Download - West Midlands Police Federation

federation 

WEST MIDLANDS POLICE FEDERATION FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 

Supporting our members in everything we do 

www.westmidspolfed.com

Love the Taxman 

It’s not often he gives you 

something for nothing. 

Saving in an ISA by 5 April 2012 means you can save up to £10,680 

without having to give the Taxman a large bite of your savings. 

Using your ISA allowance is a smart way of saving 

but with our Guaranteed ISA, developed 

exclusively for Police employees and their 

families, you can be even smarter. 

Not only will your final payout be free 

from personal tax but your money 

has the potential to grow in the 

Police Mutual Life Fund. Remember, 

as with all investment plans, the 

value of your money can rise and 

fall so you could get back less 

than you paid in. That’s why we’ve 

built in a safety net to protect your 

money at set points. 

Don’t lose out, act by 5 April 2012 and 

make the most of your ISA allowance. 

Call 0800 652 9324 

Visit policemutual.co.uk 

Your savings Your investments Your car insurance Your home insurance Your retirement Your mortgage service Your welfare Your Police Mutual 

2 

Police Mutual Assurance Society Limited is an incorporated friendly society authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 

Registered Office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored. 


West Midlands Police Federation 

federation February/March2012 

Contents 

Chairman’s introduction 4 

Home Secretary accepts PAT findings 5 

The PAT decision on Winsor 1 6 - 7 

Winsor recommendations agreed at PNB 9 

Disappointment at PAT decision 9 

‘Our alternative proposal was viable’ 10 

‘Morale further hit’ 10 

Pension contributions to go up 11 

Winsor timeline 12 - 13 

Fed reps keep pressure on MPs 14 - 15 

Officers urged to respond to stress survey 17 

Federation welcomes HMIC report on summer riots 18 - 19 

Winsor 2 submission 21 

Support for festive homeless appeal 23 

National Roads Policing Conference 24 - 25 

DS Ian Orton wins National Roads Policing Award 27 

Pedal power to boost charity funds 29 

Tighter controls in wake of phone hacking 31 

RAC cover for Group Insurance subscribers 33 

Officer numbers fall 35 

Olympic leave restrictions 35 

Advertisers 

Police Mutual: Love the taxman 2 

Roland Smith, car and home insurance 8 

George Burrows home insurance 16 

Haix footwear 17 

Police Healthcare Scheme 20 

Police Credit Union 22 

First Call Financial, independent mortgage advice 23 

Warren & Co., independent mortgage specialists 26 

Forum Law Solicitors, family law 26 

Caroline Harris, independent financial advisor 28 

PF Claimline 30 

Payplan debt advice 31 

Majella O’Neill family law solicitors 31 

Family Law 4 Police 32 

Police Mutual: savings 34 

Citroen Coventry 36 

Published by: 

XPR (UK) Ltd 

Editor: 

Ian Edwards, Chairman 

Deputy Editor: 

Claire Snape, 

Member Services Manager 

Claire@westmids.polfed.org 

Design and sub-editing: 

XPR (UK) Ltd 

Contact details: 

Guardians House, 

2111 Coventry Road, 

Sheldon, Birmingham, 

B26 3EA 

Telephone: 

0121 700 1100 

Email: 

westmidlandspf@polfed.org 

Federation is printed by 

Heron Press UK on behalf of the 

Joint Branch Board of the West 

Midlands Police Federation. 

The articles published do not 

necessarily reflect the views of 

the Joint Branch Board. The editor 

reserves the right to reject or edit 

any material submitted. 

Every care is taken to ensure that 

advertisements are accepted only 

from bona fide advertisers. The 

Police Federation cannot accept 

liability for losses incurred by any 

person as a result of a default on the 

part of an advertiser. 

All material is copyright and may 

not be reproduced without the 

express permission of the editor. 

www.westmidspolfed.com 3

‘We will always 

be here’ 

By Ian Edwards, chairman of West Midlands 

Police Federation 

You may remember my predecessor 

warning of a crisis in policing; 

well, it’s well and truly arrived. 

The ruling of the Police 

Arbitration Tribunal (PAT) on Part 1 of 

Tom Winsor’s report was announced on 9 

January. The Home Secretary did not give 

us her views on that ruling until 30 

January. 

These changes to police pay and 

conditions weren’t asked for by police 

officers or the Federation. In fact, they 

were opposed. So why when independent 

arbiters decide on the content and 

recommendations of the Winsor report 

was she so slow to ratify their findings? 

It’s pretty clear now that this is not 

about saving money; this is about 

wholesale reform of the police service. 

You will be no doubt aware by now 

that the Police Federation of England and 

Wales offered a package that allowed the 

Government to save the money it 

required from the policing budget. This 

was totally rejected out of hand by the 

Official Side. 

All of this turbulence, coupled with 

the proposals around pensions and 

pension contributions, does not make for a 

good working environment. 

Morale is at rock bottom, police 

numbers are on the way down, crime is on 

the way up. A couple of weeks ago I 

thought that things couldn’t get much 

worse and maybe we had hit the bottom 

plateau. I optimistically thought that the 

only way is up. 

However, while all these changes come 

into effect – and don’t forget we are still 

waiting for Part 2 of Winsor’s report, 

there will be no morale boost for officers. I 

am always amazed that you carry on doing 

your jobs in the most difficult of 

circumstances. Under attack from the 

Government, under attack from the 

rioters, it’s in times like these we need to 

stick together, be the police family and 

look after each other. 

Reform is here and happening. But the 

Government has to accept it cannot break 

us or reform our spirit. Governments will 

come and go, policing and police officers 

will always be here. 

“ 

police 

It’s pretty clear now that this is not about saving 

money; this is about wholesale reform of the 

service. 

4 


Home Secretary 

accepts PAT findings 

Three weeks after the Police 

Arbitration Tribunal (PAT) findings 

were published, Home Secretary 

Theresa May announced she would 

accept the panel’s findings in full during a 

speech on police reform. 

And, in doing so, she also accepted the 

nine recommendations not referred to the 

tribunal but agreed at the Police Negotiating 

Board (PNB). 

Mrs May said: “I know that some police 

officers will be disappointed by this outcome. 

But I want to stress that there will be no 

reduction in basic pay. Extra payments will be 

targeted at front-line staff and those doing the 

most demanding work. 

“Policing will remain a well-paid job.” 

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police 

Federation, welcomed the Home Secretary’s 

decision to honour the PNB process and 

ratify the PAT ruling. 

“However, whilst we accept that the 

decision of the PAT is binding on both Sides 

of PNB, it does not mean that we’re happy 

with the outcome. Whichever way you dress it 

up, this will mean serious financial hardship 

for police officers,” he said. 

“Let’s not forget, this Government is 

unduly targeting police officers. In addition to 

what amounts to a four-year public sector pay 

freeze and increased pension contributions, 

police officers are having to contend with a 

range of changes to terms and conditions; the 

result of which is effectively a pay cut. 

“The imposition of the pension increase is 

disappointing. Police officers not only have no 

industrial rights; on the issues of pensions 

they have no right to negotiate. Moreover, 

through constructive consultation, the police 

service is one of the few public services to 

have actually agreed a reform of their pension 

which has delivered a sizeable cost reduction. 

“We also wait to see what the Winsor 

Part 2 report recommends and will fight to 

ensure that police are not financially 

disadvantaged any more than they are now.” 

Mrs May explained in her speech that 

while policing had changed a lot in 30 years, 

the pay structure had not and therefore she 

had asked Tom Winsor to carry out his 

independent review and recommend changes 

that would be fair to police officers and police 

staff as well as taxpayers. 

“I asked him to help maximise 

deployment to front-line roles. And I asked 

him to allow chief constables to deploy 

modern management practices that give them 

the flexibility they need to cut crime,” she said. 

“After a thorough and considered review, 

Winsor provided us with the outline of what 

a modern police pay structure could look like. 

He produced a package that is fair to the 

police and that is fair to the taxpaying public. 

A package that can produce savings and 

improve incentives, that recognises and 

rewards specialist skills and front-line service, 

not just time served. 

“The Winsor report has been considered 

by the independent Police Arbitration 

Tribunal, and I can announce today that I am 

accepting all of the Tribunal’s 

recommendations in full.” 

Referring to British police officers as the 

best in the world, the Home Secretary 

acknowledged that forces had played their 

part in helping cut costs and protecting the 

front-line and pledged to continue helping 

them do that through reducing bureaucracy, 

introducing national procurement, launching 

a National Crime Agency and equipping the 

police to face the future and make them more 

effective at fighting crime. 

“We’re leaving no stone unturned in our 

work to make the police more efficient,” Mrs 

May said. 

Once the PAT’s recommendations have 

been fully implemented they will save around 

£150 million per year, she claimed. 

But, perhaps worryingly, Mrs May did 

give a hint of things to come with Winsor 2. 

“In response to the first Winsor report, 

there were a few areas on which the Police 

Arbitration Tribunal explicitly made no 

decision. The most important was Winsor’s 

proposed Expertise and Professional 

Accreditation Allowance,” she said. 

“This payment was intended to link the 

pay that officers receive to the skills they have 

acquired and use. The link between pay and 

skills is a vitally important principle. In every 

walk of life, people are paid according to their 

skills. The same should be true for the police. 

That is why this principle will be considered 

again when we look at the second part of Tom 

Winsor’s review. 

“This second report will look into police 

pay and conditions in the longer-term, 

including basic pay, career length and pension 

age and the pay negotiating machinery. In 

particular, it will consider the introduction of 

direct entry into the police. I have been clear 

that I want to see a widening of the pool of 

talent from which police leaders are drawn.” 

The Home Secretary concluded: 

“From the graffiti and litter that blights a local area; to the binge drinking and drug 

dealing that makes people frightened to step outside; right up to the criminal gangs who 

flaunt their illegal wealth and cheat the exchequer out of millions – our police reforms will 

help fight them all. 

“We’ll ensure the police tackle local priorities, by giving power to elected Police and 

Crime Commissioners. We’ll help lock up the drug lords by creating a National Crime 

Agency. We’ll let police officers get back on the front-line by freeing them from 

paperwork. 

“We’ll give officers incentives to acquire specialist skills and serve the public. And 

we’ll improve the way they’re led. 

“Our reforms are ambitious, comprehensive and they are happening right now. They 

will transform the police service so it is fit to face the future and fit to fight crime.” 


