‘Log all annual leave as soon as possible’ urges Federation as backlog of court hearings continues

13 February 2024

Suffolk Police Federation members are being urged to keep their DMS (Duty Management System) up to date to avoid court warnings disrupting their annual leave.

Branch secretary Ben Hudson is reminding officers that any changes to their circumstances, whether it be booked annual leave or training, must be contemporaneously logged.

Ben said: “As a Federation, we are becoming increasingly concerned that our members' rest days are frequently being cancelled due to court hearings being scheduled, with no consideration to officers’ availability.

“We have met with managers from the Criminal Justice System (CJS), to find a way of best mitigating the ongoing issue.

“Members can play their part by ensuring all annual leave or training is logged onto the DMS as soon as possible. Ultimately though, this is a matter for the courts but we are confident that the CJS is doing their best to investigate the ongoing issues.”

All information logged onto the DMS is used to complete an MG10 form, which lists the availability of the required officer - including their rest days, booked annual leave and training or course dates.

Rest days are not considered by the court to be protected and officers should be aware of this when scheduling important events outside of their policing duties.

The CJS will raise issues flagged by officers to HMCTS.

Head of Criminal Justice for Suffolk and Norfolk Richard Park said: “It is important that officers know that Victim & Witness Services (VAWS) are doing all they can to minimise the impact of court listings on officers.

Echoing Ben's comments, Joint Criminal Justice Services Temporary Chief Inspector Helen Howes says: “It is critical that officers update the DMS as soon as they book annual leave so Criminal Justice Services (CJS) are aware of their availability.

“We are here to support officers, so if you have any concerns then please pick up the phone and speak to one of our team members.”

If you have any questions regarding the above, members are advised to contact: Crown Court Team on 01603 276385 or Magistrates Court Team on 01603 276386.