Fed reinforces support for officers through PIP process

12 October 2026

Hertfordshire Police Federation is there to support members through post-incident procedures (PIP), says branch secretary Dean Cornish.

Dean has reinforced the branch’s commitment to members going through the PIP process.

He said: “It is important to understand that the PIP is a supportive process.

“Officers involved are treated as key witnesses, not as people under investigation for misconduct.

 

Inspector Emma Bilsdon, Herts police PIP lead and branch secretary Dean Cornish.

 

“The aim is to secure the best possible evidence for everyone involved, while ensuring officers receive appropriate support following what may have been a traumatic experience.

“As a Federation, our role is to support members. We help them understand why the process has been initiated, explain their legal and procedural rights, and ensure they are treated fairly throughout.

“We have several PIP-trained officers who provide guidance and support at every stage.”

Hertfordshire Police Federation is also working closely with the Force to ensure a collaborative approach to post-incident procedures, with welfare and support central to the process.

Collaborative

Dean said: “We appreciate the Force’s support and the positive working relationship we have developed.

“By sharing experience and working together, we can help make the process clearer and better for everyone involved.”

That collaborative working was emphasised when Dean recently attended a two-day PIP seminar organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), alongside Hertfordshire Police PIP lead Inspector Emma Bilsdon.

The annual seminar brought together legal specialists, policing experts, Federation representatives and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to examine how PIP can secure reliable evidence while ensuring officers are treated fairly.

Led by PFEW PIP Lead Leigh Godfrey, discussions explored officers’ recollections, recorded footage, expectations for initial and detailed accounts, and the importance of promptly confirming investigative status.

PIP procedure

Dean said that the support of the Federation through PIPs was an important benefit of being a Federation member.

“We talk to student officers about the support the Federation can provide, because it is important they understand this before they ever find themselves in a PIP.

“Without that support, it can feel isolating, particularly when officers find themselves in a room with professional standards representatives, the IOPC and solicitors.

“If you are involved in a PIP, the Federation and our solicitors have the expertise to guide you through it.

“Supporting members through difficult situations like these is a vital part of what we do, and a key reason to be a Federation member.”

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