The PAT decision 

on Winsor 1 

What it really means 

The Home Secretary has announced 

that she will accept in full the 

decision of the Police Arbitration 

Tribunal in respect of the 

recommendations in Winsor’s first report. 

Here, we attempt to explain the 

changes proposed in the first report from 

the Winsor review and how far they have 

been modified by the recent decision of 

the Police Arbitration Tribunal. 

In doing so, we hope you will come to 

understand what the proposals mean to 

officers. 

1) Over-time 

Winsor recommended the following: 

l Casual over-time should be reduced 

from time and a third to just plain 

time 

l The minimum hours for being recalled 

between duty should be abolished and 

instead paid at plain time for the hours 

worked plus travelling time. 

l Officers should no longer receive 

double time for working on a rostered 

rest day with less than five days. 

Instead all rest day working with fewer 

than 15 days’ notice should be at time 

and a half. 

l Police officers should be able to 

nominate seven days in addition to 25 

December which will count as their 

public holiday entitlements. If they 

have to work on those days with less 

than 15 days’ notice, they will receive 

double-time, but an ACC must 

authorise the cancellation of their 

nominated public holiday. 

MODIFIED 

The PAT has modified these proposals. While 

the recommendations in relation to recalls to 

duty, rest days and public holidays have been 

retained, all casual over-time will still be 

payable at time and a third rather than 

plain time. This will also apply to any 

travelling time for recalls between tours of 

duty. 

2) On-call 

Winsor recommended a national on-call 

allowance of £15 for each occasion of 

on-call after the officer in question has 

undertaken 12 on-call sessions in the year. 

The PAT did not make an award, 

meaning that this recommendation was 

not accepted. In explaining why it did not 

make an award, the PAT stated that the 

proposed level of £15 was ‘rather low’, 

given: 

l The high level of skills required to be 

possessed by officers who are on-call. 

l The proposed 12 on-call sessions 

qualifying period. 

l The fact that an amount of £23 per 

session has been applied in Scotland. 

The PAT agreed with Staff Side that the 

issue of on-call should be examined as part of 

Winsor Part 2. 

3) Variable shift arrangements 

Winsor recommended that chief officers 

will no longer need Joint Branch Board 

( JBB) agreement before bringing into 

operation a variable shift arrangement 

(VSA). 

Unfortunately, the PAT accepted this 

recommendation. Now chief officers will only 

need to consult, rather than agree, a VSA 

with the local JBB. They will also have to 

consult with the affected officers and take full 

account of their individual circumstances, 

including the likely effects of the new 

arrangement on their personal 

circumstances. New shift arrangements 

should not be brought into effect earlier than 

30 days after the communication of the 

decision of the chief officer. 

4) Part-time working 

Winsor recommended that an officer 

wishing to return from part-time to 

full-time working must be appointed 

within two months if the force has a 

suitable vacancy and within four months 

of the written notice being received. 

The PAT has accepted this recommendation. 

5) Mutual aid/Held in reserve 

Winsor recommended that: 

l The Hertfordshire Agreement should 

no longer apply for officers on mutual 

aid, and that officers should be paid for 

the hours they are required to work 

each day, plus travelling time to and 

from the place of duty. 

l 

That the definition of ‘proper 

accommodation’ should be revised to 

describe a single occupancy room with 

use of en suite bathroom facilities. 

Where such accommodation is not 

provided, the officer should receive a 

payment of £30 per night. The current 

definition of ‘higher standard 

accommodation’ should be removed 

and not replaced. 

l Officers held in reserve on a day, and 

who have not been paid for any mutual 

aid tour of duty that day, should 

receive the on-call allowance of £15 

for that day. 

6 


The PAT has modified these proposals: 

· The PAT has awarded that officers on 

mutual aid who are unable to return 

home are to receive a new ‘Away from 

Home Overnight Allowance’ of £50 per 

night, as well as payment for all hours 

worked plus travelling time to and from 

the place of duty. 

· The PAT has accepted the definition and 

payment level in respect of ‘proper 

accommodation’. 

· The PAT has not made an award in 

respect of an on-call allowance (see 

above). 

6) Pay increments 

Winsor recommended that all officers 

below the top of their pay scale should be 

suspended at that increment for a 

two-year period. 

The PAT has modified these proposals. The 

first three steps on the constables’ scale will be 

excluded from the proposed suspension. 

7) Competence Related Threshold 

Payments 

Winsor recommended that Competence 

Related Threshold Payments (CRTPs) 

should be abolished. 

The PAT has modified these proposals. 

CRTPs will remain in place for those who 

already receive them, but there will be a 

two-year freeze on new applications. 

8) Special Priority Payments 

Winsor recommended that Special 

Priority Payments (SPPs) should be 

abolished and all outstanding SPPs should 

be paid on a pro-rata basis. 


9) Housing Allowance 

Winsor recommended that: 

l Housing replacement allowance 

should remain, but that it should not 

go up for an officer if their personal 

circumstances change, for example if 

they receive a promotion. 

l The existing framework, by which the 

amount an officer receives reduces 

when he or she lives with another 

officer also receiving the allowance, 

should remain. 


10) Role-related pay (EPAA) 

Winsor recommended that an interim 

Expertise and Professional Accreditation 

Allowance (EPAA) of £1,200 per annum 

should be introduced for officers in the 

following categories: 

l Professionalising Investigation 

Programme (PIP) accredited 

detectives. 

l Officers accredited to Public Order 

Level 1 or 2. 

l Officers in possession of Authorised 

Firearms Officer status. 

l 

Officers who have worked in 

neighbourhood policing for three 

years. 

These roles were chosen without any 

apparent transparency and Staff Side had 

concerns that they would lead to an 

increase in the gender pay gap. There was 

also evidence that forces would restrict the 

numbers of officers who could access these 

roles. 

The PAT did not make an award, accepting 

Staff Side’s view that rewarding officers in 

particular roles or with specific skills should be 

properly examined in Part 2 of the Winsor 

review, looking at longer term reform. 

11) Unsocial hours payments 

Winsor recommended that all constables, 

sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors 

should receive an additional 10 per cent of 

their basic pay, on an hourly basis, for any 

hours worked between 8:00pm and 

6:00am. This allowance would not be 

pensionable. Winsor estimated that 

officers on a standard eight-hour 

alternating shift system within a fourteam 

pattern would receive an average 

unsocial hours allowance of: 

l Constables - £1,200 per annum. 

l Sergeants - £1,500 per annum. 

l Inspectors - £1,900 per annum. 

l Chief inspectors - £2,100 per annum. 


What happens next? 

“Clearly officers will have questions about 

the implementation of the PAT ruling,” says 

Ian Rennie, general secretary of the Police 

Federation. 

“The PAT did not specify a deadline for 

any of its recommendations to be 

implemented, but it did envisage that the 

necessary changes to administrative 

processes to implement its recommendations 

would have been completed by 1 April 2012. 

“Subsequent to the Home Secretary’s 

announcement, we expect a Home Office 

Circular and draft determinations for 

consultation within the Police Negotiating 

Board, which would set out the timeframe 

in respect of the implementation and 

detailed operation of the changes set out in 

the PAT ruling.” 


You work hard to protect others – 

let us protect you 

Car and Home Insurance 

exclusively for the 

Police Family 

With no overseas call centres, no automated 

phone systems and a team of insurance 

specialists, Roland Smith has a reputation 

for providing the Police with outstanding 

service when it comes to arranging 

insurance and handling claims. 

We’ve been arranging insurance for the 

Police Family for over 45 years. And we 

currently arrange car insurance for over 

41,000 and home insurance for over 

23,000 serving and retired officers. 

Our car insurance is provided by RSA Insurance Group plc 

and our home insurance is provided by Aviva Insurance 

UK Limited. 

To find out why 

so many of your 

colleagues choose 

us, call us today on 

0151 242 7640 

Your home insurance Your car insurance Your breakdown cover Your travel insurance 

Roland Smith Limited, registered address: 1st Floor, India Buildings, Brunswick Street, Liverpool L2 0XH. Registered in England & Wales No. 01073408. Roland Smith Limited is 

authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Police Mutual Assurance Society Limited. Calls are recorded and may be monitored. 

8 

www.westmidspolfed.com 

RSL00015 0911

Recommendations agreed in principle 

at PNB and not referred to PAT 

l Chief officers should recognise whole 

teams, both officers and staff, with a team 

recognition award payment of £50 to £100 

each for outstandingly demanding, 

unpleasant or important work, or 

outstanding work for the public. 

l Police Authorities should be required to 

pay all reasonable costs arising from the 

sale and purchase of a chief officer’s house, 

and should pay all tax liabilities arising 

from any relocation packages, so that, for 

the chief officer concerned, there is no 

personal financial disadvantage. 

l Police Authorities should publish 

details of all benefits for chief officers and 

their values in their annual reports, 

itemised by officer. 

l Chief officers should provide receipts 

for all expenses, and information as to 

expenses above £50 paid to chief officers 

should be published quarterly on the Police 

Authority’s website. 

l The link between Motor Vehicle 

Allowance for police officers and that for 

local authorities should be re-established 

from September 2011. 

l Officers’ maternity entitlement should 

increase from 13 weeks at full pay to 18 

weeks at full pay, with officers having the 

option, with the agreement of their chief 

officer, to spread the final five weeks of 

maternity pay over 10 weeks at a reduced 

rate. 

l The Police Pension Regulations should 

be amended to allow chief officers to make 

a choice in relation to the time at which 

their pension benefits crystallise. 

l The criteria for the use of powers in 

Regulation A19 should be amended, with 

service-critical skills and performance being 

explicit considerations. 

l As quickly as possible, police forces 

should be provided with the ability to offer 

voluntary exit terms to police officers, 

substantially on the terms contained in the 

Civil Service Compensation Scheme 2010. 

Disappointment at PAT decision 

The long-awaited decision of the 

Police Arbitration Tribunal (PAT) 

considering the Winsor review of 

pay and conditions was announced 

on 9 January. 

Police Federation leaders immediately 

expressed their disappointment at the 

outcome, saying the Winsor review was a 

“conscious and deliberate” attack on the 

police service. The majority of Winsor’s 

recommendations considered by the PAT 

were accepted and a number were 

modified. 

