Officers urged to have their say on Police Covenant

27 February 2020

Officers are being urged to take part in an online consultation on Government plans for a new Police Covenant, which will enshrine the welfare of officers, police staff and their families in law.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has launched an eight-week consultation which will seek the views of police officers, their families and other stakeholders on how best to protect the physical health and mental wellbeing of police officers and also recognise their bravery and hard work.

Tony Wetton, chair of Derbyshire Police Federation, is urging every officer to take the time to complete the online consultation, stating: “It is your chance to have a say and shape the future of policing and, if we get this right, it could make a difference for generations to come.

“It asks questions around officer safety, health and wellbeing and the Government’s role in setting standards for safety equipment and invites you to leave you opinions and express your views. We need to get this right.”

Ms Patel made the announcement in a statement to Parliament yesterday (26 February) and said she was committed to introducing a Police Covenant in England and Wales to ‘recognise the exceptional job our front-line officers do in unique and challenging circumstances’.

“Our outstanding police deserve the upmost respect, support and recognition,” she said, “Brave officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, demonstrating remarkable courage, sacrifice and public duty.

“They face extraordinary pressure as they protect the people they tirelessly serve from terrorists, serious violence and exploitation. Their families too often fear for their safety or are left to pick up the pieces when something goes wrong.

“From day one, this Government has put our world-class police first and prioritised their wellbeing. That’s why we have committed to introducing a Police Covenant in England and Wales to recognise the exceptional job our front-line officers do in unique and challenging circumstances.

“We are determined to give our officers the enhanced support they need, so I have accelerated work on this pledge to protect both them and their loved ones. Our commitment to ensuring our police have the recognition they deserve is absolute, so this Covenant will be enshrined in law. This will leave no room for doubt, creating a statutory duty to do more to support our police.”

The survey also asks for people’s views on the wording of the covenant and who it should apply to.

Take part in the survey.