“Federation reps are people you know and we’re here to support you.”

That’s the message from Sergeant Lee Paull-Jessup to members ahead of Hertfordshire Police Federation’s Week of Visibility.

Lee may have only joined Hertfordshire Police Federation as a rep last year, but he has 26 years of policing experience.

And through his post in the Professional Development Unit, and his Federation role, he is passing on that knowledge to student officers - not least through the Week of Visibility.

Lee said: “I work with student officers, so I’m seeing them every day, every week, every month, especially while they’re young in service.

Federation rep Lee Paull-Jessup.

“I’m mainly going to talk to student officers during the Federation’s Week of Visibility, plus my own team in the Professional Development Unit.

“I’ll be making sure they’re aware we're there to support them, and what we can support them with.

“Student officers aren't necessarily aware of what the Federation can and does do, so to get them young when they're new in service is really important.”

Week of Visibility

Taking place in the week starting 26 January, Hertfordshire Police Federation’s Week of Visibility will see full-time Federation representatives 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 also gives members the chance to talk to reps about their experiences, concerns, and priorities for the year ahead.

“For me, visibility is about being present and approachable,” Lee said. “It’s about showing officers we’re people you know, and we’re here to support you.

“That could be welfare, a workplace issue or representation during a complaint.”

Passionate about policing

After more than a quarter of a century in policing, Lee is still passionate about the profession.

Indeed, that was one of the driving forces behind him becoming a rep.

He said: “I was fed up with hearing officers of all lengths of service moaning at young officers about the job.

“It's still a good job. We just have some hard times to navigate and some stormy waters within policing at the moment.

“We don't get the best press, but I do believe the majority of police officers joined for the right reason, and I take my hat off to anyone who gives it a go.

“ I wanted to get that message across, and to be reassured that it is a good job. It is still a career.

Federation rep

“And part of the reason why I joined the Federation was that some of the work I do alongside students is similar to the work the Federation does anyway.

“I will support them through meetings, I will support their welfare.

“So I thought, I might as well put the cap on and start helping out all members as well as the students.”

Lee believes initiatives like the Week of Visibility are vital in rebuilding trust and understanding with members.

“There’s a lot of good work done by Federation reps every day,” he said. Getting those positive messages out there can only be a good thing.”

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