Focus federation - 'We must never - South Wales Police Federation
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
federation DECEMBER 2016
focus
‘We must never
forget’
- See Pages 10 and 11
South Wales Police Federation
Member services and Federation views
www.swpf.org
Your Federation
representatives
Name Email
NORTHERN
Andrew Griffiths andrew.griffiths@swpf.org
Richie Gardiner richie.gardiner@swpf.org
Andrew Lancaster a.lancaster@swpf.org
Julian Stevens jstevens@swpf.org
Our cover picture shows South Wales PS Ian Leigh Godfrey leigh.godfrey@swpf.org
Cameron, standard bearer at the National Police
Memorial Day service. Photo courtesy of Anderson
Photography. Eastern
Federation Focus is published by
South Wales Police Federation. Ian Cameron ian.cameron@swpf.org
Produced by XPR (UK) Ltd www.xpruk.com
Phil Thomas philip.thomas@swpf.org
Contact us: Tony McConnon tony.mcconnon@swpf.polfed.org
For general divisional enquiries, please first contact
John Manders john.manders@swpf.org
your divisional Federation representative as the staff
at the office are unable to deal with divisional
issues. Central
You can contact the Federation office as follows:
Write to: Louise Davies ldavies@swpf.org
Federation Office
Jason Jenkins jasonjenkins@swpf.org
Pencoed Police House, Heol y Groes,
Pencoed, Bridgend CF35 5PE Michael George michael.george@swpf.org
Telephone: Pat Catto patcatto@swpf.org
01656 869900 Lawrence Brown lawrencebrown@swpf.org
Or you can email us as follows: Darran Fenton darran.fenton@swpf.org
generalenquiries@swpf.org Gareth Bishop gareth.bishop@swpf.org
For other matters, please contact:
Steve Trigg, JBB chair
strigg@swpf.polfed.org Western
(Not full-time in the office)
Clare Biddlecombe, secretary Gareth Hawkins ghawkins@swpf.org
cbiddlecombe@swpf.polfed.org Paul Thomas paul.thomas@swpf.org
Internal 21-760
Gary Chambers gary.chambers@swpf.org
Danny Ahearn, deputy secretary and discipline
Bryan Smith b.smith@swpf.org
liaison officer
dahearn@swpf.polfed.org Adrian Hughes adrian.hughes@swpf.org
Internal 21-764 Huw Toghill h.toghill@swpf.org
(Discipline/UPP) Kim Harris kim.harris@swpf.org
Howard Casey, performance and misconduct
manager
hcasey@swpf.polfed.org
Detectives
Internal 21-763
Tony McConnon, occupational health and liaison Simon Morgan SMorgan@swpf.polfed.org
manager Steve Treharne s.treharne@swpf.org
tmcconnon@swpf.polfed.org
Internal 21-763
(Sickness and pensions) OSD
Kay Bennett, general manager
kbennett@swpf.polfed.org Vacant
Internal 21-762
(Flint House/Group Insurance Scheme)
Reserve Seats
More information about the Federation, regulations
and latest news items can be found at www.swpf.org
Caroline Grisley cgrisley@swpf.org
Every care is taken to ensure that advertisements are only accepted
from bona fide advertisers. The Police Federation cannot accept Julia Tyler jtyler@swpf.org
liability incurred by any person as a result of a default on the part
of an advertiser. The views expressed within this magazine are not Emma Sainsbury emma.sainsbury@swpf.org
necessarily the views of the South Wales Joint Branch Board.
2 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org
CHAIR’S UPDATE Steve helps Finn’s
Law debate
South Wales
Police minister Brandon Lewis has not
ruled out introducing new legislation if it
is felt it will provide better protection for
working animals such as police dogs and
police horses.
And the words of South Wales Police
officers are
Federation’s Steve Treharne, heard in
Parliament during the debate for Finn’s
Law, have added weight to the
arguments for better protection.
The call for Finn’s Law began after
Police Dog Finn received horrendous
exceptional
chest and head injuries while on duty. An
online petition for better protection was
started, triggering the debate in the
Houses of Parliament after signatures
soared past 100,000.
Steve’s support for Finn’s Law was
cited by Christina Rees (Lab/Co-op,
By Steve Trigg, of a number of initiatives to raise Neath) when she asked: “Police
chairman of awareness and reduce the stigma Federation Constables’ Branch Board
South Wales attached to mental ill health. chair Steve Treharne wrote to me
Police Federation Locally we are working with the Force recently about the safety of police
to increase the number of officers trained officers, but he also talked about the
With the holiday in mental health first aid and to identify need to give the same protections to
season looming suitable interventions for officers in need police animals, as an extension of what
and the year of assistance. he called the police family. Does the
seemingly flying We have seen proposed uplifts in our Honourable Gentleman agree that it is
to a close, it’s a firearms capability as well as our public time that police animals were given the
good time to protection units, which will inevitably same status?”
reflect on some of the challenges we place further strain on our already David Mackintosh (Cons,
have faced and the challenges to come. stretched front-line in the short term. But Northampton South) who had moved the
This year saw increased focus on the I’m assured that contingencies are in petition responded: “The Honourable
dangers officers routinely face as they go place, including further recruitment, to Lady makes a very clear point and is
about their work. alleviate the pressure in the long term. backed up by a message from her
The Police Federation of England and This is something we will be closely constituent. It lends weight to the
Wales (PFEW) took a leading role in monitoring and seeking your feedback on. argument that we have heard already
raising awareness of the problem, As you will all no doubt be aware by today: that we should be looking to
lobbying ministers and chief officers to now, Cardiff will be hosting the introduce new protections in legislation
ensure we fully understand the nature Champions League finals 2018. While the for police animals.”
and number of assaults on officers and event itself is perhaps not as big as the During the debate, Mr Lewis revealed
how that data can be used to influence NATO summit we successfully delivered in he had already written to the Ministry of
the sentencing rules for perpetrators. 2014, many of the security issues are Justice and the Department for
My view is that an assault on a police similar and it has the potential to have a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to
officer should never be acceptable and huge impact for South Wales Police. explore whether more can be done in law
should always result in a custodial However, with funding for the policing to offer appropriate protection to
sentence for the perpetrator. commitment still to be finalised, it may working animals.
