Policing debate in isolation will not have desired effect
Monday, 20 April, 2009
Federation urge any review into the future of policing is done as part of a whole sale review of the Criminal Justice System
In recent weeks a number of attacks have been made on the police by the media and members of government damaging the reputation and consequently the morale of many police officers nationwide. It is often forgotten that police officers do an extremely dangerous and difficult job, but ultimately they do this for the safety and protection of the British public. Sadly it is only the negative angles and not the many success stories, which highlight the tremendous bravery and courage shown by officers that grab the headlines. Something must be done and urgently by all the stakeholders involved to restore the public's faith and trust in the police.
Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says:
"Since 1999, the Federation has called for a Royal Commission on the future of policing to engage all bodies and the public to ensure what policing looks like in the future meets the expectation and the incredible demands placed upon it. This must be done across the board and not a review of policing in isolation.
"It is highly inappropriate for the Federation nationally to comment on the specifics of individual investigations. Sadly this hasn't stopped members of parliament giving their very strong opinions to the press based on inaccuracies and ignorance. This is done not to further or inspire debate on the future of policing but to further their own future in politics.
"What must be recognised is that the priority of policing any public order event is the protection and safety of not just the protestors involved but the public around the event. These officers are volunteers who prescribe to the training they are given and the commands and methods available to them. The policing of protests in the United Kingdom is the most successful and public engaging in the world, using the least aggressive tactics and methods available to ensure the right to a democratic, peaceful demonstration is given. If these methods are deemed inappropriate or unsuitable then it must be the policy on trial and not the police.
"These attacks on the police must end. What signal does it send to officers who volunteer to take on these high stress roles that they will be publicly castigated if they do?"
