Avon and Somerset Police officers share their views with National Chairman of Police Federation of England and Wales

19 July 2021

The experiences and views of Avon and Somerset Police officers will help to inform the Government’s take on policing, following a visit from the National Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

John Apter visited the region on 14 and 15 July. Along with Avon and Somerset Police Federation Chair Iain Prideaux, John met temporary Chief Constable Sarah Crew and Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford.

Iain said: “Both were constructive meetings where officer welfare was discussed as a priority. John spoke about the work he was doing around the Police Covenant and both were supportive.

“On Thursday morning I took John to meet CID, Operation Bluestone, who deal with rape and serious sexual assault and Operation Topaz, who tackle the criminal exploitation of children, at Kenneth Steele House in Bristol.

“He was very impressed with the professionalism and care taken in each department and also heard about the hurdles around staffing, opportunities for development, the difficult processes in building and taking a case to court, and recognition and reward.

“In the afternoon, John and I met a uniform late team - team 4 - and listened to the concerns of officers who again saw challenges around the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship processes, night time economy and staffing.

“Again, John and I were so impressed with the hard work, professionalism and care shown by the officers often working in dynamic, challenging situations in Bristol’s city centre.

“It was important to me that he hear the lived experience of officers from different directorates and give him a chance to take back their concerns to the Home Secretary and wider stakeholders.”