11 September 2020

Police Covenant Will Help Support Officers And Families

“Many of us have witnessed the catastrophic effects policing has on our officers and their families, so this will go some way to provide that extra scrutiny.”

This was the reaction of Dorset Police Federation to the announcement from Home Secretary Priti Patel that a Police Covenant will be enshrined in law.

It follows a campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) for a Covenant, and will ensure the welfare of officers, police staff and their families is placed under regular Parliamentary scrutiny.

Ms Patel also announced the results of the public consultation, which found more than 90% of respondents backed Government plans for a Covenant. 

The Covenant, which applies to serving and former police personnel, creates a statutory duty for forces to support police officers and will focus on protection, health and wellbeing, and support for families. The Home Secretary will also have to report annually to Parliament.

Anna Harvey, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “The news that the Police Covenant will be enshrined in law is a welcome one. We have campaigned for this for many years for our members and retired colleagues to ensure that they receive the best treatment, training and support.

“Many of us have witnessed the catastrophic effects policing has on our officers and their families, so this will go some way to provide that extra scrutiny. The support of the Home Secretary is of course good news, and I hope this continues.”

PFEW Chairman John Apter said: “What I would expect the Police Covenant to focus on is police officers, police staff and their families – it’s really important that we don’t forget their families – about the training they receive, about the support they receive, around not only physical injuries but also mental health issues, because so often the invisible injuries have been forgotten and ignored. This Covenant needs teeth.”

John told officers: “I can promise you this – we will work tirelessly to make sure that the Police Covenant is more than just a poster on the wall or just a document that gathers dust. It’s got to mean something to you and your families.”