“We are extremely disappointed with 

today’s decision by the Police Arbitration 

Tribunal and know that many police 

officers across England and Wales will be 

angry and dismayed about their future. 

However, we entered in to the negotiation 

process in good faith and therefore, whilst 

not happy with the entire decision, accept 

their ruling,” said Paul McKeever, 

chairman of the Police Federation, in a 

statement issued on the day the PAT 

ruling was announced. 

“As part of Staff Side of the Police 

Negotiating Board, during the 

negotiations, the Police Federation of 

England and Wales recognised the 

financial difficulties this country faces. 

With this in mind, Staff Side tabled 

savings from police pay equivalent to the 

savings proposed by the Official Side that 

did not result in many of our members 

experiencing a disproportionate financial 

detriment. 

“This considerable commitment to 

reform, together with the financial savings 

offered from police pay by a staff 

association, is unprecedented. The fact that 

the Official Side rejected the alternative 

proposals demonstrates that this is not 

about making fiscal savings but a conscious 

and deliberate attack on the police service. 

“The arbiters have taken account of 

elements of the Staff Side evidence in their 

ruling today and we appreciate that had we 

not fought against the Winsor 

recommendations then the Government 

would have proceeded to implement them 

in full. So, whilst disappointed, we will 

stand by the arbiters’ decision, which is a 

Police Negotiating Board agreement 

binding on both the Official Side and Staff 

Side. 

“Moving forward, we will do everything 

in our power at the Police Negotiating 

Board to minimise the negative impact 

today’s decision could have on police 

officers.” 

The Police Arbitration Tribunal (PAT) 

ruling will further compound the low 

morale in what is going to be an extremely 

difficult and challenging year for policing, 

according to the Police Federation. 

And in a letter to all MPs, Federation 

chairman Paul McKeever and general 

secretary Ian Rennie pointed out that many 

officers will lose thousands of pounds each 

year as well as seeing the value of their 

pensions fall. 


Our alternative 

proposal was viable, 

says Federation 

The Police Federation’s priority 

throughout the Winsor report 

negotiation process has been to 

protect the pensionable pay of 

police officers. 

And the Official Side’s refusal to 

consider Staff Side alternative proposals is 

seen by the Federation as a direct attack 

on the police service. 

The greatest threats to pensionable pay 

in the Winsor review were the proposals 

for a two-year freeze on the incremental 

pay scale and the abolition of CRTPs. 

The Police Federation of England and 

Wales has always emphasised that police 

officers fully understood they must play 

their part to help tackle the country’s 

financial situation. 

But it says the comprehensive Staff 

Side alternative proposals would have saved 

£367 million from police officer pay over 

the period up to April 2014. The Official 

Side/Winsor proposals would have saved 

£387 million over the same period. The 

difference between both sides was just £20 

million over two and a half years – just over 

5.1 per cent less than Winsor’s proposals. 

Staff Side’s savings were front-loaded 

to match the profile of the cuts to the 

police service announced in the 

Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), 

in which the cuts to police spending are 

concentrated in the years 2011-12 and 

2012-13. 

The Official Side confirmed that Staff 

Side’s savings would generate £325 

million between September 2011 and 

April 2014, but failed to take into account 

the full Special Priority Payments (SPP) 

pot which Staff Side was willing to 

concede for 2011-12 and which would 

have brought the savings to £367 million. 

In addition, the year on year savings 

from the housing replacement allowance 

were not factored into the Winsor savings 

and these will accrue an additional £55 

million in total by 2014. 

‘Morale further hit’, MPs told 

The Police Arbitration Tribunal 

(PAT) ruling will further 

compound the low morale in what 

is going to be an extremely difficult 

and challenging year for policing, 

according to the Police Federation. 

And in a letter to all MPs, Federation 

chairman Paul McKeever and general 

secretary Ian Rennie point out that many 

officers will lose thousands of pounds each 

year as well as seeing the value of their 

pensions fall. 

“Police officers understand they must 

play their part to help tackle the country’s 

financial situation. However, the very fact 

that the Government rejected an 

alternative proposal from the Staff Side of 

the Police Negotiating Board, which would 

have delivered similar savings and avoided 

such a disproportionate financial 

detriment, clearly demonstrates this is 

nothing to do with the fiscal problem and 

is instead a direct attack on the police 

service,” they said. 

“In a survey we conducted last year in 

which 43,000 police officers responded, an 

incredible 98 per cent said they were 

demoralised; the arbiters’ decision will 

further compound the low morale in what 

is going to be an extremely difficult and 

challenging year for policing.” 

But, despite their disappointment in 

the PAT decision on the Winsor Part 1 

report, the Federation leaders said they 

would accept it and they asked MPs to 

press the Home Secretary to ratify the 

ruling in full. 

“For the Home Secretary not to ratify 

the arbiters’ decision in full, other than to 

accept the Staff Side offer of savings as an 

alternative, could see officers facing even 

greater financial detriment. Although 

unhappy, we must accept the PAT 

decision,” they point out. 

Their letter also called on MPs to 

support police officers. 

“Looking to the future, in addition to 

the proposed increase to pension 

contributions, we face even more changes 

to our structure, terms and conditions with 

the publication of the Winsor Part 2 report 

expected within weeks. How much more 

can police officers be expected to take? 

Please show your support for your police 

officer constituents and their families as we 

face further uncertainty in the months 

ahead. It is their goodwill that ensures the 

safety and the security of those you are 

elected to represent,” the letter concluded. 

10 


Pension contributions 

to go up 

Officers in the Police Pension 

Schemes will see their 

contribution rates rise for 2012 

- 2013, following an 

announcement by the Home Secretary. 

However, proposed increases for the 

following two years will be further 

considered at the Police Negotiating Board 

(PNB). 

Theresa May has confirmed she will 

implement the first year of increases to 

police pension contribution rates (i.e. 2012 

- 13), in line with the proposal put to the 

PNB in July last year. 

Contribution increases for members of 

both the PPS and NPPS from 1 April 

2012 will be tiered as follows: 

Tier 1: those on basic annual salary of 

under £27,000 (equivalent to constables 

with less than two years’ service); 

Tier 2: those on basic annual salary of 

more than £27,000 but less than £60,000 

(equivalent to constables with two years’ 

service or more to chief inspectors); and 

Tier 3: those on a basic annual salary of 

£60,000 and over (equivalent to 

superintendents and above). 

The actual increases are as follows: 

Tier 1: 

PPS – n/a 

NPPS – 0.6 per cent increase (a 

contribution rate of 10.1 per cent) 

Tier 2: 

PPS – 1.25 per cent increase (a 


NPPS – 1 per cent increase (a contribution 

rate of 10.5 per cent) 

“ 

2014 

The Home Secretary has decided to implement the 

increase for 2012 - 13 and will ask the PNB to 

consider the proposed increases for 2013 - 14 and 

- 15 in line with other public service schemes. 

Tier 3: 

PPS – 1.5 per cent increase (a contribution 

rate of 12.5 per cent) 

NPPS – 1.25 per cent increase (a 


Ian Rennie, general secretary of the 

Police Federation, explains: “The proposal 

from the Home Secretary that was sent to 

the Staff Side of the Police Negotiation 

Board for consultation in July 2011 

included proposed increases to the police 

pension contribution rates, which were in 

accordance with the recommendations 

within the Hutton review of public sector 

pensions and were to be phased in over 

three years from April this year. 

“Within our response to the 

consultation we identified our concerns 

that police officers were being consulted 

on year-on-year increases for the next 

three years whereas other public service 

groups were being consulted on the 

increase for 2012 - 13 only, with the 

increases for 2013 - 14 and 2014 - 15 

being subject to further consultation and 

discussion. 

“The Home Secretary has now decided 

that it would not be right to implement all 

three years of increases for police officers 

when other public service schemes are 

only implementing the first year. Instead 

the Home Secretary has decided to 

implement the increase for 2012 - 13 and 

will ask the PNB to consider the proposed 

increases for 2013 - 14 and 2014 - 15 in 

line with other public service schemes.” 


Winsor time – 15 

months and counting 

2010 

1 October: The Government announced 

there would be a widespread review of 

police pay by Tom Winsor, the former rail 

regulator. 

Since then it is not only Winsor to 

have caused angst and uncertainty for 

police officers. So too have the Hutton 

report on pensions, Neyroud’s review of 

police leadership and training, cuts to 

police budgets and the fact that a West 

Midlands Police Federation led campaign 

for a Royal Commission on policing was 

largely ignored by the Government. 

Former rail regulator Tom Winsor. 

2011 

14 February: There was no love lost with a 

surprise announcement that the 

independent Winsor 1 report would not 

be made public until after it had been seen 

by the Home Secretary Theresa May. The 

review’s initial findings were expected to 

be made public on 28 February. 

24 February: Tom Winsor was given an 

extra week to report back on his initial 

findings. The report was expected to be 

widely available on 7 March. 

3 March: The Home Secretary was 

accused of undermining the independence 

of the Winsor review by making an 

announcement on cuts to policing 

budgets before the report was published. 

8 March: A date many will remember! 

Part 1 of Winsor’s review was made 

public and was immediately condemned 

by the Police Federation of England and 

Wales 

National chairman Paul McKeever 

said: “These recommendations, if 

implemented, together with the two-year 

pay freeze and a likely increase in pension 

contributions, will have a devastating 

effect on policing. Police officers are likely 

to suffer a 15 - 20 per cent reduction in 

the value of their pay. Officers and their 

families are paying the price for the 

failure of the Home Secretary to 

safeguard policing from the 20 per cent 

cut on the service imposed by the 

Treasury.” 

Paul McKeever, national chairman of the 

Police Federation of England and Wales. 

9 March: Losing no time, West Midlands 

Police Federation representatives met 

with MPs and shadow policing minister 

Vernon Coaker in Westminster to share 

their concerns about Winsor’s proposals. 

10 March: Just days after the release of 

the Winsor report, Lord Hutton’s 

long-awaited review of pensions is 

published. The review called for millions 

of public sector workers – including the 

police – to work longer for lower pensions 

prompting an angry response from union 

leaders. 

11 March: West Midlands Police 

Federation launches its campaign for a 

Royal Commission on Policing, saying a 

root and branch review is needed to 

develop a modern and effective police 

service. 

31 March: The Home Secretary 

submitted the Winsor report in its 

entirety to the Police Negotiating Board 

(PNB) with a direction that it is dealt 

with as a matter of urgency. 

