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Local news round-up
Officers urged to take part in stress survey
Officers are being reminded to take part in
stress survey which will be rolled out soon.
A similar survey was conducted last
year and the results of the two will be
compared to see if there have been any
improvements to officer stress levels.
The 2012 survey, designed to find out
how ongoing changes to policing are
affecting officers, revealed that many are
suffering from increased stress levels due to
lack of communication and consultation
surrounding change.
The online questionnaire was
completed by a total of 2,026 officers who
answered questions on seven aspects of
work including demands, control, peer
support, managerial support and change.
More than half of the West Midlands
Police officers who responded to the survey
reported they were already above the
threshold for burn-out, increasing their
sickness levels, exposing them to risks at
work and affecting their ability to provide
an effective service to the public.
Chris Jones, secretary of West
Midlands Police Federation said: “Please
take the time to fill in this survey so we can
see if things have improved one year on.
We need to know if officers are still feeling
as stressed as they were, if things are still
the same or, in fact worse.
“With the results of the first survey
having been analysed, we will have a
benchmark for comparison which will
make the findings even more interesting.
We hope that stress levels have reduced but
if not we will be seeking some urgent
changes.”
Remembering Mark with charity walk
Two officers are preparing to take part in a
charity walk in memory of a colleague.
DC 4493 Mark Simmons (49) passed away
suddenly and unexpectedly in June 2012.
He was a keen hill walker and loved to
spend time in Cumbria and particularly
Ambleside.
Now two of his colleagues and friends
Paul Griffiths and Steve Lenton have
organised an 18-mile charity hill walk to
raise money for the mountain rescue teams
of Langdale and Ambleside. It follows a
route previously taken by Mark.
Tom Cuddeford, deputy chairman of
West Midlands Police Federation said:
“Mark had many friends and his infectious
laugh and mischievous grin touched the
hearts and minds of all who knew him. It
was clear to anyone that knew him that his
world revolved around his beloved wife,
Sue.
“I joined the Force with Mark in 1988
and have some excellent memories of the
times we shared together, both inside and
outside the job.
“Together with his many friends, we
wish to provide an opportunity to
demonstrate to Sue that Mark made a
difference to many people and that his
contribution to the job, his colleagues and
the public, will not be forgotten.”
If you are interested in joining the walk
please contact Paul Griffiths on 07878
191324.
‘A selfless and
humble man’
West Midlands Police Federation
chairman Ian Edwards was among
those to pay tribute to Chris Findley,
the 33-year-old West Midlands PC
who died in February.
Chris was off duty when he suffered
serious head injuries after intervening
in an incident outside a
Wolverhampton bar on 28 January.
An 18-year-old has been charged
with manslaughter.
“His colleagues have described
Chris as a selfless and humble man,”
says Ian, “Our thoughts are with his
family, friends and colleagues at this
sad time. He will be sadly missed.”
Chief Inspector Paul Betts said:
“He is fondly described by his
colleagues as a selfless and humble
man, always watching out for those in
need of cheering up, which he achieved
through his warm, infectious
personality and sense of humour.
“Chris was a proactive, hardworking
officer who was a credit to the
service and the communities of
Sandwell.’’
West Midlands police and crime
commissioner Bob Jones said: “I wish
to express my sincere condolences to
Chris’s colleagues, friends and family,
and I hope that the investigation into
his death reaches a swift and successful
conclusion.”
Are your details up to date
Members of the Federation’s Group
Insurance Scheme are being urged to check
that the details held for them – particularly
any beneficiaries – are up to date.
This is particularly important if you
have just got married, separated or divorced.
Please inform West Midlands Police
Federation office of any change of
circumstances or change of address as soon
as possible. To do this, telephone 0121 700
1100, then choose Option 1 to discuss any
changes with our staff.
“We are in the process of sending
letters out to all those in the scheme,
reminding them of what cover they
currently have and what else is available,”
says Tom Cuddeford, deputy chairman of
West Midlands Police Federation.
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