Police Covenant: have your say
26 February 2020
The Home Secretary has today launched an eight-week consultation period on plans for a Police Covenant which will enshrine the welfare of officers, police staff and their families in law.
The consultation will seek the views of police officers, their families and other stakeholders on how best to protect the physical health and mental wellbeing of police officers and also recognise their bravery and hard work.
In a written statement to Parliament, Priti Patel said: “Our outstanding police deserve the upmost respect, support and recognition. Brave officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, demonstrating remarkable courage, sacrifice and public duty.
“They face extraordinary pressure as they protect the people they tirelessly serve from terrorists, serious violence and exploitation. Their families too often fear for their safety or are left to pick up the pieces when something goes wrong.
“From day one, this Government has put our world-class police first and prioritised their wellbeing. That’s why we have committed to introducing a Police Covenant in England and Wales to recognise the exceptional job our front-line officers do in unique and challenging circumstances.
“We are determined to give our officers the enhanced support they need, so I have accelerated work on this pledge to protect both them and their loved ones. Our commitment to ensuring our police have the recognition they deserve is absolute, so this Covenant will be enshrined in law. This will leave no room for doubt, creating a statutory duty to do more to support our police.”
Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, has urged officers to take part in the consultation.
“It is important that officers have their say,” says Jon, “The consultation survey is simple to fill out and ask for people’s views on the wording of the covenant and who it should apply to but also asks questions around officer safety and the Government’s role in setting standards for safety equipment.
“The Police Covenant could make a huge difference in ensuring police officers have the support, protection and recognition they deserve for carrying out such a unique, and often dangerous, role in our communities.”