5 April: The Review of Police Leadership 

and Training consultation paper by Peter 

Neyroud was published by the Home 

Office. 

14 April: The Police Federation launched 

a hard-hitting national advertising 

campaign to fight the Government’s cuts 

and the Winsor recommendations. It 

began a series of posters and adverts 

entitled “‘Consequences…”. 

20 April: The Police Federation’s general 

secretary Ian Rennie says he feels ‘let 

down’ by Tom Winsor. 

Ian, who is also Staff Side secretary of 

the Police Negotiating Board (PNB), says: 

“If only Tom Winsor had included within 

his report what he said to me on two 

occasions, ‘if there was ever a case for a 

Royal Commission in policing it’s now’.” 

12 


16 May: A survey published at the start of 

the national Police Federation conference 

week reveals police officers in the West 

Midlands believe the Government’s plan 

to cut 20 per cent of the police budget 

over the next four years and a reduction in 

police officer numbers will have a 

detrimental effect on crime levels and 

result in the public getting a poorer 

service. 

19 May: Home Secretary Theresa May 

rejects the Federation’s campaign for a 

Royal Commission, telling the Federation 

conference it would take too long when 

cuts and reform were needed sooner. 

29 June: Tom Winsor claims around 60 

per cent of officers could be better off 

financially if his recommendations were 

approved. 

He also argues police should be given 

short-term commissions, as used in the 

armed services, rather than a job for life. 

Addressing the Commons Home Affairs 

Select Committee, he admits his proposals 

would create losers and winners. 

13 July: A Police Federation open 

meeting attended by 2,500 off duty 

officers is held in the Central Methodist 

Hall in Westminster – the first of a 

number of events designed to protest to 

the Government about its cuts and reform 

programme. 

Among the guest speakers at the event 

were Yvette Cooper, the shadow home 

secretary, Sir Hugh Orde, president of 

ACPO, Derek Barnett of the 

Superintendents’ Association, and the 

Police Federation chairman and general 

secretary, Paul McKeever and Ian Rennie. 

But Andy Gilbert, chairman of West 

Midlands Police Federation, wins the only 

standing ovation of the afternoon with his 

hard-hitting speech. 

28 July: The (PNB) fails to reach an 

agreement over pay and the 

recommendations in Part 1 of the Winsor 

report. The matter is therefore referred to 

the independent Police Arbitration 

Tribunal (PAT) for a decision on 18 

recommendations. A further nine 

recommendations had previously been 

agreed in principle between Staff Side and 

the Official Side, but not ratified by the 

Home Secretary who prefers to wait 

instead until the outcome of the PAT 

before making her decision. 

August: Riots spread around the country, 

stretching police resources and 

highlighting the danger of police cuts. 

27 September: The Home Affairs Select 

Committee report ‘New Landscape of 

Policing’ recommends the Government 

revises its timetable for introducing the 

changes due to concerns the Government 

may not be able to meet its own targets. 

29 September: The Police Federation 

submits its evidence to Part 2 of the 

Winsor review into longer term issues 

around pay and conditions. 

3 October: A row over the Winsor report 

into pay and conditions starts after it was 

alleged some of the officers mentioned do 

not even exist. It is disclosed in The 

Observer newspaper that accusations are 

rife that former rail regulator Tom Winsor 

misrepresented the views of officers 

4 October: Federation national chairman 

Paul McKeever welcomes an 

announcement from shadow home 

secretary Yvette Cooper that former 

Scotland Yard chief Lord Stevens will lead 

an independent review of policing. 

7 October: The PAT hearing is set for 

Tuesday 8 November, it will consider the 

recommendations from Winsor 1. 

8 November: The PAT hearing opens, but 

fails to conclude and a second day is 

scheduled - 22 November. 

10 November: The Federation’s general 

secretary warns officers may not get a 

decision from the Police Arbitration 

Tribunal (PAT) until after Christmas. 

22 November: The pay tribunal concludes 

after a second day’s hearing. A decision is 

expected to be announced within 28 days. 

2012 

9 January: The PAT decision is 

announced. The majority of Winsor 1 

recommendations considered by the PAT 

were accepted and a number were 

modified. 

Police Federation leaders said the 

Winsor review was a “conscious and 

deliberate” attack on the police service. 


Federation, said: “We are extremely 

disappointed with today’s decision by the 

Police Arbitration Tribunal and know that 

many police officers across England and 

Wales will be angry and dismayed about 

their future. However, we entered in to the 

negotiation process in good faith and 

therefore, whilst not happy with the entire 

decision, accept their ruling.” 

12 January: The Federation appeals for 

patience while a series of meetings are 

arranged to enable informed discussion to 

take place on the PAT decision and to 

understand the detail. 

Federation General Secretary Ian 

Rennie says: “The Home Secretary has not 

yet ratified any of the recommendations. 

Until she informs us of her decision and 

we become fully aware of what is 

proposed, it is difficult for me to speculate 

as to any impact on the future pay and 

conditions of our members. 

“I would ask you to be patient as at 

this stage it could be unhelpful to 

speculate what the future holds. These are 

extremely difficult and challenging times 

for us all and it is important that we 

maintain a united front and keep some of 

our ‘powder dry’.” 

Home Secretary, Theresa May. 

30 January: Home Secretary accepts all 

findings of the PAT. Federation chairman 

Paul McKeever says he’s pleased the 

decision has been ratified and accepts the 

PAT ruling but adds: “Whichever way you 

dress it up, this will mean serious financial 

hardship for police officers.” 

Coming soon: Meetings of the Police 

Negotiating Board (PNB) and the 

Federation’s Joint Central Committee 

( JCC). 

Winsor 2 report: Looking at longer term 

issues of pay and conditions. 


Fed reps keep 

pressure on MPs 

The London Eye against the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament. 

Reps and MPs at the working lunch. 

Federation representatives have 

attended a working dinner in 

Westminster as part of their 

continuing campaign to keep pressure 

on MPs from across the West Midlands. 

During the latest lobbying event, 17 reps 

from across the Federated ranks met with 13 

MPs in Dining Room 1 at the House of 

Commons. 

“Within the meeting the Winsor, 

Neyroud and Hutton reports were all 

discussed along with the PAT decision,” 

explains Stuart Chadderton, constables’ rep 

for Birmingham West and Central LPU. 

“We were keen to talk to MPs about the 

unacceptable way in which the Government 

is cutting police numbers. We discussed the 

increase in crime figures, the summer 2011 

riots and the fact that fewer police officers on 

the streets is resulting in more crime. The 

public wants more than ever to see police 

officers in their neighbourhoods and this is 

being taken away from them. 

“The working dinner was successful and 

gave us the opportunity to get our message 

across to the MPs representing constituencies 

across the West Midlands. WMPF has 

actively taken the lead in positively lobbying 

MPs, and it seems to be effective and the 

only way MPs will truly listen, as they are 

obliged to serve those living and working 

within their constituencies. 

“Talking with MPs is the way forward 

and lobbying directly, such as with this event, 

14 


The WMPF reps lay a wreath at the National Police Memorial. 

has more impact as well as providing an 

effective means of dealing with business 

quickly. 

“Overall the MPs understood that cuts to 

policing are having a bad effect but say that 

the Government has to deal with the deficit.” 

The MPs who attended the meeting 

were: 

Bob Ainsworth – Labour, Coventry NE 

Ian Austin – Labour, Dudley North 

Adrian Bailey – Labour, West Browmich 

West 

Jim Cunningham – Labour, Coventry South 

Jack Dromey – Labour, Birmingham 

Erdington 

Stephen McCabe – Labour, Selly Oak 

Pat McFadden – Labour, Wolverhampton 

SE 

Emma Reynolds – Labour, Wolverhampton 

NE 

John Spellar – Labour, Warley 

John Hemming – Liberal Democrat, Yardley 

Margot James – Conservative, Stourbridge 

Chris Kelly – Conservative, Dudley South 

James Morris – Conservative, Halesowen & 

Rowley Regis. 

The reps also used the trip to London to 

visit the National Police Memorial where 

they laid a wreath to pay their respects to 

colleagues who have fallen in the line of duty. 

They talked about the memorial during the 

dinner, stressing to MPs that when 

something goes wrong in the line of duty 

there can be grave consequences and that the 

role of policing should not be undervalued. 

West Midlands Police Federation is 

planning further meetings with MPs in their 

constituencies. John Tooms, deputy 

discipline lead, and Wolverhampton 

sergeants’ rep Tom Cuddeford are linking in 

with their MPs again and the Federation is in 

close contact with Jack Dromey and John 

Hemming over issues affecting members. 

John Spellar has said he wants to help in the 

future. 

“ 

with 

Talking with MPs is the way forward and lobbying 

directly, such as with this event, has more impact as 

well as providing an effective means of dealing 

business quickly. 


Looking for 

a good deal 

on home 

insurance? 

• 20% discount on your current renewal* 

• Home Assistance included 

• Contents cover includes £500 

for Force-issued equipment* 

Call George Burrows 

01603 828 280 

www.georgeburrows.com 

*New customers only, subject to a minimum premium 

of £138.00 and underwriting criteria. 

George Burrows is a trading name of Heath Lambert Limited which is authorised and regulated 

by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: 9 Alie Street, London E1 8DE. 

Registered No: 1199129 England and Wales. www.gallagherheath.com. 

16 

SD3331_A/18012012 


Officers urged to 

respond to stress survey 

Officers are being urged to 

respond to a West Midlands 

Police Federation 

commissioned survey to find 

out how the proposed changes to policing 

are affecting their stress levels. 

To help in conducting the research, 

the Federation has enlisted the help of Dr 

Jonathan Houdmont, a lecturer in 

occupational health psychology at the 

University of Nottingham. 

“I would ask all members to fill out the 

survey and return it to us as soon as 

possible. The more people who take part 

the more conclusive the findings will be 

and the more power we will have to seek 

to address the issues raised,” says Chris 

Jones, secretary of West Midlands Police 

Federation. 

The staff survey carried out in June last 

year revealed morale was painfully low – at 

a time when the police service is being 

told it can offer a better service to the 

public for less money. 

Now the Federation has launched the 

online survey – the first of its kind in UK 

policing - to assess the effect of work on 

the general health and well-being of staff, 

known as psychosocial hazard exposure. 

This will be done in accordance with the 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 

management standards. 