Our Chief Constable, Peter Vaughan, well be that we will be expected to safely He said: “We must also consider
has signed up to the seven-point plan for deliver the event on a shoestring, which using the law not just for police dogs and
assaults on police and we encourage you poses huge logistical problems for a force horses, but more widely for service and
to ensure that all instances are reported our size. working dogs – that might cover guide
to our office, so that we can provide the A dedicated planning team is being dogs and potentially those used by the
necessary support to the officer put together and we shall be working fire and rescue service and others.”
concerned. alongside them to try to ensure If work revealed legislative change
We are working to ensure there is disruption to officers’ family and private was required he pledged that he would
greater focus on officer wellbeing, lives are considered and kept to a seek to do something in 2017. But he said
especially in relation to mental health. minimum. it may be that existing law was just not
There is a growing awareness that as Despite the challenges, I’m sure you being applied properly.
officers work in an increasingly stressful will step up to the plate as you always do Supporting the petition, he explained:
environment, with greater scrutiny and and prove yet again that South Wales “We expect a huge amount from our
often unrealistic expectations placed officers are exceptional and showcase police support animals, in terms of their
upon them, they are more susceptible to Cardiff and South Wales to the rest of the training, temperament and performance
mental illness. world. in their various roles and the dangerous
The Mind Blue Light campaign is one As ever, stay safe out there. situations in which we ask them to
perform.”
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 3
Officer assaults: ‘not part of the job’
A seven-point plan setting out how police Board, explains: “The message needs to go out back and thankfully back up arrived quickly
officers and staff should be treated if that an assault on an officer is not to be enough to help manage the situation.
assaulted while on duty is now awaiting accepted as part of their job. An assault on an Steve explains: “This is the sort of danger
sign-off from the Force. officer is an assault on society and any that you can, and do, find yourself in on a
The plan follows an initiative first sentence given needs to send out a strong regular basis. Research has found that an
launched in Hampshire following a campaign message that acts such as these will not be officer is assaulted every 22 minutes with a
by its Federation branch. tolerated.” total of 23,394 assaults in England and Wales
The South Wales Police plan will make the A national campaign calling for better last year. This may not be a definitive picture
recording and investigation of assaults on protection for police officers has gathered as the method of collecting data by the Home
officers more robust and professional and will momentum after Halifax MP Holly Lynch led Office for police assaults can be described as
cover: debates on the issue in Parliament in October poor. The Federation is currently working with
l Improved training and again in November. the Home Office to work to a more robust
l A commitment to treating and During the summer recess of Parliament, method of collecting accurate data.
investigating assaults on police officers the MP joined West Yorkshire police for a 2pm “Unfortunately, officers who have been
and staff as seriously as an assault on a to 10pm shift to gain an understanding of the assaulted often do not bother reporting or
member of the public demands of front-line policing. recording the incident or feel they are not
l Keeping the officer/staff member Ms Lynch accompanied PC Craig Gallant taken seriously and often they even have to
informed and updated and it was not long before she witnessed an interview the offender themselves which can’t
l Providing support and welfare event that led her to call 999 as she was so be right.”
l Giving sufficient evidence – as a result of concerned for the officer’s safety. PC Gallant It was this situation that prompted John
poor evidence or personal statements, had pulled over a vehicle and asked the driver Apter, the Hampshire Police Federation
cases sent for prosecution too often fail to to get out of the car. The driver refused and chairman, to drive through his Force’s
meet basic evidential needs. within seconds a crowd of hostile people seven-point plan. This has now been taken up
Steve Treharne, chairman of the South gathered around PC Gallant. The officer was by most of the 43 forces in England and
Wales Police Federation Constables’ Branch forced to draw his baton to keep the crowd Wales.
Backing for police in Commons debate
A Police Federation campaign for tougher bigger problem than current figures “We make the laws in here, but we ask
sentencing of those convicted of assaulting demonstrate. the police to uphold and enforce them out
police officers has won backing in Before the Commons debate on 2 there. To assault a police officer is to show a
Parliament. November Federation vice chairman Calum complete disregard for law and order, for our
MPs resolved, after a three-hour Macleod, national representative Mick shared values and for democracy itself, and
Commons debate on police officer safety in Hume, West Yorkshire Federation chairman that must be reflected in sentencing,
November, that assaults on the police are Nick Smart and Hampshire chairman John particularly for repeat offenders.”
‘unacceptable’ and welcomed the work of Apter met with a large number of Labour MP Jessica Morden, Labour MP for
the Independent Sentencing Council in and Conservative MPs. Newport East, told the Commons about a
producing guidelines that recognise the Calum said: “Today was an important woman who is married to a police officer
seriousness of attacks on the emergency step in raising awareness among MPs and who contacted her to describe how the
services. the public of the risks that police officers injuries her husband sustains in the course
“It is about time MPs recognised that face on a daily basis. It was also about of his work affect the family.
more and more police officers, police staff putting in place measures to ensure that To stop their children worrying, the
and other emergency service workers are those who assault police officers are held to couple lie about how he sustains his injuries.
being assaulted as they go about their duties account by the courts and that sentences She quoted the woman saying: “According to
serving their communities,” says Steve Trigg, reflect those crimes - progress is, and will my children he is the clumsiest dad ever, as
chairman of South Wales Police Federation. continue to be made.” we have had to tell them ‘Dad fell over a bin
“It almost seems to have become The Federation delegation was chasing someone’, ‘Dad walked into a
acceptable with some people – including welcomed by Holly Lynch, Labour MP for cupboard door in the station’, ‘Dad caught
officers themselves – seeing it as part of the Halifax. himself on the police car door’.
