Date set for PSA screening session

15 September 2025

Officers and staff are once again being offered the opportunity to have a free PSA test through a joint Federation and Force-led initiative.

Last year, when the Force hosted its first free testing session, dozens of male officers and staff took advantage of the opportunity.

“The first screening session was such a success that we were keen to work with the Force to stage a similar event this year,” says Tim Rogers, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation.

“I was one of those who attended last year, along with our branch deputy secretary Chris James, and I would encourage other officers to sign up for the test this year. It is pretty much pain-free and could be life-saving.”

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells.  

Protein

It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in blood, and the amount rises slightly as men get older and the prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest the person has a problem with their prostate, but not necessarily cancer. 

This year’s screening session will be held at Lloyd House on Wednesday 19 November between 10am to 4pm with the tests being carried out by representatives of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

Graham Fulford set up his charity to promote awareness of prostate cancer following the deaths of a close friend and a family member.

It started providing PSA testing in 2004 and, with its partners, has tested thousands of men for prostate awareness leading to identifying many cancers that may otherwise have not been discovered.

The charity now also offers a wide range of blood tests covering key areas such as heart health and diabetes. 

Blood test

Details of the PSA screening event this November will be available on the Force intranet or you can register to attend by emailing the Federation office. 

Spaces are limited, so members are being asked to register beforehand. You must be over 40 on the day of the test.

The first Force PSA event followed a request from Sergeant Liam Hemmings that tests be made available after his dad, Junia, and the husband of one of his team members were both diagnosed with prostate cancer within a short period of time.

Liam contacted the Federation which then agreed to approach the Force, with Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green and Pete Gillett, director of commercial services, both supporting the initiative.

Details on how to sign up for a test will be published on the Force intranet.