The findings will be compared to HSE 

targets as well as benchmark data drawn 

from the researcher’s own previous 

research on psychosocial hazard exposure 

in UK policing. 

All members of staff have been invited 

to complete the survey by logging on to 

the internet link being sent out by local 

Federation representatives. 

The survey was published in early 

February and is open for around a month. 

Chris concludes: “Please complete and 

return your form. If you haven’t already 

received the link please contact your Fed 

rep as soon as possible.” 

AIRPOWER ® P6 HIGH 

> Waterproof and extremely breathable 

with GORE-TEX® 

> HAIX ® AS-System (Arch Support System) 

> Non Slip Rubber/PU Sole 

Quality shoes for security, firefighters, rescue services, hunting, workwear and leisure time 

HAIX ® -Schuhe Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH, D-84048 Mainburg, T. +49 (0) 87 51/86 25-0, info@haix.de 

www.haix.com 

 

 


Federation welcomes 

HMIC report on summer 

riots... 

...but warns of 

difficulty to 

protect public 

from future 

action due to 

cuts. 

A West Midlands police officer on duty during the summer riots. 

The Police Federation has welcomed a 

report analysing the policing 

response to the August 2011 riots – 

but has warned it will become harder 

to protect the public as resources are cut. 


Federation of England and Wales, said the 

‘Rules of Engagement’ report published by 

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary 

(HMIC) drew many of the same 

conclusions as the Federation’s own 

internal reviews. 

The report said further work was 

needed to give forces clear guidance on the 

size of deployments, the need for mutual 

aid, pre-emptive action, public order 

18 


Police and the fire service work in partnership to deal with the aftermath of the 

Birmingham riots. 

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg with the 

West Midlands Chief Constable at the scene of 

the Birmingham riots. 

tactics, the number of officers (including 

commanders) trained in public order 

policing and an appropriate arrests policy. 

It also said the police need to be better 

prepared, trained and ready to protect the 

public if they are to improve upon their 

response to public disorder. 

Speaking after the publication of the 

review, the national chairman said: “This 

review highlights that any future evolution 

of tactics will require significant numbers 

of officers and resources to successfully 

execute a response. 

“When the service stands to lose 34,000 

officers and staff and 20 per cent of its 

budget over the coming years, serious 

questions have to be asked. 

“The report identifies the likelihood of 

future public disorder – will the resilience 

be there to combat it? The police service 

will continue to face down any challenges 

and protect the public to the best of its 

ability come what may. However, we must 

recognise that this will only become harder 

with fewer resources to call upon. 

“What is clear is that it was police 

numbers that brought the violence under 

control and the bravery of individual 

officers who were faced with unprecedented 

circumstances.” 

Cuts to police will ‘jeopardise public safety’ 

The Home Affairs Select Committee 

report on the summer riots has 

compounded the Federation’s view that 

cuts to the police service will ‘jeopardise 

public safety’. 

The report, called “Policing Large 

Scale Disorder: Lessons from the 

disturbances of August 2011”, states that 

sheer numbers of police officers on the 

streets stopped the disorder. 

It goes on to say ‘the single most 

important reason why the disorder spread 

was the perception, relayed by television 

as well as social media, that in some areas 

the police had lost control of the streets 

and suggests turning off social media 

during times of widespread and serious 

disorder’. 

Commenting on the report, Simon 

Reed, vice-chairman of the Police 

Federation of England and Wales, said: “I 

don’t know how the Government decides 

what price they place on public safety but 

this report further compounds our view that 

cutting the police budget is inadvisable and 

could jeopardise public safety. 

“The very nature of policing is that it is 

unpredictable and an emergency service. We 

need to ensure that the police service has the 

resilience, police officer numbers, training 

and equipment to deal with whatever is 

thrown at it; this is the very basis of our 

concern about the Government cuts of 20 

per cent to the policing budget. 

“We recognise that initially it was 

difficult to cope with the widespread and 

unprecedented disorder we witnessed in 

August this year but, through sufficient 

police officer numbers, we were able to 

contain the situation and restore order to 

the streets across the UK. 

“Our genuine fear is, should a similar 

situation occur again in future years, that 

despite our very best efforts, with less 

police officers and the impact of the 

budget cuts on training, we would struggle 

to protect the public and any lessons 

learned now would be wasted.” 


20 


Federation makes final 

submission to Winsor 2 

Final comments have been submitted 

by the Police Federation of England 

and Wales to Part 2 of the Winsor 

review. 

Paul Wylie, secretary of the review, 

wrote to Federation general secretary Ian 

Rennie before Christmas asking for any 

final thoughts on six issues including fitness 

testing for in-service officers, over-time, the 

standard of education for entry at senior 

ranks and constable and paid union 

officials. 

Fighting against fitness tests for 

in-service officers, which Winsor seems 

keen to recommend, Ian replied: “The 

Police Advisory Board for England and 

Wales has previously considered and 

rejected in-service fitness tests as not being 

appropriate or necessary for access to, or 

retention in, all police roles. 

“Mr Winsor needs to ask whether, and 

if so, what level of fitness is required to 

undertake other roles in the service. The 

fitness standard selected needs to be 

justified under the requirements of the 

Equality Act.” 

Asked about the educational standards 

he believed would be required for entry at 

senior rank, he explained: “The PFEW is 

opposed to officers being recruited directly 

into senior ranks. Our submission to Part 2 

of the review makes this plain. It is 

therefore otiose for us to speculate on the 

skills required to join the service at senior 

ranks.” 

And he urged Winsor to “identify 

where the prospective pool of diverse 

candidates are currently employed, with the 

requisite skills, abilities and inclination to 

join the Service at senior ranks”. 

He also claimed any educational 

standards Winsor recommends to join the 

service as a constable will need to be 

justified under the indirect discrimination 

provisions of the Equality Act. 

And, he stressed how in 2007 the 

service decided to use an assessment centre 

“where candidates could demonstrate their 

skills and abilities rather than relying on 

academic standards that may have no 

practical relevance to the work of a police 

officer”. 

The general secretary said he did not 

believe over-time should be ‘bought out’ for 

certain roles or ranks, stating: “...over-time 

is a necessary consequence of the nature of 

police work, and that utilising existing 

officers in this way reduces the need to 

recruit more officers, which is not an 

option...” 

He conceded over-time should be 

reduced further but “retaining the cost of 

over-time for both constables and sergeants 

remains a matter of basic fairness that 

police officers should be entitled to a 

reasonable work-life balance. This view is 

supported by the experience of the 

“ 

inspecting ranks whose over-time was 

removed in 1994 in the wake of the Sheehy 

Report. As a consequence of this removal 

their workload increased substantially and 

has remained a constant source of 

discontent within the rank.” 

On the topic of regional pay, Ian said 

he believed it would be unfair to expect 

officers, sometimes at a moment’s notice, to 

perform their duties across the UK at 

‘different and less favourable rates’. 

He continued: “If the Official Side or 

Staff Side felt that there was a case for a 

particular location allowance for police 

officers in specific parts of the country, 

either side would be free to bring a 

proposal or claim to the Police Negotiating 

Board.” 

The final Winsor Part 2 report was 

expected to be published some time in 

January 2012. 

The PFEW is opposed to officers being recruited 

directly into senior ranks. Our submission to Part 2 

of the review makes this plain. It is therefore otiose 

for us to speculate on the skills required to join the 

service at senior ranks. 


This Spring, 

we’re busy 

Once a 

member, apply 

for a loan up to 

a maximum of 

£20,000. 

No waiting 

period. 

cutting 

the loan 

1% off Resourcer loan interest 

for the full duration of the loan*. 

Interest rates might already be low but we’re 

offering a 1% discount on Resourcer loan rates. 

Just 8% APR* representative fixed for new 

loans, subject to terms and conditions. 

For recent borrowers with a good repayment record, 

we offer a 1.5% discount, meaning a fantastic 

7.5%** APR representative fixed (see terms below). 

Discount for the full term of the loan for 

applications received by 31 May 2012. 

Apply now - in a tough economic climate, 

we think this is the right kind of cut! 

APPLY NOW! 

Offers available for new Resourcer 

loan applications to 31 May 2012*. 

Please visit our website for 

regional branch addresses. 

* Subject to terms and conditions. 

Offer may be withdrawn without notice, subject 

to availability of funds to lend. 

Extra loyalty discount of 1.5% offered subject to 

approval, open only to previous Resourcer or 

Responder borrowers who have paid off their loan since 

30 September 2010 and did not miss any repayments. 

Loans subject to status, conditions and credit 

checks to members aged 18 or over. 

Written quotations for loans available on request. 

The Police Credit Union is authorised and 

regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 

FSA no. 213306. 

Under the Distance Marketing Directive, you 

have the right to cancel your loan agreement within 

14 days of signing, without financial penalty or 

interest charge, by repaying the loan in full. 

Head Office, Guardians House, 2111 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3EA 

PoliceCU. 

Savings and loans for the police family. 

Honorary President: Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, QPM, DL 

www.policecu.co.uk

Overwhelming support for 

festive appeal for the homeless 

A 

team of police officers and staff 

collected almost 3,000 bars of 

chocolate, 2,000 pairs of socks 

and 180 sleeping bags for the 

homeless at Christmas thanks to the 

generosity of colleagues across the Force. 

Appeal organisers PC Ian Northcott, 

PC Rosie Jones, Tony Rabin, Lesley Byrne 

and PC Rob Starr delivered the donations 

from colleagues to homeless people in 

Birmingham, Coventry and 

Wolverhampton on Christmas Day. 

The team worked hard in the run up to 

Christmas. Lesley, who is based at Aqua 

House, ran a number of fund-raising 

activities including cake sales, raffles and 

dress down days, raising well over £200. 

Rosie collected items for the appeal 

from car boot sales and sourced donations 

from family, friends and colleagues. 

And police officers and staff from all 

over the Force responded to the appeal and 

donated thousands of items. 

The items collected and distributed this 

year included: 

l 1,800 pairs of socks 

l 2,800 bars of chocolates 

l 180 sleeping bags 

l 400 blankets 

l 150 hats and gloves 

l 20 duvets. 

Ian said: “As individuals we wanted to 

do something to help people less fortunate 

than ourselves, and we were overwhelmed 

by the support of colleagues and friends. 