job. But it is not acceptable and nor should it Speaking at the debate, she said: “Police “I am tired of seeing my husband come
ever be considered so. We need to see officers who are assaulted deserve the full home injured and having to lie to my
tougher sentencing of those found guilty of backing of the justice system. Since my shift children about how he sustained his injuries.
assaulting police officers and emergency with West Yorkshire Police, I have been made I worry every time he is late home and
workers so that there is a more effective aware of at least five more assaults on grateful every time he returns home safely.”
deterrent.” officers in my constituency in the days that The Federation has previously
During the Commons debate, there was followed. successfully campaigned for the law to be
also acceptance of the Federation’s call for “What shocked me, and what thoroughly changed so that those convicted of
the numbers of assaults to be accurately depresses police officers, is that sentences murdering police officers will now be
recorded in order to appreciate the scale of handed down to offenders for assaulting the sentenced to life.
the problem. police often fail to reflect the seriousness of Get involved on Twitter using
Officer assaults are vastly under- the crime or, more crucially, serve as a #PoliceOfficerSafety.
reported and it widely believed that it is a deterrent.
4 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org
Straight talking
In each edition of returned to work I had to attend a call of were very shaken.
youths causing problems and on arrival I reported the incident. My line
Federation Focus we ask they started to throw stones at myself manager was excellent in his support and
and my colleague. I remember just came to visit me at home. I had no
members for their views on wanting to get out of there ASAP. support from anyone higher than
The assault took place after a Cardiff sergeant level.
a topical issue. This time, City match and I hated being in crowds for PC Sean Morgans
with statistics showing an a long time afterwards.
The incident was reported but we I was assaulted on duty in 2010, suffering
increase in assaults on were unable to identify the person who a broken nose, chipped teeth and a cut to
had actually thrown the brick. my face. I was off work for two weeks
police officers, we asked I had one phone call from SMT at the after the assault and then a further three
Federation members if they time stating I would have support and weeks post-surgery to my nose.
that was the last I heard about it. Initially I was fine mentally as I just
had been assaulted on duty, Another assault involved a bite on my thought it was one of those things but
forearm which resulted in an infection later on I felt nervous if anyone entered
whether they had sustained going all the way up my arm and neck. My my personal space while I was dealing
son was born the following shift so I was with calls. I reported the incident and a
injuries, how they felt off on leave and didn’t take sick leave. man was arrested and convicted.
about the attack and what The infection grew over a few days I had a fabulous response from the
and I didn’t want to pick up my son as I Force, my divisional commander at the
response they had received was worried I would pass something onto time, Chief Superintendent Mathias, rang
him. I didn’t want to have photos taken me the same day to offer any support I
from the Force. with my newborn son either as the needed. My shift were also extremely
infection was visible on my neck. supportive as were the division as a
I suffered Again, I reported it and the male was whole.
damaged soft charged but at court the CPS wanted to Sian Dumbleton
tissue in my drop it. I insisted we run it and he was
hand and found guilty. I did not receive any support I suffered torn knee ligaments and was off
bruising from the Force in relation to this assault. work for five months after being assaulted
after being Like most officers, over the years I have at work. It made me feel a bit useless to
assaulted been punched, kicked and spat at. Luckily, be honest as I was immobile for four
while on they have resulted in minor injuries such months and had to rely on others to drive
duty. I was off as bruising. I have probably had support or take me places.
work for a from my sergeant at the time asking if I reported the assault and was
month everything was OK but was never offered satisfied with the support I received in
I reported the assault any type of support in relation to welfare Force.
and the suspect was not dealt with. I was or counselling regarding the two main However, the courts do not punish the
angry that nothing was done but my incidents. offenders in my view and will always try
sergeant was amazing. I was happy with I think that it comes with the job that to drop the charge to resisting arrest.
my supervisor but the CPS let me down we will end up being assaulted. PC Tim Cranny
massively. PC Tim Davies
The only issue I would add is that I suffered bruised ribs, concussion and
assaults on police are overlooked and I suffered swelling to the throat as a result whiplash after being assaulted while on
people are being assaulted but told they of being choked. I was off sick for five duty. I was off work for two days as I was
can expect to be assaulted sometimes ie shifts; my first sickness in about 12 years. not aware of the full extent of my injuries
kicked etc. After receiving hospital treatment and at the time.
Kim Harris being told I may have to stay in as an I just felt it was part of the job. I
in-patient, I realised the potential reported the assault and was satisfied
I have been assaulted while on duty consequences of the assailant’s actions. I with the support I received.
several times with the worst injury was close to being unconscious and the Assaults on officers are becoming
resulting in 12 stitches to my chin and a ENT doctor stated that any further more frequent and more serious.
permanent scar. I was off work for two swelling to the affected area could result PC Emma Warner-Brindley
weeks. in severe consequences. I was ordered to
I felt very vulnerable when returning stay off work in case that area was struck I’ve been spat at twice and had £25
to work as the injury had been caused as a again. This shook me up and I realised the compensation the first time. The second
result of having half a house brick thrown seriousness of the assault. This affected
at me which struck me in the face. When I the way I looked at my job and my family
Continued on Page 7
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 5
5 reasons why some insurers
charge you more than you think
With some car insurance, the price quoted can quickly increase.
Here are the top 5 hidden extras that can bump up your premiums – and
we’re proud to say, at Police Mutual we won’t charge you for any of them.
Charging you extra because you want to pay
1 in monthly instalments
Police Mutual
2 Charging you a fee just for setting up your policy car insurance
3 Charging you to make changes to your policy
4 Charging you for duplicate policy documents
Charging you for cancelling your policy
5
How does your current car insurer compare?
We could save you money on your car insurance – an average of £130*
Our car insurance policies also take the stress out of insurance by offering,
as standard:
Uninsured drivers cover
Lifetime no claims discount Our insurance is also
Courtesy car following accident or theft available for your family
– partners, parents,
2 years new car replacement brothers, sisters, children,
grandchildren, nieces,
Lifetime guarantee on repairs when using our recommended repairers nephews and in-laws.
