‘Keep safe in this heat’ says branch chair

26 June 2024

The hottest weather of the year so far has prompted West Mercia Police Federation to remind members to take steps to protect themselves in the heat.

Branch chair Steve Butler says it’s vital that officers look after themselves and take breaks to cool down as temperatures head into the high 20s over the next few days.

Steve said: “It can be very challenging to be a police officer in hot weather like we’re experiencing, particularly for those on response or on patrol who will be wearing kit that weighs somewhere around 20lbs.

“We’re experiencing the hottest weather of the year so far, and the temperatures present a risk of dehydration, heat stress and sunburn.

Sunscreen

“Make sure if you are out and about you take plenty of water with you. Use sunscreen and make sure that when you’re back at the station you remove your body armour to cool down.

“We’d also ask the Force to do what it can to support police officers and staff during the hot period, so providing cool drinking water, fans or means of cooling the air, and adjusting shifts to avoid non-essential activities that are physically demanding or lead to prolonged exposure to the heat.”

Steve’s comments come as temperatures in the Force area are expected to top 28C over the next two days.

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office issued a yellow heat health alert for most of England.

Vulnerable

The alert indicates that the heat could pose a risk to health, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Steve said it was important that officers take regular breaks, where possible.

“I appreciate that it’s not always possible because of the demands of the job members are dealing with but we’d encourage members to take regular refreshment breaks,” he said.

“And we’d ask for understanding from the public if they see a police officer having a drink or something to cool down.

“They’re only human and it’s only reasonable that they take breaks, like everyone else in the working world.”