That is the message from Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees.

Delme has reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to being there for every member involved in the professional standards process.

He said that while the Federation was there to provide representation for members under investigation, reps are also there for victims and witnesses.

Delme said: “One of our roles is to support officers who are alleged to have breached professional standards.

“But our reps, who are not involved in the original process, are also there to support members who may be involved as witnesses or victims.

Repercussions

“Members have to be able to come forward knowing they will be supported and without the fear of repercussions.

“It’s really important to make that clear, because we want to ensure a supportive environment for everyone in policing.”

The message follows an announcement by Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) CEO Mukund Krishna at conference in November.

During his speech, Mukund set out the organisation’s commitment to a dedicated victim and witness support programme.

Speaking to delegates, Mukund Krishna said: “We have a moral responsibility to treat each other with dignity.”

A PFEW survey of 5,203 officers found that more than one in five (21 per cent) had been directly involved in a misconduct case where the alleged perpetrator was another officer. Among those involved, witnesses outnumbered victims by three to one.

Evidence

The same survey highlighted significant concerns around support. More than two in five officers (42 per cent) believe support for those who report wrongdoing or act as a witness is poor, while only 12 per cent think it is handled well.

Four in five officers said the level of support available directly affects whether they feel able to report a colleague or act as a witness. This rises to 59 per cent among women and 68 per cent among officers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Delme said he recognised the process can be isolating for victims and witnesses, and that the branch wanted to make it ‘as smooth as possible’ for them.

“Officers giving evidence can feel incredibly alone,” he said. “The process puts them under scrutiny and they may feel unable to speak about what they are going through.

“We will sit with that officer and explain what is going to happen, what to expect, and make sure the organisation is doing what it is supposed to do.”

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