10% multi-car discount
Terms and conditions apply.
Call us today for a quote
Call 0151 242 7640
Visit policemutual.co.uk/insurance
We’re open from 9.00am – 5.00pm Mon-Fri
*Average premium savings of £130 is based on 19% of all car insurance members who provided their existing premium and switched their insurance (inbound sales only)
from June 2015 – May 2016. Our car insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS.
For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org
PMGI2243 0716
6
Straight talking Constables’ update
Pay review
attributable to the greater pressures you are
Continued from Page 5 exposed to (See below).
The Federation put forward a strong
time occurred last week and the boy was By Steve Treharne, Constables’ Branch case calling for a 2.8 per cent pay increase
charged. Board chairman and submitted evidence to back this up.
I’ve dislocated my thumb while Unfortunately, the pay submission body has
wrestling with a subject during arrest. I You should all have seen your annual pay changed. The previous mechanism of the
attended hospital, was off for a couple of award hit your pay packets in September. Police Negotiating Board resulted in the
weeks and the person got fined a small We received a princely increase of one per Federation being actively involved in the pay
amount. I don’t recall how much. cent which, we will certainly all agree, was a negotiations.
SWP went through the motions of derisory award. Now, as a result of Winsor, we have the
offering counselling but it was a standard The police service has existed under Pay Remuneration Review Body (PRRB)
letter and far from compassionate. I significant austerity since 2010, pay was within which the Federation no longer has a
wouldn’t say that I felt supported. frozen for a number of years, allowances seat around the negotiating table. The
PC Kurt Jones such as CRTP and SPP were removed and Federation is required to submit its evidence
increments were frozen while pension and and this is then reviewed in line with all
I was assaulted on duty and suffered a NI contributions increased. other submissions from police stakeholders.
broken finger. I was off work for a set of We have certainly carried a heavier It is clear that this year the PRRB has
six shifts but returned to work on burden than most other public service followed the Government mantra of
restricted duties as I had a splint on my sectors. But it’s just not in financial terms imposing a flat one per cent increase.
finger to keep it in place. where we have paid a cost. There has been a The police service has now absorbed one
I hate to say it but the assault did significant drop in officer numbers which per cent pay rises for the last three years
shock me. I hadn’t been assaulted prior to has, in turn, led into a heavier burden in – against the backdrop of increases in the
this and I think that, due to my size and workloads and responsibilities in your day to private sector averaging 2.5 per cent a year.
gender, I had an unrealistic idea that it day role. Officer sickness due to mental This paltry rise clearly shows how the
would never happen. health has also increased significantly in the Government views the hard work of police
I reported the incident and the past year, some of which must be officers each and every day
defendant was arrested for police assault.
I don’t feel that I had any support in
Force. The OIC did not contact me. I
contacted the office the following
Mental health and wellbeing
There is now a big emphasis on mental health and wellbeing both nationally and within South
morning to update them that my finger Wales Police. Mental health issues are now the single biggest cause of sickness with a big rise in
had been broken but the file wasn’t the figures in the last financial year.
updated and this wasn’t reflected in the The current emphasis is on breaking down the stigma associated with mental health illness.
charge. Had this been a member of the You can be sure though that once mental health is seen in the same way as physical illness then
public, we would have been chasing up we are going to continue seeing a year on year rise in the figures.
the medical consent form, additional I am in no doubt that officers will currently be reporting physical illnesses when the reality is
statements etc. As none of this was done, that they do not have the confidence to report a mental health illness. I also feel it is no
the defendant was charged with a lesser coincidence mental health issues have increased as police budgets have reduced and we have all
charge. been expected to do more with less. What starts with stress can develop into something more
I feel that officers aren’t treated as serious if not addressed earlier.
victims. I have looked on enviously at the Mind Bluelight initiative in England as Wales is not covered
Female officer, anonymous. by this. Through an FOI request to the Welsh Assembly, I have found this is partly down to the
Assembly not using the money it received from the Cabinet Office of the UK Government as a
Can you help John? result of the Libor fines. The Libor fines were provided to directly help support emergency service
personnel.
John Morgan is a teenager with a But we remain hopeful that Mind Cymru will be successful in this year’s round of bidding to
mission: he wants to earn a place in the enable the scheme to be rolled out into Wales.
Guiness Book of World Records. It is great to see that there is a big drive within Force to address wellbeing and I am aware
And police officers could help him that supervisors will be provided with mental health awareness training. This will help
achieve his dream as he wants to get in supervisors spot the signs of mental health illness at a much earlier time and thereby signpost
the world-famous records book for the individual to the relevant support.
having the most memorabilia relating to I want your local Federation to go much further and have gained the support of your local
the emergency services. Branch Board to facilitate the training of reps in mental health first aid. The course is recognised
John (17), who has Duchenne in 23 countries and teaches people to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental
Muscular Dystrophy and uses a health issues, provide help on a first aid basis and effectively guide someone towards the right
motorised wheelchair, has already got support.
hundres of stickers from emergency Federation reps are often the first point of contact for a colleague in crisis and it is vitally
services worldwide. important that reps are able to effectively support officers in the correct manner when this
But if you think you could add to his happens.
collection by donating a cap, badge, While it is a positive step in the right direction to look at measures to increase the wellbeing
sticker or other memorabilia, please of all our staff, we must not embark on our journey by only treating the symptoms of mental
contact the family through their health. It is vital that we gain a clear understanding as to the root causes and look to address
Facebook page – facebook.com/ them. Let’s put the emphasis on addressing the causes rather than treating the symptoms.
jpmorgan1999 One thing you can be sure of is that your South Wales Federation will continue to fight and
support you.
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 7
New protocol for PSU
and Force events
T he number of days where officers will
be required to work past midnight
into their rest days should now
decrease with the introduction of a new
Force protocol following a campaign by
has set staffing levels in the FIRMS
rostering system. SMTs can amend these
levels at any time according to
organisational demand.
