Police Covenant will become law

9 September 2020

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott says plans to create a Police Covenant recognise the unique role of officers and staff and will improve support and protection for them.

Jon welcomed an announcement by Home Secretary Priti Patel at the Police Superintendents’ Association annual conference that a Police Covenant will be introduced in legislation.

He said: “Policing is a unique job. Our members put themselves in harm’s way every day to support and protect the public.

“It’s only right that officers, police staff, former colleagues and their families are given the support and protection they deserve.

“As a Federation, we’ve been campaigning for a covenant that recognises the role we have in society, so it’s pleasing to see it take another step towards becoming a reality,” he added.

The covenant applies to serving and former police personnel and creates a statutory duty for forces to support police officers.

It will focus on protection, health and wellbeing, and support for families, and places a requirement on the Home Secretary to report annually to Parliament.

John Apter, the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said: “This covenant will mean much more than words to serving or former police officers. It recognises the unique position they hold in society and the fact they very often put their lives on the line.

“The benefits of this Police Covenant will be welcomed by the entire policing family. We would therefore like to thank the Home Secretary for her enthusiastic support and for turning PFEW’s campaign for a covenant into a reality.”

It follows a campaign by the national Federation which included a public consultation process that found more than 90 per cent of respondents backed Government plans for a covenant.

Ms Patel, in her speech to the Police Superintendents’ Association, also outlined a commitment to stand firmly by the side of police.

She said: “The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition. Their bravery and sacrifices are what keep us and our loved ones safe. I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.”

The Government proposals ensure the covenant applies to all those working within or retired from policing roles, whether paid or as a volunteer. A new governance structure is planned to drive future activity on wellbeing and protection to fulfil the covenant.