Federation tells Government - let's make policing great again

18 July 2024

“It's time for the Government to turn the page on policing, and make this the best job in the world again."

That was Cleveland Police Federation’s message to the new Labour Government, as Chair Paul Crowley said politicians needed to invest in more resources, boots on the street, and a fairer remuneration deal for officers.

Paul said: "As the dust begins to settle upon a new Government for the first time in 14 years, we need to bring the stark realities of policing to the forefront once again. Recently, I was pleased to share the company of our new Home Secretary Rt Hon Yvette Cooper at the National Police Bravery Awards, where we witnessed the unfathomable bravery of police officers and Special Constables across the country, including our exceptional regional winners here in Cleveland.

“But, while observing the actions of our nation's bravest was hugely inspiring, it left behind a somewhat bitter aftertaste: ‘Why would anyone want to do that job?’ Many would respond with something similar to: ‘It's the best job in the world’, and I used to agree. The feeling of saving a life is immeasurable and the feeling of protecting the vulnerable is priceless, but at what cost?

“Every day officers are assaulted. Officers are punched, they are kicked, they are spat at, they are attacked with weapons, they have firearms pointed at them and some never make it home to their families.

“And while these officers were busy fighting for their lives, the previous Government destroyed officers' pensions and froze their pay beyond all recognition, all while filling their own pockets with sizeable pay rises.”

Paul said that colleagues in his force were “crippled with excessive workloads” and that days off with their families were often cancelled to meet the shortfall in demand.

He continued: “Many officers face an unrelenting burden of debt as a result of stagnated pay, and some are forced to resort to food banks to feed their children. Many officers end up on sick leave, and some unfortunately take their own lives. This cycle of decline needs to stop. Now.

“My message to our new Government is clear: you've spent years on the subs' bench, no doubt itching for the opportunity to get onto the pitch and to show us exactly what you can do. The previous Government has driven policing into the ground; now is your chance to shine. The public demands change and policing is in desperate need of change. Your priority must be the safety of your officers and ensuring they are paid fairly, so that the future of policing reaches a sustainable level once again.

“This means more officers on the streets and a remuneration package that enables our communities to be patrolled with the policing experience and skills the public expects.”