(including non-uniform) up to the staffing
level set by SMTs. Where the event is
planned outside the published rota, a buffer
will be built into these levels to allow for
other events/abstractions that may arise. At
South Wales Police Federation. Role of Planning/Rostering this stage, the staffing level will not be
Federation secretary Clare Biddlecombe The operational planning officer for each breached.
has spent almost two years working with event will consult with the nominated l Officers working mornings/days
the Force planning team to secure an commander to identify the resource l Officers working afternoon/evening
improvement in the way that officers are requirements. The operational planning shift
deployed for PSU and Force events. officers will then request the PSU/BDU/ (If officers are on second super noon shift
“In the past the Force automatically Aiding party resources through the consider using rest day officer due to two
selected officers to work a night shift on Resource Management Unit (RMU). The shifts requiring backfill)
their rest day for these events with no RMU will select resources and group them l Night shift at last resort.
thought process going into the selection of according to their respective BCUs and, If further PSU resources are required,
those resources,” Clare explains, “However, where possible for logistical purposes, Stage 2 will start.
the new protocol, while not perfect, will be serials into sector or neighbouring sectors. Stage 2
a vast improvement on how officers have The RMU will then send the organised list Staffing level will be breached and backfill
been deployed in the past. of resources to the operational planner. required. PSU officers will not be selected in
“Officers who backfill PSU officers can the following order:
no longer be required to work past Resources for backfill requirement for PSU 1. Officers working mornings/days
midnight on a rest day, PSU officers are officers, local and major events and critical 2. Officers working afternoons/evening
being deployed to police an event as dates shifts
opposed to being given ‘after dark duties’ This will include using all operational (If officers are on second super noon shift
and the number of deployments have been officers regardless of their usual role when consider using rest day officer due to two
reduced. backfill is needed and will be spread out shifts requiring backfill)
“There is now a protocol in place of equally among non-uniform and uniform 3. Officers on rest day
which all SMTs including local planning departments. The RMU manager can 4. Officers working nightshift.
teams and the resource management unit provide analysis of the backfill shifts worked
are aware. This should decrease the number by officers to the Force Planning chief Backfill requirement for PSU officers (prior
of days where officers are required to work inspector when required. This will ensure to a published rota)
past midnight on a rest day.” duties are spread equally limiting the The highest proportion of PSU officers are
impact on rest day working and attached to response shifts. To avoid any
Protocol for the resourcing of events/ abstractions from normal duties. There is unnecessary backfill and the accumulation
critical dates no requirement at this time for officers of re-rostered rest days, backfill will be
Force event from K Division to be used for backfill. arranged once resources fall below the
Event or incident that requires a large staffing levels plus the buffer set by SMTs.
number of resources (in excess of 1 PSU or 1 Selection of PSU resources Backfill will be arranged as follows using all
BDU) and cannot be safely managed in the RMU will select PSU resources for paid and operational resources in each BCU:
BCU without having an impact on daily unpaid events, mutual aid and critical Backfill required for AM shift
business. The centralised planning will dates. Unless this is outside the timeframe l Consider changing tour of duty for
allocate the command structure and for publishing the rota, authority must be neighbourhood/department officer
resources from across the Force. Where obtained for the cancellation of rest days. l Use officer on rest day (response,
specialist assets (dogs, mounted, RPU etc) Selection of PSU resources will be in neighbourhood or department)
are the only requirement from outside the two stages and will mean selecting the Backfill required for PM shift
BCU, the event remains a BCU event. most appropriate PSU officer minimising l Drop back on duty AM shift officer but
the impact on the BCU and the need to only if it is their second day shift and
Critical event continually amend rest days. The RMU consider rest day officer or on duty
These will be defined in consultation with manager will produce a quarterly report to neighbourhood officer to backfill their
the identified BCU Senior Management the Force Planning chief inspector outlining AM shift
Team SPOCS. the number of events worked by individual l Use officer on rest day
A policy has been introduced for the PSU officers to ensure events worked are Backfill required for night shift
selection of PSU resources and subsequent spread equally between PSU officers, l Drop back on duty PM shift to nights
backfill for pre-planned Force events and limiting the impact on rest day working and (tour of duty will be 8pm to 5am unless
the selection of resources used for these abstraction from normal duties. resource levels dictate otherwise)
and critical dates. This is to ensure Stage 1 l Use rest day officer to backfill PM shift
consistency across the Force. PSU officers will be selected from response where tour of duty does not exceed
Each BCU and operational department shifts/neighbourhood/departments midnight unless it has been identified
8 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org
as being a specified Force/critical key Stage 2 spread equally among departments and
date. Staffing level will be breached and backfill officers, limiting the impact on rest day
The following points must be required. Officers will not be selected in the working and abstraction from normal
considered. following order: duties. Smaller departments will not be
1. Officers already attached to BCU ‘after 1. Officers working mornings/days. called upon as much as larger departments.
dark initiatives’ will only be considered 2. Officers working afternoons/evening The RMU will liaise with the
as last resort. shifts. departmental SPOC to select the resources
2. PSU officers who are not deployed will If officers are on second super noon shift that will be required for the Force event or
not be considered for backfill duties or consider using rest day officer due to two critical date. This will allow departmental
critical dates unless there is a genuine shifts requiring backfill. SPOCs to take officers’ workloads and court
public order need or other significant 3. Officers on rest day. commitments into consideration.
resource shortfall. 4. Officers working nightshift. l Officers will normally work a
3. When the public order level is combination of four Force events or
designated as ‘low’ the appointed Backfill requirement for officers (prior to a critical dates per year
commander will use alternative published rota) l Where necessary officers’ tour of duty
resources to a PSU – for example, a BDU, To avoid any unnecessary backfill and the will include travelling to and from their
in order to reduce the demand on PSUs. accumulation of re-rostered rest days, normal place of duty.
