Thank you to our brave officers: Acknowledging your sacrifice and the urgent need for change

26 August 2024

Thank you to our brave officers: Acknowledging your sacrifice and the urgent need for change

Acting National Chair, Tiff Lynch, recognises the heroic efforts of officers across England and Wales during a difficult time for policing and calls on the Government to implement reforms.

In the wake of recent riots, the public, politicians, and media have witnessed first-hand the bravery, dedication, and sheer resilience of our police officers. Officers who stepped up when our communities needed them most, facing dangerous and volatile situations with unwavering courage. Many officers were injured, and regrettably a number were hospitalised because of the relentless violent assaults endured. To every one of you, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Representatives from the Police Federation’s National Board attended the national Gold Group meetings and made clear that the Police Federation’s ask of Government is that they find new money to support those physically or psychologically traumatised by the recent violence and atrocities by funding your treatment at the Police Treatment Centres.

Your efforts during these difficult times have been nothing short of heroic. However, the reality of what you faced highlights a crucial point: the compensation and support you receive must be commensurate with the immense risks you take every day. You have shown Government that you are not just like all other public sector workers; you are the frontline defenders of our society, often putting your lives on the line to maintain law and order. It is imperative that your pay and conditions of service reflect the unique and dangerous nature of your job.

The recent unrest has not only shown the need for a comprehensive, effective and fully funded Police Covenant to support those suffering from physical and psychological trauma, but it has also highlighted the need for better equipment and tactical options too. Far too many officers found themselves on the front lines, armed only with shields, as they were bombarded with bricks and other dangerous projectiles. This is unacceptable. As part of a thorough debrief, there must be a review of the tools and equipment available to disperse rioters and give you greater protection.

However, the issues extend beyond just equipment. There is a pressing need for a broader conversation with about how police officers are treated and valued. Every day, you make split-second decisions in incredibly challenging circumstances, yet too often, you face unwarranted vilification on social media and a lack of support from those in power. This not only demoralises officers but also emboldens those who seek to cause harm or undermine you.

We have also seen an increase in the number of so-called "auditors" who deliberately provoke and bait police officers, wasting valuable time and resources, all for the sake of creating content for social media. This practice is not only provocative and disrespectful but can also endanger public safety. It’s time for a strong stance against such activities to protect officers and ensure that their time is used more effectively.

The challenges police officer face is significant, and it is no surprise we have seen 5,000 officers leave policing in the last 12 months. The combination of inadequate pay, lack of support, and increasing violence against officers has created a crisis in policing that must be addressed immediately. The assault rates against officers are rising at an alarming rate, and it is scandalous that this has been allowed to happen. Police officers should not be the punchbags of society; you deserve better. Society cannot continue to allow those who protect all of us to feel undervalued and unsupported.

As we move forward, the Police Federation will continue to lobby for better pay, improved working conditions, and greater respect for our officers. This includes negotiating with the Government and other key stakeholders to ensure that policing is recognised and rewarded as the unique and vital profession that it is. Following on from the poll of members earlier this year, we are campaigning for the introduction of a fair and transparent pay mechanism that allows for negotiation, rather than the imposition of a fixed pay award; and a system of independent binding arbitration on all parties, including government, if a settlement cannot be agreed.

Stability and fairness in the police pension scheme is also crucial to make officers feel valued and supported. As such, we call on the Government to put right the current pension trap in policing, which sees two officers of different ages who joined on the same day being treated differently. This is grossly unfair and urgently needs resolving.

We hope that the forthcoming accountability review will bring some much-needed common sense back to policing. It’s time to restore respect for law enforcement and ensure that officers are equipped, compensated, and supported in a manner that reflects the critical role they play in our communities.

Once again, thank you to every officer who has stood strong in the face of adversity. We know that your dedication and commitment did not go unnoticed. Whether it was standing face to face with rioters one week to keep the public safe, to supporting the overflow of the prison population in custody suites the next week. You always step up. In turn, we will continue to fight for the recognition, respect and support you so rightfully deserve.