The October issue of POLICE is here bringing you powerful stories of leadership, loss, and a renewed call for change across UK policing.

This month we introduce the newly constituted National Board of the Police Federation, which officially took office on 1 September 2025. Meet CEO Mukund Krishna, National Chair Tiff Lynch, National Secretary John Partington, and their deputies the team now steering Operation Peridot, driving Federation reform, and strengthening engagement from the NPCC to Parliament. Regional representatives and their portfolios are also profiled, underscoring a renewed focus on transparency, continuity, and member-first advocacy.

A major feature tackles one of policing’s most urgent issues: officer wellbeing. In collaboration with Channel 4, PFEW’s investigation reveals that at least 100 police officers and staff have died by suicide over the past three years. The findings prompt an uncompromising call for mandatory national recording, RIDDOR inclusion, and minimum wellbeing standards across every force. Real-life testimony and FOI data expose the impact of repeated trauma, prolonged investigations, and patchy welfare support and PFEW’s campaign demands action through compulsory risk assessments, properly trained welfare SPOCs, and legislative reform.

Our tribute coverage honours those who have fallen. This year’s National Police Memorial Day in Coventry brought the policing family together for solemn remembrance and marked the first public presentation of the Elizabeth Emblem, a state recognition for public-sector lives lost in service. Moving photography, readings, and candlelit ceremonies from across the four nations capture the emotion of the day and the enduring strength of those who serve and those left behind.

In-depth research and analysis turn the spotlight on the daily realities shaping officer resilience. One feature explores the collapse of shared break facilities across forces revealing missed breaks, isolation, and the mental health toll of lost community spaces. The message is clear restoring proper facilities and support isn’t a luxury, it’s prevention.
Elsewhere, the first national Uniform & Equipment Survey exposes a postcode lottery of kit quality and comfort. From ill-fitting body armour to painful trousers, the data points to a clear need for reform — and PFEW lays out five key recommendations to improve safety, consistency, and fairness for all officers.

Practical, member-focused content rounds out the edition: pension guidance for the 2015 scheme and details of an upcoming November webinar; a podcast roundup tackling pay, welfare and investigation pressures; and a diary of key events and webinars for the months ahead. Plus, discover our latest consumer and charity features from mortgage advice tailored to police pay, to a heartfelt tribute to a Cumbria wildlife officer honoured with a Naturewatch award.

Finally, our historical and human-interest features revisit remarkable moments in policing history: a 25-year look back at the foiled Millennium Dome heist, a deep dive into British policing service in Cyprus as the 70th anniversary of the Emergency approaches, and interviews with female branch chairs marking a milestone in representative leadership.

We hope you enjoy this edition.

If you have any comments and suggestions, please email editor@polfed.org.

To advertise in POLICE magazine please contact alison.lambert@polfed.org.