However, the final decision rests with backfill will be arranged once resources fall The following points must be
the Gold Commander for the event. below the staffing levels plus the buffer set considered:
4. When a PSU officer (other specialist by SMTs. Backfill will be arranged as follows 1. The departmental SPOC will take into
role) moves to a different role they will using all operational resources in each BCU: consideration the officer’s home
remain on the PSU and event. If the Backfill required for AM shift address/usual place of work when
officer moves to a cover role or is sick l Consider changing tour of duty for considering which BCU/events they will
and unable to be deployed, the RMU neighbourhood/department officer allocate them to.
will use the next appropriate PSU l Use officer on rest day (response, 2. The above will also apply to critical
officer. neighbourhood or department). dates so if the officer lives in Bridgend
5. For an aiding party or where no Backfill required for PM shift they will be deployed to help Central
specialist where the officer has moved l Drop back on duty AM shift officer but BCU.
department and subsequent reports only if it is their second day shift and 3. The officers attached to any event will
sick or is now in a covert role, the consider rest day officer or on duty not be used for routine duties outside
replacement will be provided from their neighbourhood officer to backfill their that event, ie ‘ after dark’ duties,
original department. Any appeal against AM shift however, they can be re-deployed for a
this should be made through the BCU l Use officer on rest day. critical need or other event.
event liaison chief inspector. Backfill required for night shift
l Drop back on duty PM shift to nights Individual and supervisors’ responsibilities
Selection of BCU resources – response, NPD, (tour of duty will be 8pm to 5am unless An alert will be sent to both the officer
department (uniform and non-uniform) for resource levels dictate otherwise) concerned and their supervisor informing
Force events, critical dates and local BCU l Use rest day officer to backfill PM shift them of a change of duty but it is the
events where tour of duty does not exceed officer’s responsibility to check their rotas
Selection of resources will be in two midnight unless it has been identified regarding their rostered duties. For any
stages and will mean selecting the most as being a specified Force/critical key amendments to the above, the officer
appropriate resource minimising the impact date. concerned must liaise with their supervisor
on the BCU and the need to continually to identify a replacement and update the
amend rest days. The RMU manager can Selection of K Division resources for Force rostering team and the nominated
provide analysis of the number of events events or critical dates planning officer who will update the rota
worked by officers to the Force Planning Officers from this division will be used to and operational order accordingly.
chief inspector when required. This will work Force events or critical dates that have When officers are no longer required to
ensure duties are spread equally, limiting been identified. This is to offer support to work PSU duties or an event, the RMU will
the impact on rest day working and local BCUs and reduce the burden on BCU send the officer an alert informing them of
abstraction from normal duties. staff allowing them to remain in their the cancellation and the reason behind it.
Stage 1 operational/non-operational post. The RMU The length of notice given for the
Officers will be selected from response manager can provide analysis of the cancellation will be subject Police
shifts/neighbourhood/departments number of events worked by individual Regulations and this will give the
(including non-uniform) up to the staffing officers and departments to the Force opportunity for those who are no longer
level set by SMTs. Where the event is Planning chief inspector when required. required to have their rest day or normal
planned outside the published rota, a buffer This will ensure that events worked are duties reinstated.
will be built into these levels to allow for
other events/abstractions that may arise. At Published date Rota start date Rota end date
this stage, the staffing level will not be
breached. 05/11/2016 05/12/2016 26/02/2017
l Officers working mornings/days 27/01/2017 27/02/2017 21/05/2017
l Officers working afternoon/evening 22/04/2017 22/05/2017 13/08/2017
shift. 14/07/2017 14/08/2017 05/11/2017
(If officers are on second super noon shift 06/10/2017 06/11/2017 28/01/2018
consider using rest day officer due to two 29/12/2017 29/01/2018 22/04/2018
shifts requiring backfill) 23/03/2018 23/04/2018 15/07/2018
l Night shift. 16/06/2018 16/07/2018 07/10/2018
If further PSU resources are required, 08/09/2018 08/10/2018 30/12/2018
Stage 2 will start. 30/11/2018 31/12/2018 24/03/2019
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 9
PS Ian Cameron of South Wales
Police acted as standard bearer at
the service.
‘We must never forget’
H RH The Prince of Wales joined the
Home Secretary, police officers and
family members at this year’s
National Police Memorial Day (NPMD)
service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
we must never forget their sacrifice.
“It is my honour to take part in
National Police Memorial Day and pay
tribute to the courageous police officers
who have fallen in the line of duty and the
Police.
There was silence as petals of
remembrance, representing all who have
lost their lives, fell from the Whispering
Gallery as the orchestra played ‘Abide With
The 13th annual memorial day families that are left behind.” Me’ and the Last Post was sounded.
honoured police officers who have died or The names of officers who have lost Inspector Joe Holness QPM, founder of
been killed in the line of duty. their lives during the past year were read NPMD, said: “For me personally, the day
Clare Biddlecombe, South Wales Police by national Federation chairman Steve was undoubtedly the most poignant
Federation secretary, who attended the White during the service: Constable service in the history of National Police
service with chairman Steve Trigg, said: Douglas Wiggins, Police Scotland; Memorial Day. This was my last service as
“This service is an important part of the Constable Sahib Lalli, Metropolitan Police national co-ordinator and to gather again
policing year, showing the families of fallen Service and Constable Dave Phillips, where the inaugural service took place is
officers that they and their loved ones are Merseyside Police. somewhat surreal.
not forgotten.” Candles were lit by relatives mourning “National Police Memorial Day was an
Prince Charles, patron of the NPMD their loved ones and in remembrance of idea borne out of tragedy and I would
charity, joined a congregation of more than officers throughout the country who have never have dreamed that the charity and
2,000 people including 40 Chief Constables lost their lives. This year’s candles were lit service would progress to have the
and a number of dignitaries. by eight-year-old Abigail Phillips, daughter
He paid tribute to the police service in a of PC Dave Phillips; Gaynor James, mother
foreword to the commemorative brochure: of PC Andrew Lloyd James, South Wales
“For many of us, the security challenges of Police; Andrea Irvine, widow of part-time
today further underscore the importance of Constable Kenneth Thomas Irvine, Police
the police and their ongoing commitment Service of Northern Ireland and Elaine
to protecting us all, despite the inevitable Gordon, daughter of Sergeant Alan Ewen
risks that they face on a daily basis.” Gordon, Grampian Police.
