The Police Federation has launched a new support programme to help members who have experienced, witnessed or been affected by unlawful treatment involving police personnel.

The Witness and Victim Engagement Support programme, known as WAVES, has been developed to provide dedicated advice, guidance and support for Federation members navigating some of the most challenging circumstances of their careers.

Whether a member has experienced discrimination, harassment, victimisation, misconduct, criminal behaviour or detrimental treatment as a result of whistleblowing, WAVES has been created to ensure they have access to support and do not feel they have to face the situation alone.

Speaking up can be one of the most difficult things an officer ever has to do.

Many members tell us they are unsure where to turn, who to speak to or what support is available when concerns involve colleagues, police staff or others within the policing family. Concerns about confidentiality, workplace relationships and complex processes can leave those affected feeling isolated at a time when they need support the most.

WAVES has been designed to change that.

The programme provides a clear route to confidential support for members who are involved in matters relating to unlawful treatment. It can support members who have witnessed wrongdoing, experienced victimisation after raising concerns, or been affected by recent or historic incidents involving a police officer, member of police staff or police volunteer.

Importantly, members do not need to fully understand the process before seeking help.

One of the key aims of WAVES is to ensure members have access to practical support and information from the moment they come forward. Depending on their individual circumstances, members can receive help understanding relevant processes, identifying available support and representation, navigating meetings and communications, accessing welfare services, and understanding what happens next.

The programme has been developed around a simple principle: no one should be left trying to navigate these situations on their own.

WAVES does not investigate complaints or determine the outcome of misconduct, criminal or employment processes. Instead, it exists to ensure members have access to consistent support, guidance and information while those processes are ongoing.

Confidentiality and fairness are central to the programme.

Where a matter involves multiple Federation members, appropriate ethical walls will be established to ensure support provided to victims and witnesses remains separate from representation provided to an accused member. These arrangements help protect confidentiality while maintaining the Federation's commitment to fair representation for all members.

The programme is being introduced through a phased rollout across the Federation, with support available through local branches and a central coordination team.

Launching WAVES at Annual Conference 2026, National Board member Belinda Goodwin said: “We listened to members, and it was apparent too many members involved in these cases feel isolated, unsupported and unsure where to turn. WAVES puts the focus back on the person, not just the process.”

Sarah Ennis, National Board member, continued: “We want members to know that they're seen, heard and supported throughout the process. It can be confusing and stressful, particularly for someone experiencing it for the first time, and WAVES helps make sure they don't face that alone.”

Superintendent Sharon Baker, Avon and Somerset Police, added: “I can't change the incident, the abuse or the assault that has happened to someone, but I can change the journey they experience afterwards. Too often victims are left waiting for answers, and that has to change.”

Mollie Flood, Avon and Somerset Police Federation rep said: “We know some officers haven't always felt confident coming forward. WAVES helps bridge that gap by providing support, advocacy and reassurance for people when they need it most.”

Brett Grange, Deputy Secretary, Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “This is about changing perceptions and showing members that we're here for victims and witnesses too. We want officers to know we're listening, we've heard their concerns and we're committed to doing more.”