“This year I was aiming for at least 250 

pairs of socks, 250 items of chocolate and 

150 sleeping bags, so I was really pleased 

with the result.” 

Rosie added: “Thank you to everyone 

who supported us, the contributions were 

overwhelming and the appreciation 

displayed from those that received your 

donations was heartfelt by us all.” 


Roads policing under scrutiny 

at national conference 

By Inspector Mark Watkins 

Collision Investigation Unit 

West Midlands Police 

24 

Somewhere in the UK today five 

families will receive a knock on the 

door from a police officer to tell 

them that the loved one they waved 

goodbye to just a few hours before has been 

killed in a collision. 

Those families’ lives will never be the 

same again; and the devastation won’t be 

exclusive to the family it will be far 

wider-reaching, including witnesses and 

those involved in the collision as a third 

party. In addition to the human 

devastation, there will be economic 

consequences in so far as each fatality will 

cost the British economy approximately 

£1.8 million. 

It is therefore essential that a 

comprehensive and professional 

investigation is undertaken to fully 

understand how and why the collision 

occurred, and what - if anything - can be 

done to prevent a similar collision 

occurring again. This is the role of West 

Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation 

Unit (CIU). 

The CIU was established as part of 

Programme ‘Paragon’ (WMP’s force 

restructure in April 2010) and is 

responsible for the investigation of all fatal, 

potentially fatal and serious life changing 

collisions, as well as some police contact 

collisions. 

The department was created to provide 

a consistent and significantly improved 

quality of service to victims, their families 

and partner agencies in the investigation of 

fatal and serious collisions in accordance 

with The Road Death Investigation 

Manual. Accordingly, WMP now 

investigates road death as an unlawful 

killing until the contrary is proven. 

Improved working practices were 

developed within the first year, which have 

been applauded by both HM Coroners and 

the IPCC. The IPCC welcomes the 

independence brought to investigations 

having previously raised concerns in 

relation to the lack of consistency in 

WMP’s approach to road death 

investigation. The department has also 

recently been recognised by receiving a 

nomination for the National Police 

Federation/ACPO Outstanding 

Contribution to Roads Policing Award. 

The unit comprises the two elements of 

forensic scene reconstruction and post 

incident/scene investigation with a total of 

38 members of staff. This distils into an 

establishment of one inspector responsible 

for four sergeant SIOs and 20 constable 

investigators as well as one sergeant and 12 

constables performing the specialist 

forensic reconstruction role. 

The remit of the department is quite 

simple – to establish the cause of the 

collision in order that we can explain why 

somebody lost their life. If the investigation 

suggests culpability on the part of a driver 

then the Crown Prosecution Service will, 

as in all serious cases, decide whether 

charges should follow. 

Since inception the team has attended 

nearly 500 incidents in which more than 

110 have involved fatalities. Last year saw a 

rise in fatalities on WMP’s road network 

compared with the nationally 

unprecedented low rates of 2010. 

Convicted offenders are currently 

serving combined custodial sentences in 

excess of 50 years arising from 

investigations conducted by the team 

including matters such as death by 

dangerous driving, failing to stop and 

perverting the course of justice. 

One bugbear for motorists is the 

amount of time that roads remain closed. 

While we appreciate the inconvenience and 

frustration this causes, we can’t overlook 

that somebody has lost their life and a 

forensic examination of the scene is 

essential. We have just one opportunity to 

do that and once the road is reopened the 

opportunity is lost. However, it is 

acknowledged that partners can work more 

effectively together to ensure a thorough 

investigation is undertaken while moving 


towards an earlier opening of the road. 

This is particularly important on the 

motorway network and work is ongoing 

with the CLEAR programme (Collision, 

Lead, Evaluate, Act, Re-open for 

motorway incidents.) 

ACPO’s lead for road death 

investigation, ACC Sean White, discussed 

this very topic at the National Roads 

Policing Conference in Leicestershire in 

January. The project is ministerial led and is 

designed to ensure effective investigations 

while reducing closure times and the 

consequent implications to the economy. 

Forces will soon receive 3D scanning 

equipment to shorten the time scene 

surveys take. This will help to improve 

initial evidence preservation, and facilitate 

more effective management of the overall 

scene, shoulder-to-shoulder with partners, 

to encourage early carriageway 

reinstatement alongside effective scene 

investigation. 

A key theme at the national conference, 

which was organised by the Police 

Federation and ACPO, was the 

consideration of continuing to deliver roads 

policing alongside the austerity measures 

being implemented across the country. 

DCC Suzette Davenport, the ACPO 

lead for roads policing, praised the highly 

skilled and motivated roads policing 

officers across the country. She stressed the 

importance of visibility but acknowledged 

the challenge this will present as it is clear 

that nationally there will be a significant 

reduction in the number of specialist roads 

policing officers. 

Policing of the roads will need to 

become locally driven with all officers 

having responsibility alongside their day to 

day duties. What better way to disrupt 

criminality than to remove our most 

persistent offenders from the roads, and 

often society, by appropriately and 

proportionality targeting the use of road 

traffic legislation. 

Delegates also heard from the Motor 

Insurance Bureau and colleagues from 

across the country on initiatives that 

further enhance road safety and disrupt 

criminality. 

At the same time the under secretary of 

state for transport was very clear in his 

address of the need to ensure 

proportionality in our dealings with the 

vast majority of road users who may have 

committed minor indiscretions. He talked 

about the need to educate, divert and show 

discretion with regards to such things as 

non-compliance with number plate 

regulations and small breaches of the speed 


limit. I am pleased that in the West 

Midlands we already police in the style he 

advocates. 

In my role as head of CIU, I attend 

many events across the country that are 

informative and of value. It is rare to attend 

one where the entire two days worth of 

agenda is wholly relevant and captivates 

one’s attention. I was inspired by the 

support that our area of business continues 

to receive despite these challenging times. 

But what of the future? We are in the 

advanced stages of planning a collaborative 

approach to investigating road death and 

those other serious incidents with a joint 

team of Staffordshire and West Midlands 

Police officers. Under the command of 

CMPG, the team will be based at Perry 

Barr and Stafford providing a regional 

investigative capacity. This can only lead to 

a more effective and efficient response 

across the region for the benefit of our local 

communities with the ultimate aim of 

continued casualty reduction. Where we 

cannot prevent we must provide answers to 

what happened to help bring 

understanding and a degree of closure to 

those five families per day whose lives have 

changed forever. 

l DS Ian Orton wins national roads 

policing award, see Page 27. 

25

ARREN & CO 

W(Independent Mortgage Specialists) Ltd 

Offering FREE 

Independent Mortgage Advice 

We hold Mortgage Surgeries on a Thursday at the following locations 

Walsall, Little Park Street, Brierley Hill, Steel House Lane & Sheldon 

As part of our commitment to your Federation 

we offer appointments to suit you 

For further information contact the Federation office on 

0121 700 1100 

or 

Call Warren & Co to find out the dates for each location 

www.warren4mortgages.co.uk 

0 1 4 5 2 5 4 7 7 8 3 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. As 

Warren & Co are a Member Service, there will be no charge for the administration of your mortgage. You can choose to pay us an up front fee of 1% and we 

will refund you the fee we receive from the lender. 

Need to discuss family matters? 

Gary Banks is head of family law at Forum Law Solicitors and has 

considerable experience dealing with family matters for Police. He 

understands the pressures you face everyday, policing the 

community. The last thing you need is worries in your family life. 

Based in Shirley, he offers regular surgeries all over the West Midlands; 

call to find out when and where your nearest one is. 

Or phone Brian on 07866 315795 

Visit our web-site at www.warren4mortgages.co.uk 

To speak to Gary in confidence call 0844 335 8456 to arrange an 

appointment. 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 

Find out more at:forumlaw.co.uk/west-midlands-police-federation 

The only law firm to 

be a member of: 

Supporting the West Midlands Police Federation, because we care 

redeeem 

26 

Forum Law Solicitors is the trading name of Forum Law Limited. Forum Law Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered 

office Avon House, 435 Stratford Road, Shirley, West Midlands, B90 4AA. Company registration number 4425280. Regulated by the Solicitors 

Regulation Authority. 


Ian honoured for ‘outstanding 

contribution’ to roads policing 

A 

West Midlands police officer has 

received a new national award for 

his outstanding contribution to 

roads policing. 

DS Ian Orton was honoured by the 

Police Federation and ACPO after 

achieving outstanding results during his 

five-year tenure with the Central 

Motorway Policing Group (CMPG), 

particularly in the area of major crime and 

disorder. 

He has been instrumental in developing 

critical analysis of ANPR technology and 

other vehicle profiling products now being 

considered as standard practice in all areas 

of major crime investigation. 

Using his expertise, Ian has provided 

telecoms analysis and intelligence to 

numerous fatal road traffic collisions 

leading to the identification of offenders, 

one of which was a double fatal collision 

involving a professional football player, 

attracting national interest. Due to Ian’s 

assistance the offender was convicted and 

received a lengthy custodial sentence. 

He has identified offenders from an 

armed robbery via convoy analysis who 

were arrested within one hour of the 

offence, identified a group of Colombian 

nationals who were convicted of numerous 

armed robberies and provided crucial 

intelligence and ANPR analysis that led to 

the arrests and convictions of offenders 

involved in high value freight crime. 

While he is not out catching criminals, 

he gives presentations on his work to a 

number of stakeholder audiences and he 

was invited to Holland to help in the 

implementation of ANPR analysis in drug 

investigations. He also promotes the use of 

ANPR for witness protection. 

“Ian has received numerous 

commendations during his service and is 

the epitome of the modern roads policing 

officer”, according to the Police Federation. 

Two other officers received runner-up 

awards for their contribution to roads 

policing. 

Adam Pipe from Essex Police secured a 

DS Ian Orton with his award. 

number of funding initiatives, including 

£370,000 a year to drive road safety 

activities and a dedicated patrol team who 

attended an extra 1,000 incidents on the 

road. 

Mark Pilling from Thames Valley is 

another vital part of the roads policing 

team tackling road crime and targeting 

prolific offenders, and has featured on the 

popular Road Wars TV series. He has 

received a number of commendations and 

awards for his dedication and commitment; 

in one week he arrested 21 prolific 

offenders. 

The awards, the first of their kind, were 

presented by the Police Federation and the 

Association of Chief Police Officers 

(ACPO) at the national Roads Policing 

Conference. 

