Darren Harris re-elected as chair of Suffolk Police Federation

4 June 2025

Darren Harris says he is optimistic about the future as he outlines his priorities as the chair of Suffolk Police Federation, having been re-elected.

As he looks forward to his next tenure in post, Darren says his key areas of focus will be shaped around:

1. Building a relationship with the new Deputy Chief Constable

2. Developing a relationship with the new head of PSD (Professional Standards Department)

3. Supporting members and the Force through major regulation changes, including those involving vetting and misconduct

4. Continuing to campaign for better police pay 

Building relationships with senior officers

High on Darren’s agenda is welcoming the new Deputy Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger, who will be taking over from Rob Jones in September, having been Assistant Chief Constable for the last four years.

“I look forward to welcoming the new DCC, as well as our new head of PSD, Detective Superintendent Nicola Wallace, who has started her new role recently,” said Darren.

“These are two new people in two key roles. I see this as an opportunity for us to press the reset button in Suffolk Constabulary and to move forward optimistically.”

 

Darren Harris has been re-elected as branch chair.

 

Feeling positive about working with both Mr Bridger and Nicola, Darren says he is committed to representing the members and giving the membership a voice during influential discussions.

“I feel positive about building relationships with both Mr Bridger and Nicola, working with them to deliver consistent results for our members,” said Darren, adding: “At all times, our members will remain our priority.”

Supporting members through change

Two significant regulation changes have recently taken place, and Darren says he is making it his priority to support members as these changes begin to impact the Force.

In May, the new Police Vetting Regulations came into effect. This means that it is now a legal requirement for all serving officers to pass background checks, and also allows police chiefs to automatically dismiss officers who fail these checks.

The Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 have also brought with them several changes impacting misconduct and gross misconduct.

“There is a lot of change happening, and as the Federation, there’s a lot of unknown about the new regulations, which can understandably make some members feel uneasy,” explained Darren.

“As a Federation, we want to work with the Force so we can help our members navigate through these changes.

“I’d like to reiterate to all members that we are here to help and support them, if they want to discuss any of the new regulations that are being introduced. We will work through these changes together.”

Calling for better police pay

The Federation has long been campaigning for better pay for police officers, and will continue to do so.

Calls for better police pay is gaining momentum, said Darren, and he pledges to continue those calls at ‘every opportunity’.

“As police officers, we don’t have the right to strike, plus the demand on members is only increasing, with capacity and resource decreasing. Police deserve a pay packet that better reflects their roles, and I - we, as a Federation - will not stop shouting about this, until our voices are heard.”

Darren shined a light on the latest Pay and Morale Survey results, which found that 78 per cent of respondents from Suffolk Constabulary felt that they were worse off financially than they were five years ago.

More than eight out of 10 officers (86 per cent) of participants feel their cost of living has increased in the last month, with 57 per cent saying that they are ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances). 

Highly-skilled

“These figures say it all. These are real people - our members, serving police officers,” continued Darren.

“Poor pay will result in experienced, highly-skilled police officers leaving the Force. As chair of your Federation, I am prepared have those difficult discussions with local MPs, I will challenge key stakeholders and I am determined to continue the fight for better police pay.”

Darren ended by welcoming his next tenure as branch chair, and thanked all those who have supported him - especially over the last year.

“It’s no secret that the last 12 months have been a challenge for me,” he said.

“And I’m extremely grateful for everyone who has continued to support me through the darker times. This re-election is the start of the next chapter for me, as I look forward.”

READ MORE: Ben Hudson re-elected as branch secretary.