Fed post is ‘very big deal to me’ says new workplace rep

23 December 2024

New West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative Rhys McDowell details his career history, the experiences that have shaped his character and the aspirations he has for his Federation role.

“I’m 6ft 2, covered in tattoos and always told I frown a lot,” says Rhys, conceding that Federation members may not see him as the most approachable person at first glance.

This, however, could not be further from the truth as he says he has lived virtually his whole life with an innate desire to help others.

Growing up in the village of Little Lever, Greater Manchester, Rhys, 32, became a competitive dancer from the age of three and, while he thrived in the dance studio, he was also subjected to bullying in his early childhood.

 

West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative Rhys McDowell.

 

“I was targeted because I was a boy dancer. In the ‘90s, it just wasn’t seen as normal or appropriate and I was basically outcast by my peers because of it,” he adds.

“Because I’ve grown up in that world, I think I’ve always been good at seeing people who might not be able to defend themselves or use their voice fully.

“I can relate to how that feels, and witnessing it happen has always had a real emotional effect on me, without me having a choice in the matter.”

Rhys’ resilience and ability to remain headstrong meant giving up dance was never an option, and he saw his passion through to turning professional when he was a teenager. His performing career continued into his early twenties.

“A lot of people don’t realise this, but dancing does have a lot of discipline and regiment to it. It was 12 to 13-hour days,” continues Rhys, who admits that while he still enjoyed performing, he ‘had eventually had enough of dancing as a job’.

Royal Air Force

After a brief spell in the Royal Air Force, Rhys moved to Staffordshire and joined the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police as a firearms officer, facing some of the most dangerous weaponry in the world as he specialised in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) operations for three years.

However, this specific role prevented him from progressing into the Ministry’s Crime Command, a network of intelligence-gathering and investigation units.

Becoming a detective was an ambition he developed during his spell in the MoD. His increasing appetite for the role saw him join West Midlands Police in 2021.

“Both my grandads were high-ranking police officers, so maybe it was in my blood that I’d eventually join the Force,” Rhys laughs.

“I’m currently a PC on a local CID team based in Walsall, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and I’m now on the way to becoming a detective constable, which is what I’ve wanted for a while.

“The main reason I’ve had the aim of becoming a detective is simply because I enjoy working with people and I want to do that in circumstances where they often need the help of the police the most.”

Fed rep

As well as setting his sights on becoming a detective – he has passed the national exam and is completing the remainder of his training - Rhys was encouraged by colleagues to become a Fed rep.

He continues: “I think people recognised straight away that I was someone with a strong set of morals – if I see something I don’t believe is right, I will challenge it.

“Even with things that are established and part of the status quo, I’m not afraid to question them. Just because something has always happened, it doesn’t necessarily mean it should continue – that isn’t a good enough reason for me.”

When he finally acted on encouragement from his peers to explore a Federation post, his approach to branch deputy chair Jase Dooley was met with enthusiasm, and he was officially elected as a workplace representative in August.

Outlining his ambitions, Rhys says: “It goes back to that idea of helping the voiceless, or people who may not feel they are in a position to be heard properly. And I think that can happen in a rank and file structure – people can be scared of upsetting their superiors and sticking out from the rest.

Helping colleagues

“For years, I’ve been helping colleagues by helping them with issues they would be dubious about addressing. I’d either find a way for them to feel more comfortable doing this or just speak up on the issue myself. I’m now looking forward to doing this in a more official capacity.

“I feel I’m ready for it.”

More specifically, Rhys says he wants to have a strong input on equality, which holds importance to him as a partially deaf person, and health and safety.

He went on to summarise the key principle he will stand by as ‘helping the helpers’.

“I’m massively proud to represent the Federation, which gives so much to police officers everywhere. I think we can all be guilty of being so focused on supporting others, we forget that we ourselves need support – it’s absolutely crucial,” Rhys says.

“So, it’s a very big deal to me that I will get to serve the people who serve the country.”

Federation member

He says he is willing to have a conversation with any Federation member who may have questions or concerns they wish to share.

Rhys is a keen runner – he is part of both the West Midlands Police and Stafford Harriers running clubs – and welcomed members to have a chat with him over a jog.

His other interests and hobbies include photography and he runs his own successful company in addition to his Force duties. He also likes to spend time with his chocolate Labrador, Ronnie, and enjoys all things Harry Potter.

The popular book and film franchise make up most of Rhys’ collection of tattoos, he revealed – proof that appearances can be deceptive.

“I just want Federation members to feel like they can come to me with anything,” he concludes.

“Ultimately, I want everyone to have that ability to come to their job and enjoy it. It’s a tough profession, but on the whole, we should still be able to enjoy doing it.”

READ MORE: Meet the Fed rep with a sky-high commitment to wellbeing.