Get to know your Federation reps: Kirit Shah

9 September 2021

Kirit Shah has been a Police Federation workplace representative since 2018.

He was first attracted to a career in policing because it offered a varied role and involved frequent, quick-time problem-solving within the confines of policy and the law.

He joined the Force in 2013 and his first posting was to Haverhill. 

Kirit, who is currently an ARV PC, became a Police Federation workplace three years ago and is looking forward to undertaking a conduct and performance course so that he can further support members.

But he said: “I have found it quite difficult to accommodate this with my role so I have taken to being involved in the day to day things to try to improve small things to make the role better for my colleagues. 

“I frequently have to advise officers on their rights and entitlements around annual leave, over-time and working hours.”

He also plans to add equality and diversity to his portfolio of special areas of interest.

Kirit said he tries to bring his frontline experience in different roles to the forefront of what the Police Federation is doing and enjoys being involved in decision-making and influencing how these are implemented.

His key priorities involve representing colleagues to make their working environment a better place but he acknowledged: “You have to understand that you are not going to be able to change all that you want and it would be better to change something small than change nothing at all.”

He would encourage colleagues to consider becoming a Fed rep “because everyone brings something in terms of experience and perspective”.

Kirit said future challenges for Suffolk Police Federation included continuing to communicate with members effectively to champion its successes and let them know the reps were working hard for them.

His personal priorities into next year and beyond are to continue developing in his role and becoming more involved with helping officers with issues.