Christmas and New Year message from Kent Police Federation Chair Neil Mennie

21 December 2023

As 2023 draws to a close it’s been another year where policing nationally has been subject to criticism and comment. Its rare that the overwhelmingly positive work and bravery of colleagues is highlighted and championed as it should be.

Often, we see the charges and convictions with no concept of the lengthy and complex journey to reach that point. When a protest occurs policing doesn’t need comment on what it should be doing and how it should be doing it. Protest is something that requires some very careful preparation and planning. A protest is a protest, the causes will vary but peaceful protest is a right. Careful analysis of intelligence and information will be a factor in the policing response. It was not helpful to hear politicians challenging the impartiality of officers.

Policing is subject of scrutiny perhaps more than any other profession in this country. It’s fundamental we remain accountable and unbiased, but colleagues do need to be trusted to get on with their work which is carried out to the highest standards. On occasion things go wrong but the very nature of police work means that things can sometimes be unpredictable.

Generally, officers understand reasonable lines of enquiry and have a good idea of who to target in all areas of crime including shoplifting. It remains the case that there are far more reported crimes and incidents than officers to deal with them. Not everything can be a priority and resources must applied carefully.

Also, we face changes next year to the misconduct regulations particularly within gross misconduct hearings. I am yet to be convinced this was a necessary change and quite simply moves to a ‘dismissal or not’ outcome. The legally qualified chair becomes the legally qualified advisor and the Federation have raised several concerns about the removal of the independence that LQC’s have provided. There is already a mechanism of accelerated hearings where sufficient evidence exists, to remove officers rapidly.

Nationally the Federation are engaged in a significant piece of work preparing for a vote on industrial rights. It is important that members are provided with unbiased information and history so they can consider the issue.

Here in Kent, we are seeing several structural changes some of which have already happened and some on the way. The new shift pattern for response is very close and although it can be hard to find a pattern that satisfies everybody, it’s difficult to argue with the health and well-being science behind it. There continue to be gaps in many departments with more posts than officers and its important that these are closed. Some of the forthcoming changes will hopefully address this and reduce some of the current workloads.

Our annual well-being, pay and morale survey has recently closed, and I would like to say thank you to all of you who have taken the time to complete it. It provides both a national and Kent picture helping us to focus on some key areas. Our Federation Representatives across the county have been encouraging completion and thanks goes to them also.

This year we have welcomed a number of new Federation Representatives who have volunteered to undertake the role. They are vital to the daily function of the Federation and operate alongside some very busy day jobs. Please do seek them out and have a chat and perhaps you may be persuaded to become a rep yourself!

It’s never lost than when everybody else is enjoying some festive time away many of you will be working and missing out on important family events. This remains an honourable and vocational profession despite the many challenges. It is a privilege to be part of the Kent federation team and we will continue to do our utmost to represent and look after you all.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy Christmas and new year, please stay safe and take care of each other.