Keep up to date with Federation news and views

9 October 2023

Keep up-to-date with all of the news and views from West Midlands Police Federation in the latest edition of the branch’s online magazine.

Branch chair Rich Cooke pays tribute to Sergeant Paul Frear, who was tragically killed last month, and reflects on a poignant National Police Memorial Day service.

Rich also launches the new West Midlands Bravery Awards to recognise the Force’s inspirational officers, and responds to a review announced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman into police impartiality and activism.

We meet the Pride of Britain winner as he speaks out about the racist abuse he regularly experiences on the beat.

Member Emily Dooley shares her heartbreaking story of experiencing a miscarriage to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

As police forces in Australia go on the charm offensive to attract coppers from the UK, we hear from one West Midlands Police officer who is making plans to move Down Under.

We catch up with the West Midlands Drone Police unit after it was featured in the Channel 4 docu-series Sky Coppers.

Conduct lead Dave Hadley voices his fears that disciplinary hearings could turn into “kangaroo courts” following changes to conduct procedures.

The branch's deputy chair Jase Dooley challenges the Home Secretary over her demand that forces pursue all reasonable leads.

Branch secretary Tim Rogers, who is also the pursuits and driver training lead for the national Federation, voices his opposition to calls for a speed cap on police drivers, and calls for sustained investment in roads policing to avoid it collapsing.

We meet Patrick McBrearty, the branch’s new health and safety lead, and find out why he thinks health and safety needs to be everyone’s responsibility.

And Fed rep Duncan McDonald talks about the pleasure he gets from the role as he encourages others to follow in his footsteps.

These articles and more are featured in the latest edition of Federation, which is available to download now.