9 April 2020

Coronavirus Crisis update: Ensuring Police Officers have the PPE they need when they need it

Ian Roe, Dorset Police Federation Secretary, and Chair Anna Harvey are actively involved in the Force Silver meeting’s seven days a week - and a wide range of other meetings including Gold, Welfare, HR and Resourcing to ensure the Force are considering the welfare and safety of our officers.

Critical to this is that they are following national guidance around PPE for our members. The Force have nominated a Bronze commander with PPE responsibility and have also put in place a network of Single Points of Contact (SPOCS) at various work locations around the Force geography and commands.

This is helping officers have what they need when they need it.

Ian said: “I’m very reassured by the approach of our Gold, Silver and Bronze Commanders who have the health and wellbeing of our officers and staff at heart. Representations made by Dorset Police Federation are listened to and positively responded to.

“Provision of PPE has been a challenge nationally both in terms of supply and lack of clarity around what is needed in different operational scenarios. Guidance has been subject to change as a result of advice from Public Health England and the Health & Safety Executive and how this has been interpreted by the National Police Chiefs Council.

“I am confident that Dorset Police is gripping the issue locally and making sure PPE is available that is suitable and is provided in line with current guidance. It is also clear that supply chains are improving day by day.”