Amber Rudd, attending her first Prayers were led by Angus Morrison,
memorial day as Home Secretary, gave a brother of DC James Morrison,
reading and said: “The police show Metropolitan Police; Alice Fisher,
extraordinary bravery day in, day out, granddaughter of Reserve Constable
tackling dangerous situations in order to William Wallace Allen, Royal Ulster
keep our families, communities and country Constabulary; Paul Bone, father of PC
safe. It is tragic when a police officer loses Fiona Bone, Greater Manchester Police and Steve Trigg, SWPF chairman, and Clare
their life protecting their community and Chief Constable Alan Pughsley QPM, Kent Biddlecombe, secretary, during the service.
10 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org“
standing it has today. My aim was to
honour my fallen colleagues with a fitting The police show extraordinary
annual service of remembrance and bring
the nation together to do so. bravery day in, day out, tackling
“I extend my gratitude to everyone
who attended today’s service and for their dangerous situations in order to
ongoing support. It was a day filled with
emotion but also with immense pride, and keep our families, communities and
I know it meant a lot to the families and
friends of our fallen colleagues to have our country safe. It is tragic when a
patron, The Prince of Wales, with us
today.” police officer loses their life
Speaking about the service and its
importance, Robin Phillips, father of PC protecting their community and we
David Phillips, said: “This service is
important to us as we approach the first
anniversary of Dave’s tragic death. All of
must never forget their sacrifice.
Dave’s family, and the families of those
other officers we have lost, gain solace in
Photos courtesy of Anderson Photography
knowing that they, and the sacrifice they
made, is never forgotten. It is also a
comfort for those families who may have
lost their loved ones many years ago to
come together and draw strength from
meeting others who share their sense of
pain and loss.”
As part of the service The National
Police Air Service (NPAS) and The Police
Service of Northern Ireland together
conducted a formation fly past using three
of the helicopters from the National Police
Air Service fleet and an Islander aircraft
from the Police Service of Northern
Ireland.
The service is held on the last Sunday
of September each year and rotates
around England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.
Gaynor James is greeted by
HRH The Prince of Wales.
Gaynor James, mother of
PC Andrew Lloyd James of
South Wales Police, lights a
candle during the service.
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 11NATIONAL POLICE BRAVERY AWARDS
Richard honoured at
bravery awards
S ergeant Richard Lea had no idea that Award nomination. avoiding any further injuries.
a man with access to Samurai swords Richard arrived unarmed at an address Richard said he would do the same
and firearms, as well as convictions in Rhondda to find the man with cuts again too.
for assaults on police, was waiting for him holding a knife to his own throat. But the “I didn’t really have that much time to
when he answered a call last December. brave sergeant engaged him in think about it all. I was aware that it was a
But what the South Wales officer did conversation and was eventually able to potentially dangerous situation but I tried to
earned him a National Police Bravery diffuse the situation calmly and effectively, act in a way which would minimise the risk
12 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.orgA dream come true
Jacob Phillips has undergone life-changing
surgery in the USA thanks to an appeal
supported by both South Wales Police
Federation and the Force Benevolent Fund.
Jacob (4), the son of Western PC Andy
Phillips and his wife Hannah, underwent
the SDR operation in May, three months
ahead of the original scheduled date,
thanks to the success of a £70,000
fund-raising campaign led by family and
friends.
SDR helps reduce muscle stiffness in
children with cerebral palsy and without
the procedure Jacob would probably have
been wheelchair bound by his teens.
Now, however, he is likely to be able to
walk independently.
“After arriving in St Louis we had a bit of
a scare as Jacob came down with a cold and
reaction to some pollen but everything
thankfully went ahead as planned on 24
May and the operation went well,” Andy
said.
“Within hours of surgery we saw and
felt a difference in Jacob physically. His left
foot which had really begun to turn inwards
from the spasticity had returned to an
almost normal position and his legs were
relaxed with much more range of motion.
“On Day 3 post-op Jacob began his
physical therapy, which was hugely
challenging for all concerned, and in
particular mobilising Jacob. He coped
PS Richard Lea with the then police minister Mike Penning. remarkably through it all though and we
are so proud of him and his determination.”
to all the parties involved,” he explained. “Despite the risk he faced, his bravery, After five days Jacob was discharged so
Richard, who has served with South resilience, calmness and excellent that the family could all be together but
Wales Police for nearly 20 years, said, communication skills meant he was able had to return to the hospital every morning
despite being nominated, he didn’t feel to resolve a tense and dangerous situation for out-patient physiotherapy for three
particularly brave at the time of the without harm to anyone.” weeks. Within two weeks he was back in his
incident: “It was a tense few minutes and I The 21st Police Bravery Awards were walking frame.
was worried that the person involved was held on 14 July at Downing Street and “Our pre-discharge meeting with
either going to stab himself or me. were attended by the new Prime Minister, Jacob’s surgeon went well and the
“So the nomination was a great honour Theresa May and her successor as Home prognosis for Jacob is that he will walk
and surprise.” Secretary Amber Rudd. independently within two years; a dream
The incident involved a repeat Richard said afterwards: “The awards come true,” Andy explained.
domestic violence victim who called police ceremony was a fantastic experience. I was “Jacob has now begun daily
as she feared another attack by her obviously very nervous as it was a physiotherapy which has seen him get
partner. The couple had a long history of complete step out of my comfort zone but stronger and he is now progressing onto
violence which was aggravated by alcohol it was a very rewarding and interesting canes. The progress is slow but steady. We
abuse and mental health issues. experience. still have such a long way to go but are so
The man threatened to stab himself if “I didn’t manage to speak to the new happy that we were able to do this for
officers approached and said if firearms Prime Minister as it was her first day in the Jacob. We have absolutely no regrets.
officers attended he would threaten them post and she was very busy. But it was a “Jacob can still only walk very short
with the knife so they would have no special occasion and a great honour. distances on his canes and a little further in
option but to shoot him dead. “The evening reception was a very his walking frame but the future looks
He was of large build and had formal occasion in a world class hotel. bright for Jacob thanks to all the help he has
previously assaulted police officers. He also Everything about it was well organised but received from the community, friends and
had access to Samurai swords and it all felt surreal. The Home Secretary and work colleagues. His strength and stamina
firearms. many chief officers were there and I spoke will only ever get better.”
