Meet Sgt Jessica Hastings - One of Kent Police Federation's new Reps

21 October 2021

Sergeant Jessica Hastings is a new Police Federation Representative in Kent – she discusses why he wanted to take up the role

Q) Why did you want to become a Fed Rep?

A) I’ve been in the police for nearly 15 years. I toyed with the idea of becoming a Fed Rep when there was a local issue in my department, and I got the Federation involved. I spoke to the Kent Police Federation Secretary, Dan Pearce, a lot, and he encouraged me to go for it. I’d thought about it previously, but I’d never really known Fed Reps that well to get an insight into what it’s about. When Dan introduced me to the rest of the Reps at the first meeting, he described me as “vociferous”!

Q) Why is it so important that members get support from their Reps?

A) The role police officers do is unique – we have very little push back, so it’s really important to have the people there who are willing and able to stand up and ask the difficult questions, to have difficult meetings with your supervising officers.

Q) Are there any particular areas you’re looking forward to focusing on?

A) I’m interested in the conduct side of things, and post-incident management. In those areas, officers need the best level of support at critical times in their careers. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve not been subject to lengthy misconduct investigations myself, but I know many people who have and the length of time some people are under investigation is ridiculous.

Q) What would you say to colleagues who aren’t sure what the Police Federation does?

A) Ask your local Fed Rep – there are things available that I didn’t even know about! The Federation is always looking to communicate how it’s making things better for its members. If you have an issue, go to your local Rep and see what they can do. Get to know who your local Rep is, or you can look it up on the Federation website, and we will 100% help you.