Federation chair praises officers as lockdown restrictions ease

17 May 2021

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott has paid tribute to the Force’s frontline officers as the long-awaited journey out of lockdown gets underway.

Jon said police officers had been put in an incredibly difficult position policing ever-changing Covid-19 rules and legislation over the last 15 months.

And he said Federation members should be proud of the way they responded to the extraordinary challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “I know that policing this pandemic has been tough for you and your families. You have been vilified by some media and criticised by others just for trying to do your job.

“But the vast majority of the public support you and what you do although it doesn’t always feel like it.”

The latest easing of restrictions means people in England can now meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 and indoors in groups of six, or two households, with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers inside. Museums, cinemas and other indoor attractions can also reopen.

Jon acknowledged members had been forced to face a range of unprecedented demands with officers having to quickly adapt to rapidly changing Covid legislation and guidance throughout the pandemic which has added an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging set of circumstances including a long hot summer of high-profile public disorder events.

His comments came after the Federation’s national chair, John Apter, sent out a message to the public as lockdown restrictions started to ease.

In an open letter, which has been published in the Daily Express today, he said: “This has been a very difficult time for many – losing loved ones, losing jobs, and having restrictions placed on us which would have been unimaginable before this pandemic.

“We have all done our best during these past 15 months and collectively our goal has been to save lives and stop the spread of this deadly virus.

“Police officers have been put in an incredibly difficult position, policing the ever-changing Covid-19 rules and legislation. Without your support and understanding, their job would have been impossible.

“You will have seen a style of policing which has been alien to you. This is also alien to my colleagues.

“We did not join policing to police in the way we’ve had to. But this has been necessary to protect each other and save lives.”

And in a special message of gratitude he said: “To you, the public, that silent majority who I know support my colleagues, thank you.”