Steve Trigg, chairman of the South with the then policing minister about He continued: “Cerebral palsy will
Wales Police Federation, said: ““Sergeant rugby as he’s a keen player and fan.” always be a part of our lives but hopefully to
Lea placed himself at great personal risk in He added: “The highlight of the day a much lesser extent long-term. Most
order to detain this man. He was unable to was the reception at Downing Street; importantly, Jacob is free from the chains
request support from specialist firearms leaving through the famous front door and and pains of spasticity and cramps. We
units so he showed exceptional courage, having photos taken there. The whole day would like to thank the Federation for their
placing himself in harm’s way to protect was a very memorable one which I’ll never help and support.”
the victim. forget.”
South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.org 13& E by about 1,100 and on 1,300 occasions
Commissioner sets allowed police officers to be back on the
street, keeping the peace in the night-time
economy. The problems haven’t gone away,
but Swansea is increasingly recognised as a
out his priorities safe place for a night out, as is Cardiff. We
are sharing the cost with the Abertawe Bro
Morgannwg Health Board and with the
Welsh Ambulance Trust and we all gain
instead of adding to each other’s burdens.
On top of that, our campaign to make
people aware of the dangers of giving drink
to someone who is already drunk has proved
successful and training for door staff to spot
vulnerable people and enable the police to
protect them has been a great success, and
some who would otherwise have become
victims of a serious assault – with personal
grief and massive costs to health, the police
and the courts – have merely experienced a
hangover.
Together we are making South Wales
safer and developing an ambitious approach
to protecting and supporting the vulnerable
while reducing offending. Other examples
include quick action when women start to
offend – the Women’s Pathfinder project –
and tackling the mental health issues that
result in vulnerable people ending up in a
police cell because there’s nowhere else for
F ormer Welsh Secretary and First
Minister Alun Michael became the first
Police and Crime Commissioner for
South Wales in November 2012 and was
re-elected in May this year.
plan in which the approach to the “and
crime” part of my role complements the
operational priorities.
I take responsibility for the Plan because
it’s my responsibility in law to publish such a
them to be safe. All of this amounts to
serious and sustained application of the
principles that I put into law in the 1998
Crime and Disorder Act, reducing and
preventing “bad things happening” while
Before standing for election as plan, but unless the Commissioner and the helping local authorities and the NHS as
Commissioner, he was Labour and Co- Chief Constable work as a team the real well as the communities we serve and
operative MP for Cardiff South and Penarth potential of my role cannot be realised. It enabling police officers and staff to focus on
for 25 years including a time as Minister of has to complement the operational applying their skills and experience on those
State for Policing. Alun has spent all his leadership of the Chief Constable and it is a events which we cannot prevent.
working life in South Wales as a journalist, totally different relationship and function
youth worker, City Councillor and Chair of compared to the former Police Authority. Q. What were the most challenging
Cardiff Juvenile Bench. Peter Vaughan and his team have risen aspects of that first term?
While initially sceptical about the value to that challenge and between us we have A. The fact that nobody really knew what
of PCCs – which were the brainchild of the designed a system in which five Bronze the Police & Crime Commissioner was
Conservative Government – he believes that, Boards – chaired jointly by a chief officer and supposed to do whereas my starting point
working in partnership with the Chief a member of my team – are the engine room was to apply the principles of co-operation.
Constable, he and his team can build on the of decision-making, performance and The Minister who brought in the legislation,
foundations already laid to make the role a change. There is no doubt that the pressure Nick Herbert, avoided spelling out the role
success for the Force and the communities it on police officers and police staff is saying explicitly that effective
serves. enormous – you can’t drop the number of commissioners would design their own
He is keen to take officer numbers back officers from some 3,400 to 2,800 without success and others would go to the wall.
up to 3,000 and also wants to see a more asking everyone to “do more with less” in an My own party was sceptical to start
joined up approach to public services across increasingly complex environment. with, but has now accepted that
Wales. But demand on the police isn’t just commissioners are here to stay. With the
In this Questions and Answers feature, about crime, so understanding demand, support of the Chief Constable I believe that
he tells Federation members more about his preventing and reducing demand and we have designed a winning formula in
role, his plans for the future and the understanding the way the public South Wales which is now paying rich
challenges ahead. experience crime, disorder and anti-social dividends in the second term.
behaviour is crucial to success. No public By 2016 people were starting to see the
Q. What do you consider your key service can work successfully in isolation, value of the role and while I have enjoyed
successes during your first term in office? and we’ve made great strides in offering great relationships with each of the seven
A. We laid the foundations for a strong help to other agencies in order, together, to local authorities across South Wales we are
partnership between the Chief Constable’s tackle the problems that have hit us all in now also seeing very positive engagement
leadership team and my leadership team by the time of “austerity”. For example, I with Welsh Government, particularly the
working through a series of issues together. invested in getting the HelpPoint in Cabinet Secretary for Communities and
In South Wales the Police & Crime Plan isn’t Swansea up and running and it has helped Children, Carl Sargeant AM, and with health
“my” plan which I hand to the Chief by reducing ambulance journeys needed by and voluntary organisations. So all the time
Constable and ask him to deliver, it’s a joint 1,200 in 12 months, reduced admission to A and effort invested in explaining the role, in
14 South Wales Police Federation www.swpf.orgYou can also read
