Christmas and New Year Message for Members from Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation

22 December 2022

Christmas and New Year Message for Members from Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation.

“As 2022 draws to a close its time to reflect on a year that has seen some outstanding and dedicated police work amongst our colleagues. Despite all the positive activity and outcomes here in Kent that are reported and written about, they remain easily outweighed by the negativity and armchair criticism from numerous quarters.

“As an example when policing was deployed to deal with some of the protests this year, it drew local and national opinion about what should or shouldn’t happen and how the incidents should be dealt with.

“The police are not the courts nor do we make the law… we have to enforce the law whilst facilitating democratic rights including the right to lawfully protest amongst others. This is a truly ‘dammed if they do dammed if they don’t’ environment and extends to an awful lot of daily activity in wider policing.

“Firm, fair and robust policing are important tools that officers should be able to use with confidence when needed. However certain organisations and political elements, usually with only one version of events, are quick to judge and assisted by unhelpful media headlines.

“That is until it’s time to call officers ‘ineffective’ or ‘too soft’ and then write more disparaging headlines that are the direct opposite.

“There is no doubt that policing is an honourable and dedicated profession that is being eroded from the outside in, and fails to recognise that the vast majority of officers are working hard and doing their best in a pressure cooker.

“This year has also seen a turnover of politicians faster than officers’ refreshment breaks lasting it seems, which is indeed rapid. We have a new Prime Minister (well a few), new Home Secretary and a new Policing Minister.

“This year’s police pay settlement was woefully inadequate and although we are not alone in this awful cost of living crisis it’s awful to see colleague’s in tears and struggling with finances.

“In the main these are our recent joiners who we desperately need and are very welcome but we need to look after them and a creative look at both pay and conditions is needed. It’s also important that our more experienced officers remain engaged and motivated because without them to mentor and teach more issues will arise.

“Five years ago 25 per cent of Kent Officers had less than five years’ experience now the figure is around 44 per cent and that’s significant. Assaults on officers still remain far too high and now more than ever it’s time to wave goodbye to single crewing wherever practical and to have all the benefit’s that bring on a practical and psychological level (not just reducing assault risk).  

“It was positive to see the South East allowance increased to the maximum here in Kent and that will provide a little help in the pocket. It would also be remiss not to mention the new neighbourhood policing model that is currently in consultation. It’s very sad to see our PCSO colleagues involved in a process that will reduce their numbers and result in some exiting the organisation.

“Kent Police Federation also welcome the appointment of Chief Constable Tim Smith here in Kent and wish him well for the future. I have had the opportunity to speak with Mr Smith in his former role as Deputy in Kent and I am hopeful new ideas and directions are coming along the track that will result in some positive benefits to our membership.

“One theme that I have often spoken about is demand and workload and this continues to be an issue for our members. Both nationally and locally it’s time to start saying ‘no’ and focusing on what cops want to do and what they joined for.

“I’ve heard the phrase back to basics and I am not a fan, because dealing with and preventing crime isn’t basic it’s what we are trained and dedicated to do. Better use of technology is great and we have seen some clever innovation this year that is helping to reduce demand at the front end.

“However for those who remember the happy days of Simple Speedy Criminal Justice (SSCJ) they will recognise the horrors of ‘Director Generals Guidance 6’. Put simply this means far too much policing time is spent sat in front of a computer and is causing stress and additional pressure that’s hard to understand.

“As we approach the peak of the festive celebrations it’s a time where many of our colleagues’ will be working hard and spending time away from family at a time of high demand.

“I wish all of our colleagues working or not a very happy Christmas and a safe and secure one.”