Alan Jones, the Police Federation’s 

roads policing lead, said afterwards: “These 

awards recognise those who have been 

nominated for outstanding and meritorious 

achievement within the delivery of an 

essential front-line service to policing. 

There can only be one overall winner and 

DS Ian Orton is very worthy of that 

accolade. He has shown tremendous 

initiative and his contribution to disrupting 

criminal activity is justifiably recognised. 

Both PC Mark Pilling and Adam Pipe 

narrowly missed the top award, but their 

contribution is also highly commendable.” 

Suzette Davenport, ACPO roads 

policing lead, added: “I never failed to be 

impressed by the level of dedication and 

commitment displayed by both the winners 

and nominees for this much coveted award. 

I’m immensely proud of the work that 

officers up and down the country are doing 

day in and day out to make our roads a 

safer place. 

“This award clearly demonstrates the 

importance of ANPR and roads policing in 

not only making our roads safe, but 

denying criminals and criminal 

organisations the use of the roads. Sergeant 

Orton is a deserving winner and I know he 

will be proud to receive the award.” 


Plan for your 

financial future 

Free advice is just a phone call away… 

George Burrows is here to provide members of the West Midlands Police Federation 

with free, independent financial advice and planning on any of the issues which may 

arise throughout their police career and into retirement. 

Caroline Harris, our specialist consultant, is ready and waiting to help you undertake 

a 'financial MOT' of your circumstances. 

She can also provide you with confidential advice on a wide range of subjects including; 

taxation and financial issues, pensions and retirement planning. 

So why wait? 

For more information, or to book an appointment at Guardians House simply call 

0121 700 1100 

It could be one of the most rewarding calls you make all year! 

George Burrows has provided personal protection insurance to serving and retired officers and their partners 

for more than fifty years. Today we look after the group insurance needs of more than 80,000 officers. 

28 

The West Midlands Police Federation is an Appointed Representative 

of Heath Lambert Limited and George Burrows is a trading name of 

Heath Lambert Limited which is authorised and regulated by the 

Financial Services Authority. www.gallagherheath.com 

There’s no substitute for experience 


Pedal power to boost 

charity funds 

West Midlands Police 

Federation and Police Credit 

Union have joined forces to 

organise a 

sponsored charity bike ride. 

The 100km bike ride will 

take place on Saturday 28 

April 2012 and will raise money for 

Children Today. 

The route will take riders through the 

picturesque Warwickshire countryside, 

taking a loop from Archbishop Ilsley RC 

School in Acocks Green to Cotswold Edge 

and back. 

Those taking part will be given a meal 

at the finish line along with the use of a 

swimming pool to relax! 

“We are looking for willing participants 

for this fun event - perhaps you and your 

colleagues could make up a team? Last 

year’s bike ride was well received and raised 

nearly £2,000 for Children Today. This year 

we hope we can match, and even better this 

amount,” says Chris Jones, secretary of 

West Midlands Police Federation. 

Why you should take part: 

Children Today provides essential 

equipment for children and young people 

with disabilities. The equipment may not be 

available through the NHS so by joining 

this sponsored bike ride can help children 

get what can be life-changing equipment. 

Information to take part: 

Visit the West Midlands Police Federation 

website, www.westmidspolfed.com, click 

on latest news and you will find a story 

about the bike ride and an entry form to 

complete. 

Entrance fee: £10.00 (to include food at 

the finish). 

Minimum sponsorship: £30.00. 

Chris Jones, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation (left), and Peter Evans, chief executive 

of Police Credit Union. 

Children Today 

Children Today was founded in 1994 to help disabled children and young people up to 

the age of 25 enjoy a better quality of life by providing them with the specialised 

equipment they need. 

Often children and young people with disabilities remain excluded from a lifestyle 

which other people may take for granted. They want to join in and take part in the 

same sorts of activities, within their capabilities, as other children. They want to gain 

more independence from their parents as they get older, but are often prevented from 

doing so. 

The charity believes specialised equipment has a direct and immediate impact on a 

child’s quality of life and independence, and is vital in helping them to overcome 

obstacles and achieve their potential. Equipment can include wheelchairs, walking 

frames, tricycles and other mobility aids, as well as communication aids, multi-sensory 

equipment and other information technology. 

Children Today relies totally on voluntary donations, it receives no funding from 

the Government or Social Services. There is no statutory right for young people with 

disabilities to be provided with equipment they need by so the charity fills that gap, 

providing a service for children and young people up to the age of 25. 

Each piece of equipment is gifted to the child concerned, it is not a loan, and it is 

owned by the child, not their parents or guardians. The charity provides ongoing 

support and the children can come back for further funding as their needs develop or 

they outgrow their equipment. 

www.childrentoday.org.uk 


You Protect and Serve. 

We Protect and Serve You. 

Russell Jones & Walker has been working with the Police 

Federation for five decades, representing Police Officers 

in personal injury, defamation and employment claims, 

and against claims of misconduct and criminal behaviour. 

We’ve unrivalled experience of winning cases, protecting 

your job, your income and your reputation. 

We’re the national service that’s always personal, 

and always close by. 

In the event of an accident or emergency, or for free personal 

legal advice call the appropriate number below: 

Criminal line PF Claimline 

0800 908 977 0800 9171 999 

All lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Legal helpline 

0845 6011 907 

www.rjw.co.uk/polfed 

Our offices: London Manchester Birmingham Bristol Cardiff Milton Keynes 

Newcastle Sheffield Wakefield Associated office: Edinburgh. 

† 

To initiate an employment or defamation claim contact your local Federation representative in the first 

instance. Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 

54695) and the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities; its registration is 

recorded on the website www.claimsregulation.gov.uk. 

www.pfclaimline.co.uk 

RECOVERED SO FAR FOR OFFICERS INJURED ON OR OFF DUTY 

AND THEIR FAMILIES… AND COUNTING. 

PF Claimline can help recover compensation if you or your family are injured in the same or separate accidents, on or off duty, 

including road traffic accident claims that can be processed in as little as 3 weeks from initial contact to settlement. 

And we don’t just get compensation for your injury. Our claims process includes help with access to rehabilitation services you 

might need, faster than you could do on the NHS. 

Over the past 3 years we’ve recovered £29million for our members and their families. 

30 

Call PF Claimline 24 hours a day on 

0800 9171 999 

or start your claim at www.pfclaimline.co.uk 


*Lines are open 24 hours, 365 days

Tighter controls called for in 

wake of phone hacking scandal 

The majority of the public do not 

think the police are corrupt and 

trust them to tell the truth – 

according to an independent review 

on police relationships. 

However, the Without Fear or Favour 

report, published by Her Majesty’s 

Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), 

recommends tighter controls are put in 

place between the police service and the 

media and other outside suppliers. 

HMIC called for ‘robust systems’ and 

‘clear boundaries’ to be put in place to 

ensure any risk arising from things such as 

relationships, information disclosure and 

gifts are identified, monitored and 

managed. 

It goes on to say these boundaries 

should be service wide, rather than left to 

individual forces. 

The review was ordered by the home 

secretary in July last year in the wake of the 

phone- hacking scandal. 

Speaking about the review, Paul 

McKeever, chairman of the Police 

Federation of England and Wales, said: “It 

is right that HMIC identify areas which 

the public consider could leave the police 

service vulnerable to accusations of 

corruption and that we put safeguards and 

tighter controls in place to ensure that 

confidence is maintained. 

‘The report recognises the importance 

of clear national standards. This is hugely 

important for the future integrity of the 

police service as we face an unprecedented 

level of structural changes in 2012 

including the introduction of Police and 

Crime Commissioners, whose priorities 

could be based upon populism and seeking 

re-election 

“This type of change could endanger 

the open and transparent nature of police 

governance and we would not wish to see 

the same accusations of corruption we have 

witnessed in the governance structure in 

the policing model in the USA mirrored 

here in the UK, with frontline police 

officers bearing the brunt of public 

frustration.” 

Struggling with 

debt? 

In the unfortunate breakdown of a 

relationship, we will be there to provide you 

with legal and practical advice as to the 

financial consequences, arrangements for 

children and how your Pension will be affected. 

We can 

help for free 

Call our Police Debtline for debt 

solutions and assistance, to suit 

your individual needs. 

Payplan and the Payplan logo are trademarks of Totemic Ltd 

Registered name: Payplan Ltd 

Call 0800 0094146 

www.payplan.com 

At Majella O'Neill Family Law, we have an 

objective to help you see the wood for the trees, 

and are conscious that an expedient resolution 

with minimum cost financially and emotionally 

is imperative. 

We are local experts with the flexibility to meet 

your needs, and have strong connections to all 

Midlands Forces. We offer flexibility with 

appointments to accommodate emergencies 

and shifts, together with police discounts and 

your first appointment is free. 

!"#$%%&'()*%+,-%.-/%%%%012$%&'()*%+,-%'-,%%%%%% 

3415#$%416"##17416"##189#:;9:?5"8@%A9

You’re there in 

our time of need 

That’s why we’re 

here in yours. 

Family Law 

Russell Jones & Walker can help, we are the ONLY family law 

police divorce specialists with offices nationwide. 

13 years experience handling more police divorces than any other firm 

Unrivalled experience dealing with police pensions, pay scales and shift patterns 

First appointment is free 

Discounted rates for police personnel 

Flexible payment options available. 

Call Free on: 0808 175 7710 

Russell Jones & Walker, your family law specialists. 

www.familylaw4police.co.uk 

Offices nationwide: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Sheffield, Wakefield, Edinburgh* 

*Associated office 

32 

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

(SRA No. 54695) familylaw4police is a trading 


style of Russell Jones & Walker.

Federation Group 

Insurance Scheme 

keeps you motoring 

A 

significant new benefit is now 

available to existing and new 

members of the West Midlands 

Police Federation Group 

Insurance Scheme. Our brokers, George 

Burrows, have negotiated the addition of 

motoring cover provided by RAC, a 

company synonymous with motor rescue in 

the UK. 

The cover is comprehensive and 

includes roadside assistance, recovery, 

breakdown assistance at home, onward 

travel and European motoring assistance. 

All of these benefits are included on a 

personal basis which means that as well as 

cover while in your own car or on your own 

motorbike, if you are a passenger in any 

vehicle, it is covered should something 

happen. This can be anything from a 

motorbike (over 49 cc engine) up to a 

17-seater minibus (including the driver’s 

seat). 

