Work of Operation Hampshire highlighted

14 June 2023

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris has praised the work of Operation Hampshire and the progress it has made since its launch almost three years ago.

The Oscar Kilo wellbeing initiative provides a consistent strategy, processes and guidance to follow in response to assaults on police officers.

It has become a priority workstream for the National Police Wellbeing Service and Police Covenant, was recently adopted by UNISON and has the backing of policing minister Chris Philp.

Darren said: “Operation Hampshire has become a vital resource for members who need help and support after an assault.

“We utterly condemn all violence against emergency services workers but unfortunately assaults are all too common and it is important that officers can access whatever support they need in the aftermath.

“Operation Hampshire provides that support and has become a real success story.”

Police Federation national chair Steve Hartshorn described it as a ‘legacy project in policing’ which had already been a huge success.

“If anyone ever asks: ‘what does the Federation ever do for its members?’, then this is an absolute example of what we do. I am immensely proud of how far Op Hampshire has come, its success speaks for itself,” he said.

“While Op Hampshire is primarily still focussing on officer assaults, it’s actually giving our members so much more than that - you have to look at the bigger picture.

“The data we collect will educate us, which in turn will help us provide better training and communications. While the project also gives our members the confidence they need to feel valued and see that their Federation is looking after them.

“We’re also working with other agencies too, like our emergency service colleagues in the ambulance service, to share the strategy. Not only will Op Hampshire support officers today, but as it grows and develops, it’s only going to get bigger.

 “I genuinely believe we can get the public’s confidence in the police back and it will be through projects like Op Hampshire.”

The initiative has been driven largely by national Operation Hampshire co-ordinator Dave Brewster who retired from the Met last year but retained his role to keep up the momentum of the initiative with the National Police Wellbeing Service.

“My goal is that every assault on a police officer or member of staff is recorded, investigated and then those involved are given the correct support they need. Even if they don’t think that they need support, I believe everyone should at least be offered it.”