Statement from Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoe Wakefield on the policing challenge

15 March 2021

 

As Chair of Hampshire Police Federation, I wanted to reach out to all of our hard-working members following recent events.

 

Firstly, I want to express my sympathy to the family and friends of Sarah Everard. This horrific crime has shocked and horrified us all.

 

Policing during the pandemic has been extremely difficult. We have been criticised for enforcing the new legislation and criticised for not doing so. But despite this, we have continued to protect the public and bring offenders to justice.

 

Reviews are already underway into what happened over the weekend in London so - unlike some of our local MPs - I will not make any comment until the full facts are known.

 

It is a difficult time to be a police officer. It is difficult as it sometimes feels personal. But we must try to remember that the negativity we are hearing – whether warranted or not - is directed at our profession and not officers as individuals.

 

We know we are not how we are being portrayed. As we speak, officers are out there keeping people safe, putting themselves in harm's way, dealing with human tragedy, protecting the vulnerable and helping those in need.

 

This is what we do.

 

Please know that your Police Federation is here to support you so please get in touch if you have any concerns.