officers, rather than the general public - a campaign that our secretary Tim Rogers, has been fighting for for years. Tim’s persistence was finally rewarded, and I feel this is a sign of things to come,” said Rich.
“This year, the Force has said it is looking at introducing a local policing model again, with the potential for re-opening custody blocks and students being trained specifically in one area. Both of these would be big steps for the Force, and something the Federation has been asking for for years.”
Looking forward, Rich is also hoping that the number of officers carrying Tasers will increase, with his sight set on completing the Taser uplift programme in the near future.
“It’s also been announced that there would once again be a non-degree entry pathway into policing. Which, although it won’t help those who are currently training, means that we can broaden the range of future recruitment and lessen the unnecessary burden of academic study,” added Rich.
“While I can’t say it’s entirely due to us, our continued fighting and regular communication with the Force must have helped. And while we’re winning the arguments, we now need to see these changes through.
“We can’t forget that there are still a number of issues that we need to sort out, like pay, pensions and low morale. That’s something that still really does need addressing and sorting.”
His comments come shortly after results of the latest Federation pay and morale survey were released, which showed 86 per cent of respondents from West Midlands Police to be either ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their pay.
In addition, 55 per cent of those asked believe their morale is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’, with 88 per cent feeling like morale within the Force is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’.
“I’m in no way, shape or form masking these figures. The fact remains, we will continue to lose skilled and experienced officers hand over fist if something doesn’t change, especially when it comes to pay,” Rich continued.
“And I will, as always, keep pushing for radical action nationally to address this.
“I believe the introduction of local policing models will help our motivation though. If student officers have a familiar network of people they work with, and a regular patch they get to know, it will definitely help with motivation as well as the lifeblood of preventative policing, which is intelligence.
“After all, despite the shocking pay, the main motivation for officers is to make a difference. If our members can see they are making a difference, in defined communities for which they have a sense of ownership, then that will no doubt boost engagement.”
Rich also noted that in anticipation of an alternative operating model being introduced, he recognises that members will need additional support in terms of revitalising skills they haven’t used for a while, or simply the natural anxiety change creates.
He explained: “I’m sure some of our members are feeling anxious about the changes that are potentially on the horizon. I want our members to know that the Federation is always there for them, and we will be mindful of the short-term disruption any changes might make to their working life.
“Our members are, and always will be our priority. So ensuring that we get the best outcome for them is still at the top of my agenda.
“As I keep saying though, preventative and locally accountable policing is integral to the success of our Force. I believe if it is executed well, it will help to reduce crime and increase public confidence.
“We all must remember that looking at a project in its infancy, and communication will be all important, however, I am definitely more optimistic about this year, and finally feeling upbeat about the changes that will hopefully be made.”
