A Christmas message from Kent Police Federation Chairman

23 December 2019

A Christmas message from Kent Police Federation Chairman Neil Mennie:

As we approach the festive season, I have taken the time to sit and reflect on what has been a busy and intensive few months since I started as Chair in September.

The daily Federation business here in Kent continues and relies heavily on the dedication of our representatives around the County. There are so many strands to our work, and we are dedicated to doing the best we can to give our members here in Kent a top service.

We had long called as a National Federation to allow those officers who want to carry Taser the option to do just that. The Chief Constable has committed to this and made an early decision to invest and roll out the training. This is something we continue welcome and support and represents a significant boost to officer safety. However, we continue to see far too many assaults on colleagues and reading every week of the bites punches kicks and spitting incidents that take place is unacceptable. The introduction of the assaults on emergency workers legislation was welcome but some of the sentencing handed down from the courts is hard to understand. I have read the details of some very nasty unprovoked assaults on Kent Officers. We aim to ensure contact with those who have been hurt and assist wherever we can. The protect the protector’s campaign will continue and quite rightly so. A big thank you to those Kent Officers who are helping this campaign by taking part in media activity that show just some of the dangers they are confronted with.

Another concern that we must continue to address is the shortfall of detectives both here in Kent and nationally. The national Federation campaign is called ‘detectives in crisis’ and we need to train and retain these important skills. Many of you will have your views on the staffing and skill set of the Vulnerability Investigation Teams (VIT) and be assured we have fed this into the force. A wider review of VIT is currently being undertaken and we look forward to its findings. Many of you have spoken up at the Chiefs Roadshows in this regard and I am re assured he is listening. Many good ideas and proposals have also been made. The view from the ‘coalface’ is very important and should form part of any plans.

Our misconduct and performance area of work is due to undergo a significant change in 2020 with the introduction of ‘practice requiring improvement’. This should reduce the number of officers that face misconduct and into a ‘learning outcome’ Training is imminent, and this is a positive change to dealing with things at the ‘lowest most appropriate level'. This was what the Taylor report sought to do with the current regulations, but it never really transpired!

Having looked after many officers in misconduct and those subject to the attention of the IOPC the length of time investigations can take is totally ridiculous and unfair. I have always found this a source of frustration and I’m certainly not alone. The Federation is calling for a twelve-month time limit on disciplinary proceedings. It won’t be lost on those of you expected to work to demanding timelines with cases and files that this is unfair. Quite simply it impacts hugely on members, their families and colleagues and of course the public who they seek to serve. It then leaves damaged and frustrated officers. There is a link between the length of the investigation and officers deteriorating mental health.

The uplift in officer numbers represents a real opportunity to ease some of the issues and workloads generated by sustained cuts to policing. The PCC here in Kent had already supported additional recruitment before the government announcement. There is a real determination to meet the challenge of the recruitment numbers and the systems here in Kent are well in place. Already recruitment is well underway and as I write another intake is due out on the 6th of January 2020 to division.

Despite the challenges that officers face Kent continues to be rated as outstanding. This is testament to the hard work and contribution our members make every day.

I had the privilege of attending the national police memorial event in Glasgow earlier this year. This was a humbling event that recognises the ultimate sacrifice made by officers both historic and more recent. To see the loved ones and families along with colleagues of the fallen hits home hard.

This year marks one hundred years of the formation of the Police Federation (no I wasn’t there) and at the time pay was a and remuneration was a concern. Here we are today and once again pay and remuneration is an issue. These concerns were reflected in our annual survey of members.

The newly elected Government needs to maintain its commitment to policing. A reasonable pay rise following a series of ‘crumbs’ in recent years is a must. There are enough stresses and strains within the job, and this shouldn’t be added too with concerns over finances.

Its also important that the Government proceeds sooner rather than later to remedy the pension situation with those members impacted.

I could go on and this is just a small part of our aims and objectives. I have met some truly dedicated and talented officers from all parts of the county. Do seek out and have a chat with your local Federation representatives for advice and perhaps they can persuade you to consider being a fed rep!

Take the time to visit the Kent Police Federation Website https://www.polfed.org/Kent where you can find all our member benefits that come with your subscription along with our contact details and a useful quick guide to regulations.

Policing is truly a job like no other and at this time of year many of you will be working shifts every day of the festive season and away from family and friends. Hopefully you can find some time to enjoy the festivities and much needed rest.

There is always a Federation officer on call so I will raise a glass of orange juice to you at Christmas as it’s me this year!

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year