Taking place this week, starting from 26 January, Hertfordshire Police Federation’s Week of Visibility will see full-time and workplace reps visiting stations, departments, and briefings across the Force area.

The week aims to show members the range of representation and services the Federation provides.

It will also give members the chance to talk to reps about their experiences, concerns, and priorities for the year ahead.

Leanne, a detective constable, is determined that investigators feel included and represented.

“Uniform colleagues often know their local Fed reps, but on the detective side of business, people don’t always know who to go to,” she said.

“I want to change that by being visible, approachable, and present, in Hertfordshire and across the region.”

Leanne said the week was as much about listening as it was informing.

Talk to us

“It’s a two‑way process,” she said. “Yes, we’re here to explain what we can do for you, but it’s also about members feeling able to talk to us about the things that really matter to them, so we can understand what is happening out there that we otherwise don’t know about.”

Leanne is keen to challenge the perception that the Federation is only for complaints, grievances, or misconduct matters.

“It’s far more than that. It’s about welfare, support, and understanding the day‑to‑day challenges officers face, so we can make a difference,” she said.

Becoming a rep last year felt like a natural step for Leanne, who is driven by a long‑standing passion for tackling injustice and supporting colleagues when processes feel unfair.

“Early in my career, I didn’t really understand what the Federation was or how to become a rep,” she said. “However, I knew I felt strongly about tackling injustice in policing.

Engaging

“Over the years, you see colleagues struggling, when sometimes all that was really needed was a conversation or support, not just the threat of an action plan.

“We are taught early in our careers about tactical communications and the power of engaging with people, and as a work‑based rep, I feel passionately about that.

“I want to encourage officers to use those same skills with each other.

“There are too many officers being so deeply affected by the stresses and strains of policing.

“When we look out for one another, when we talk, challenge fairly, and step in with empathy instead of judgment, we don’t just support individuals, we strengthen the whole team.

Challenging

“Policing is at its best when officers lift each other up, share experience, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.”

She says the most rewarding part is challenging what isn’t right and helping officers understand the regulations that govern their work and how to use them appropriately.

“So many issues come down to people not knowing what the regulations actually say, or feeling too intimidated to challenge when something doesn’t feel right.

“I want officers at every rank to feel confident to approach us to help them understand processes that exist to protect them, and to use those regulations in the right way, not as a threat, but as a safeguard for fairness.”

She added: “When we support each other to understand the system and hold it to a fair standard, we become better teams, better colleagues, and ultimately better officers.”

READ MORE: 'Week of Visibility' - we are here to help you.