Police Covenant progress welcomed

9 September 2020

A move by the Home Secretary to enshrine a Police Covenant in law has today been welcomed by Humberside Police Federation chair Pete Musgrave.

Pete says it would recognise the unique job of members and be a big step in supporting their welfare, and that of their families.

He was speaking after Priti Patel told the Police Superintendents’ Association annual conference that a Police Covenant would be introduced in legislation.

Pete said: “We’ve been campaigning as a Federation for a Police Covenant that provides us with support and protection and recognises the unique role we have in society.

“Policing is a dangerous job. Our members have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic and continue to put themselves in harm’s way to support and protect our communities.

“Therefore, it’s only right that police personnel are given the support and protection they deserve, which is why I welcome the latest step towards a Police Covenant,” Pete added.

The covenant will apply to serving and former police personnel and their families and focus on protection, health and wellbeing. It will create a statutory duty for forces to support police officers and also 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.

Ms Patel, while addressing the superintendents’ conference, also outlined a commitment to stand firmly by the side of 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.