Surrey Police Federation Chair calls on new Government to respect police and the job they do

25 November 2019

“Pay needs to reflect the job that police officers do, and that includes proper pay increases alongside the cost of living, but also to actually respect us and the job that we do.”

Surrey Police Federation Chair Mel Warnes says the new Government, whichever party has the majority following next month’s general election, must consider police pay and the effect it can have on officers.

Speaking at the 100-year PFEW celebration conference in London, Mel said; “It’s about putting pay and conditions top of the list, but not forgetting all the work that’s already been started and if the same Government does get in, the promises that they’ve made and sticking to their promises.

“[Whoever is in power] needs to actually realise what policing is all about and how it has changed over the years. Pay needs to reflect the job that police officers do, and that includes proper pay increases alongside the cost of living etc, but also to actually respect us and the job that we do.”

The 100-year celebration was important, Mel added, and she was pleased to bring Federation Reps along with her to the event.

“It’s fantastic to be celebrating 100 years. I’ve brought some of our Reps along. It’s great that our temporary Deputy Chief Constable is also here, listening to everything and celebrating our history,” she said.