Christmas and New Year message from Devon and Cornwall Police Federation Chair Nick Jones

21 December 2023

As we approach the end of another busy year, it is not lost on me the challenges we have faced over the last 12 months, and those that await us on the horizon as we enter 2024.

Global and National events have manifested into real pressures which have impacted local communities and families in many ways, which in turn has provided resourcing pressures for us in dealing with calls to service.

These have been compounded at Force level as we deal with changes to operating systems, departmental reorganisation, HMICFRS inspections, finite budgets, and new ways of working which generally manifest into work and shift changes presenting challenges across the board.

Whilst changes in local Force and Federation executive officers have presented challenges, they have also provided new opportunities for fresh ideas, collaborative thinking, and problem-solving age-old scenarios – not enough time in the day, or resources to deal – so constructively and robustly challenging, to ensure things that aren’t broken remain untouched and members lives are not turned upside down at the stroke of a pen are important for me. Consistency and continuity are important for us all in such demanding of times.

Our Secretary Jim Purkiss and I, along with our Board and workplace Council will continue to Represent, Influence and Negotiate at local and national level seeking to support you in delivering to the projected demand and public need.

Whilst many of us will be working or on-call over the Christmas period, I hope you will be able to step off the carousel and take some precious and valuable time out to spend with family and loved ones.

Whatever your plans, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.