‘Police Covenant will benefit whole police family’

9 September 2020

The decision to enshrine a Police Covenant in law will benefit the whole policing family in Hertfordshire.

That is the view of Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell, who says a covenant will improve the welfare of serving and former officers, staff and their families.

Geoff said: “Policing is dangerous and unpredictable, and our members put themselves in harm’s way every day to support and protect the public.

“A covenant will ensure there is support and protection in law for the police family. It’s only right that officers, police staff, retired colleagues and their families are given the support and recognition they deserve.

“A covenant and the benefits it brings are to be welcomed,” he added.

The covenant applies to serving and former police personnel and creates a statutory duty for forces to support police officers.

It will focus on protection, health and wellbeing, and support for serving and former officers, staff and their families, and places a requirement on the Home Secretary to report annually to Parliament.

John Apter, the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said: “This covenant will mean much more than words to serving or former police officers. It recognises the unique position they hold in society and the fact they very often put their lives on the line.

“The benefits of this Police Covenant will be welcomed by the entire policing family. We would therefore like to thank the Home Secretary for her enthusiastic support and for turning PFEW’s campaign for a covenant into a reality.”

It follows a campaign by the national Federation which included a public consultation process that found more than 90 per cent of respondents backed Government plans for a covenant.

Home Secretary Priti Patel announced the publication of the consultation response in a virtual speech to the Police Superintendents’ Association, where she also outlined a commitment to stand firmly by the side of the police.

She said: “The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition. Their bravery and sacrifices are what keep us and our loved ones safe. I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.”

The Government proposals ensure the covenant applies to all those working within or retired from policing roles, whether paid or as a volunteer. A new governance structure is planned to drive future activity on wellbeing and protection to fulfil the covenant.