Meet PC James Brooker - One of Kent Police Federation's new Reps

15 October 2021

PC James Brooker is a new Police Federation Representative in Kent – he discusses why he wanted to take up the role

Q) Why did you decide to become a Federation Rep?
A) I’ve been in the job for 13 years and I’ve had contact with the Federation a couple of times. That has spurred me on to want to be a Representative myself, to help others through it, so I’ve just been elected as a Fed rep for Maidstone. You know about these dark places you go when you get investigated, and it can be a lonely world. Your Fed Rep is there to help and guide you through it all. Just to be a voice for those who are under investigation and also to give advice to people about what they can claim when it comes to Police Regulations.

Q) How important is it for members to be supported by a fellow officer?
A) Having been through it myself, it’s good to be able to talk to someone else who’s going through it. You can really empathise with what they’re going through, and it’s important that officers have that police friend to look after them.

Q) What sort of areas are you looking forward to focusing on?
A) Conduct cases, predominantly. Just being there to help and guide officers when they don’t really know what to do or where to turn.

Q) What should officers do if they are concerned about anything?
A) Speak up. Talk to people. Air your concerns. Look for some guidance, some advice, and if you can’t find that yourself, speak to your Fed Reps. They’re there to offer support in areas where it can be a bit of an unknown.

Q) What would you say to your colleagues about where their subs go?
A) The subs go a lot further than you imagine they do. It’s not just misconduct. It’s for any PIP procedures, any IOPC complaints, any criminal injury, personal accident. But also it’s supporting the Federation, who are there to protect members’ rights on a national scale. It’s the only body we have to represent rank and file officers. The Federation is important because this is the only mechanism we have to ensure there is a good working practice nationally for every single member.