23 March 2021

One year on since lockdown: Dorset police officers have rose to the challenge of COVID-19

It’s been a year like no other, and 23rd March marks 12 months on from the first COVID-19 lockdown. Here, Dorset Police Federation Chair Anna Harvey, reflects on the challenges members have faced and says her colleagues deserve more than just a thank you for what they have done.

Anna said the past year had seen Dorset officers rise to the challenges of keeping people safe and educating them about changing COVID rules and regulations, all while doing the day job of battling crime.

But that has come at a price, with officers unsurprisingly reporting more mental and physical wellbeing issues.

Many officers feel let down by not being higher up the COVID vaccinations queue too, she said.

Anna now wants to see colleagues rewarded for the way they’ve ‘stepped up and got the job done’.

“We already know the indications are there’s a pay pause for the public sector, and that’s including our officers,” she said.

“Out of the last seven years, I think this will be the fifth we’ve had no pay increase.

“Any payment needs to be fair, and it needs to go across the board, all federated ranks, no matter what role they’re in.

“It’s difficult and needs to come from the Government, not the purses of the chief officers or the PCCs.

“I know of some forces already looking to and have been awarding officers extra bonus payments during this time.

“I would welcome it, but it has to be fair, and it can’t be a postcode lottery across the country.”

One of the many significant challenges of the past year for officers has been keeping up with ever-changing COVID rules and regulations, Anna added.

Those difficulties were compounded by having to carry on dealing face to face with the public, a rise in the number of attacks and assaults made against them and the fact that officers are not higher up the COVID vaccination queue.

“I’m really proud of my colleagues who have risen to the challenge of policing the demand during COVID,” she said.

“We’ve seen extreme examples of what is so good about British policing. My colleagues have stepped up and done their job. They’ve kept people safe, and they’ve kept the NHS safe.

“The ever-changing legislation has been really challenging, but they’ve worked tirelessly, but it’s all come at a price.

“Assaults against our officers have risen. Our sickness rates have risen, creating more burden on already stretched teams. We’ve seen an increase in psychological and physical conditions, so we need a proper plan moving forward.

“We’ve worked hard to get officers the correct PPE during this time; we’ve challenged the force in several areas. However, the issue of vaccinations has dominated much of this,” Anna added.

“I know officers feel let down by the Government about the prioritisation, and it’s still a massive issue for many.”

Anna also warned there will be no respite for officers and is expecting more demands to be placed on community and response units once beaches and tourist traps open back up in the popular county from 21st June.

“I just know it’s going to be another really difficult Easter and summer for our officers,” she said.

“I know the public support is there, but I’m just concerned about how that’s going to play out, and I just hope the public are sensible with the easing of restrictions and consider the impact they’re going to have on policing and other public sector workers.”