RAC benefits: 

Roadside 

Roadside assistance 1/4 mile or more away 

from your home address including a tow 

for up to 10 miles and taxi fares for up to 

20 miles from the breakdown if your 

vehicle cannot be fixed. 

Recovery 

As per Roadside plus Recovery for up to 

eight people and your vehicle to any single 

destination within the UK. 

At Home 

As per Roadside plus Breakdown 

Assistance at your home or within 1/4 mile 

of your home address. 

Onward Travel 

Replacement car for up to two days while 

your vehicle is fixed or, if this is not 

possible, overnight accommodation or an 

alternative form of transport. 

European Motoring Assistance 

In the event of a breakdown of your vehicle 

on its way to a destination abroad, or while 

abroad, your vehicle will be fixed at the 

roadside by a contractor or recovered to a 

local garage for repair or, if this is not 

possible, overnight accommodation or an 

alternative form of transport will be 

arranged. 

European Motoring Assistance covers 

any trip up to 90 days in duration and, if 

you are on holiday and break down while 

towing a caravan or trailer abroad, recovery 

of the caravan or trailer will be provided. 

Like most motor breakdown policies, 

recovery following a motoring accident, 

fire, theft or act of vandalism is not covered 

as this is usually covered under your motor 

insurance policy. However, the policy does 

provide you with invaluable advice and 

assistance through the RAC Accident 

Careline. 

This major new benefit is available as 

part of the Group Insurance Scheme for 

both subscribing members and subscribing 

partners. In addition, other family 

members in the household can obtain the 

same cover for a very competitive annual 

premium of £33.00. 

You can find out more about the RAC 

motor breakdown cover on the Federation 

website, where you can also download the 

key facts document detailing the telephone 

and reference numbers needed in the event 

of a breakdown. It is recommended that 

the Key Facts document is retained in your 

vehicle for easy reference. 

If you and your partner are not already 

part of the scheme you can contact the 

Police Federation office for application 

forms to join. 

The broad range of benefits provided to 

serving officers for just £23.82 per month 

(payroll deductible) are: 

l £115,000 life assurance 

l Best Doctors (family cover) 

l Personal accident cover 

l Legal expenses 

l Critical illness cover 

l Care First counselling service 

l Sickness benefit 

l Worldwide family travel insurance 

l RAC UK & European RAC motor 

breakdown cover. 

The partner scheme offers £57,500 life 

assurance, critical illness, personal accident 

and RAC UK & European motor 

breakdown cover at £5.85 per month. Both 

schemes represent excellent value for 

money. 

Full details of all these benefits are 

contained in the new scheme booklet 

which is available to view on the 

Federation website. For further 

information you can contact George 

Burrows on 01403 327719 or email 

georgeburrows@heathlambert.com 


Happier 

New Year(s)... 

Make the most of your money 

and enjoy life a little more. 

Saving regularly makes us all feel good, but 

it can be a difficult habit to get into. 

Make a real difference this New Year and 

start saving with us directly from your salary 

or pension. 

Whether you’re looking to put a little away 

each month or are saving for one of life’s 

big moments, we have the perfect savings 

plan for you. 

Call 0800 652 9323 

Visit policemutual.co.uk 

Your savings Your investments Your car insurance Your home insurance Your retirement Your mortgage service Your welfare Your Police Mutual 

Police Mutual Assurance Society Limited is an incorporated friendly society authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 

Registered Office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored. 

34 


Fear for public safety as officer numbers fall 

Police Federation leaders have 

expressed concerns for public safety 

as new figures reveal a 6,000 drop in 

officer numbers in a year. 

There were 135,838 police officers in 

September 2011 - 6,012 fewer than the 

141,850 of a year earlier and the lowest 

number since 2002. 

The figures also show that officer 

numbers in Scotland and Northern Ireland 

have been less severely hit than in England 

and Wales. 


Federation, said: “Regrettably, the dramatic 

decline in police officer numbers comes as 

no surprise to us as the service contends 

with a minimum 20 per cent cut to budgets. 

“How can we possibly provide the same 

level of service to the public if we are losing 

thousands of officers? Today’s 

announcement is just the tip of the iceberg, 

as we will see even fewer police officers 

available as we embark on policing the 

biggest security event this country has ever 

seen, the Olympic Games. 

“It is deeply disappointing that the 

Coalition Government’s decision to cut the 

police budget was taken purely for fiscal 

reasons, without any regard for the impact 

on public safety.” 

The Inspectorate of Constabulary had 

predicted there would be 16,000 fewer 

officers by 2015 than there were in 2010 

after budget cuts. 

Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater 

Manchester Police and the Association of 

Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead for 

workforce development, has also said it was 

“not surprising” to see a fall in the numbers 

of officers with forces having to make cuts. 

“This is a very difficult time for most 

police forces with staff leaving and the 

challenge of managing redundancy and 

change programmes,” he said. 

“Workforce morale is understandably 

affected by the pay freeze, proposed 

increment freeze and increase in pension 

contributions.” 

Mr Fahy went on to say the effectiveness 

of policing could not be measured by the 

number of officers alone, but by reductions 

in crime and increases in public confidence. 

“We will shortly enter the most difficult 

financial year for policing in living memory 

but forces have the plans to cope with what 

will be a most challenging time,” he said. 

Nevertheless the shadow home secretary 

Yvette Cooper said the figures were 

“shocking” and urged the Government to 

take “urgent heed” of a warning from the 

Chief Constable of Gloucestershire police 

who said police are facing a “cliff edge” due 

to the scale of the cuts. 

“The Home Secretary’s 20 per cent cuts 

go much further than the 12 per cent 

recommended by the independent 

inspectorate and supported by Labour,” she 

said. 

“The Home Secretary must now admit 

her claim that front-line services would be 

safe has been proved wrong and is out of 

touch. 

“The Prime Minister’s decision to cut 

policing too far and too fast when many 

crimes are increasing is putting communities 

at risk. MPs of all parties should vote 

against the scale of the Government’s cuts to 

their local police force in Parliament on 8 

February,” she said. 

Police minister Nick Herbert has, 

however, repeated his mantra that forces 

had plenty of scope to save money and still 

protect the front-line by taking officers out 

of backroom roles. 

He is quoted as saying: “In fact, forces 

are protecting neighbourhood policing, and 

the proportion of the police workforce on 

the front line is rising. What matters most is 

how officers are deployed. By cutting 

bureaucracy and working more efficiently, 

police visibility on the streets can be 

improved.” 

School holiday guidance for Olympic leave restrictions 

Guidance has been issued to officers and 

police staff about taking children out of 

school during term time as a result of the 

annual leave restrictions in place for the 

2012 Olympics. 

Officers across the country have been 

asking whether any arrangements have 

been made with the Department of 

Education (DoE) to allow officers and 

police staff to remove their children from 

school during term time in 2012. This will 

enable them to take family holidays that 

would otherwise not have been possible 

due to annual leave restrictions resulting 

from Olympic-related duties. 

Following these concerns, the Home 

Office made contact with the DoE and the 

following guidance has been issued via the 

Olympic Co-ordination Team: 

“The Government takes attendance very 

seriously because there is clear evidence that 

any absence from school can and does impact on 

children’s attainment. It follows that schools 

should keep any leave of absence granted to a 

minimum. 

“The Education (Pupil Registration) 

(England) Regulations 2006 state that head 

teachers may grant leave of absence for the 

purpose of family holidays during term time. 

They also state that the application must be 

made in advance and the head teacher must be 

satisfied that there are special circumstances 

which warrant the leave. 

“It is for each school to decide what 

constitutes special circumstances. However, the 

Department would consider that a ban on 

summer leave for serving officers in the Police 

force during the summer of 2012, because of 

capacity issues during and around the time of 

the Olympics, would constitute a special 

circumstance that would warrant the head 

teacher considering granting leave of absence 

for the purpose of family holiday during term 

time, subject to minimal disruption to the 

pupil’s education. 

“The Department looks to schools 

themselves to consider each request for holiday 

absence on its merits. Each request can only be 

judged on a case-by-case basis taking into 

account individual circumstances, such as the 

child’s attainment, attendance and ability to 

catch up on missed schooling and the proximity 

of key dates for tests and examinations. The 

school should also take into account any 

extenuating circumstances, such as the 

inflexibility of leave patterns for parents. 

While leave of absence might be granted for a 

term time holiday, it is granted entirely at the 

head’s discretion, and is not a parental right. 

“We would not consider altering the 

recording and reporting arrangements for 

leave of absence during term time as it is 

important that schools have an accurate record 

of the amount of education a pupil has missed; 

this will help to identify those pupils that 

might need additional support.” 


www.citroen.co.uk/fleet 

CITROËN FLEET 

Models shown: Citroën DS3 DSport Plus. 

GREAT DEALS ON CITROËN DS3 EXCLUSIVE 

TO THE NATIONAL POLICE FEDERATION 

Citroën DS3 e-HDi 90 Airdream manual DStyle 

98G/KM CO 2 13% BIK 76.3 MPG* £0 ROAD TAX ∆ 5 STAR EURO NCAP RATING 

DAYTIME-RUNNING LEDS 16” ‘ASHERA’ ALLOY WHEELS AIR CONDITIONING 

Citroën DS3 is the essence of innovation, every angle and detail is fresh and original, making it radically 

different and bold – it’s a new movement we call Anti Retro. Inside, the quality is impressive, in a spacious 

cabin trimmed with tactile, eye-catching elements such as supple leather and polished chrome. With 38 

body and roof colour combinations, a huge range of finishes and 5 models to consider with emissions as 

low as 95g/km, it’s no wonder Citroën DS3 has just been named Top Gear Magazine’s car of the year. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT STEVE RICE 

AT CITROËN COVENTRY ON 02476 718340, 

07771 955468 OR EMAIL STEPHEN.RICE@CITROEN.COM 

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE 

*MPG figure based on combined cycle. ∆First year only. 

36 

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO 2 emissions (g/km); Highest: 

Citroën DS3 THP 150 6-speed manual 9.4/30.1, 5.1/55.4, 6.7/42.2, 155. Lowest: Citroën DS3 e-HDi 90 Airdream manual DStyle 95g 4.3/65.7, 

3.2/88.3, 3.6/78.5, 95.

Download - West Midlands Police Federation

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?