Headline: Norfolk Police Federation reacts to the disorder across the country

7 August 2024

“Be under no illusion officers are under extreme pressures and I ask that our communities bears this in mind”

Norfolk Police Federation Chair Andy Symonds reacts to the disorder across the country – and praises the work of our courageous colleagues.

“Our colleagues here in Norfolk are already running on hot due to peak summer demands, which increase the work police have to deal with. On top of this we’re seeing the summer of disorder in many towns and cities across the country which has meant we’ve had a number of public order trained officers on standby ready to be deployed anywhere in the country.

“These officers are being taken away from their normal duties which means our communities are seeing fewer officers policing our county. These officers will be a mix of officers on cancelled rest days and changed duties.

“There is also a leave embargo in place.

“Our detectives are under immense pressures particularly our joint major investigation teams and other associated departments investigating 3 murders across Norfolk and Suffolk.

“They are pulling long and often intolerable working hours without appropriate rest. But that’s what officers do they stand up when it matters.

“Norfolk will support the national plan for this disorder and we will also have plenty of officers policing any such protests that may be planned here in Norfolk. But remember these are not extra officers picked from the magic tree of spare officers.

“They are my colleagues who will be taken from their normal policing duties, taken from their rest period to police whatever is required of them.

“We’re supporting officers in terms of being fully engaged within the force and attending Gold meetings making sure Police Regulations are adhered to and welfare considerations put in place.

“Norfolk Police Federation will be out and about over this weekend on our welfare van supporting our colleagues with refreshments where we can.

“But be under no illusion officers are under extreme pressures and I ask that our communities bears this in mind.”