Officers under pressure but Federation on hand to offer support

7 April 2021

A barrage of negative headlines, the ongoing pressures of policing the pandemic and a vocal minority criticising the police service are all taking their toll on officers, says the chair of West Mercia Police Federation.

But Sarah Cooper is urging officers, who she says do an extraordinary job, to reach out for support if they are feeling the strain.

“Officers are telling me that they are struggling,” says Sarah, “Policing the pandemic has been incredibly challenging. Police officers have been on the frontline of the nation’s response, trying to uphold lockdown rules, which are often changed at short notice and without detailed guidance being given to forces, and carrying out their usual duties while putting their own health, and that of their families, on the line.

“They have been criticised for being too tough on people not complying with the rules but also condemned for not being hard enough. Whatever they do, they seem to be in the wrong. But, in actual fact, they are just trying to do their best in what have been unprecedented times.

“While it all too easy to just see the uniform, people seem to forget that behind that there is a human being who will also be juggling their own personal circumstances – perhaps they have been home-schooling their children, trying to care for elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours or they are trying to adjust to reduced household income because a partner has lost their job due to the pandemic.”

Sarah has expressed her concern at an increase in assaults on officers and incidents in which colleagues have been spat at or coughed over by people claiming to have Covid-19.

She explains: “This contributes to a sense of a lack of appreciation and respect for the incredibly challenging work of officers. Officers should be extremely proud of the work they do. They deal with the worst of humanity on a daily basis and help to pick up the pieces when the lives of victims and families have been shattered by crime and tragic events. They step up when other agencies walk away and they deserve the support of the communities they serve and the wider public.”

She is aware of officers who no longer read the papers, watch the news or look at their social media accounts because they cannot face a stream of negative posts about policing and some who are considering their future in the Force.

But, Sarah adds: “The bad press they have seen in recent months is very hard to ignore and it is also completely unfair.”

She is reminding all members that the Federation branch is on hand to offer support and advice to any officer who is concerned about recent events.

As part of Stress Awareness Month, which runs throughout April, Police Mutual has produced a free guide which offers tips on managing stress, but the Federation can also put people in touch with organisations that can offer specialist advice.

Sarah is also keen to put on record her thanks and appreciation to all officers and staff who, in the most difficult of circumstances, continue to work in the most selfless way to protect the public and keep our communities safe.

“Policing is a challenging role at the best of times but it really has been unbelievably tough for officers over the last 12 months,” she says, “Those on the frontline were walking into the unknown at the start of this crisis but they did what they always do; they got on with the job, they adapted to the situation, they put their public service first. Let’s also not forget that they did all this at a time when the Government has refused to prioritise frontline officers as recipients of the life-saving vaccine.

“They are now feeling unappreciated, unvalued and unsupported. So I want them all to know that I, and many, many others, do appreciate the extraordinary work they do.

“No one should ever under-estimate the toll this can take on people particularly when coupled with inadequate technology and training, insufficient resources and a young, and sometimes inexperienced, workforce. A lack of investment can often lead officers to feel that they are trying to do an already exceptionally demanding job with one hand tied behind their backs.

 “The current backdrop of unrelenting negative publicity and media attacks is just making it ever more difficult. In recent weeks, I have had the privilege of facilitating Critical Incident Debriefs for a number of horrific incidents on our Force area. The compassion, professionalism and courage of the officers involved in those incidents is humbling and makes me feel incredibly proud to be part of a profession that serves the public at times of their greatest need and works so hard to bring offenders to justice.”

But, Sarah points out, these incidents are not one-offs, with police officers and police staff dealing with death, destruction and personal tragedy every day but yet making a difference in times of greatest need, something she said she always recognised. 

She continues: “This last year has possibly provided some of the most challenging of working conditions for frontline officers and I was struck by their commitment, for example, some arranged to live apart from vulnerable family members so they could continue to serve the public.

“To then find, in recent weeks, a tangible public attack on the police, armchair critics and media coverage with little apparent regard for the full facts of any given situation. This is having a real impact on officers. I feel it personally and I cannot begin to imagine how it feels for my brave colleagues who come into work to serve the public only to be subjected to horrific abuse as a backlash of an increasing blame culture.

“I want officers to know they are valued and there is support available. Just contact the Federation officials or your workplace representatives. Sharing your concerns can be the first step to dealing with any issues you are facing.”

Read the Police Mutual stress guide.