Police Covenant: Let's hope this makes a difference to police officers and their families

11 September 2020

Hampshire Police Federation’s Chair has said she hopes that the new Police Covenant will “make a difference to our officers and their families”.

Home Secretary Priti Patel announced this week 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.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield said: “This is really good news. The Home Secretary is saying all the right things and, at the moment, she couldn’t be more supportive of our members.

“We are hoping these are not just words and we will have a Police Covenant which does make a difference to our officers and their families.”

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.

“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.”