Speaking at the Police Federation’s Bravery Awards in
London later today he will lay out plans to establish a
covenant to recognise the sacrifice made by those who
are working, or have previously worked, in policing.
The Home Secretary will also give his backing to plans
for the Police Federation to extend their support to
Special Constables, which will give the volunteers the
option of the same protections as their colleagues.
Home Secretary will say:
I’m pleased to announce that the government plans to
introduce a police covenant to provide the support
the police so richly deserve.
This will be a pledge to do more as a nation to help
those who serve this country. It will ensure the
sacrifice made by the police is properly recognised.
I’m in awe of every officer who plays their part in
keeping this country safe.
Rest assured, the government has your back – and the
police covenant will make sure of that.
The covenant will recognise that police officers are
not employees but rather hold the ‘office of
constable’, which comes with a high level of personal
accountability and responsibility for the protection of
life and property. They must also abide by a code of
ethics which sets out the high standards of behaviour
expected from everyone who works in policing in England
and Wales, both on and off duty.
A consultation will take place in due course on the
principle and scope of the police covenant.
National Chair of the Police Federation of England and
Wales John Apter said:
This is really good news for policing, it’s good news
for our colleagues and it is clear that the Home
Secretary and others within government and elsewhere
have been listening to what we have asked and have
acted.
I must also acknowledge police oracle and our fellow
policing associations who have worked with us to
secure this support from the government. If this
comes to fruition it will have a hugely positive
impact on the police service as a whole.
The announcement follows the conclusion of the Home
Office’s Front Line Review, which highlighted concerns
of police officers and staff and proposed a package of
measures to reduce their workloads, ensure their
wellbeing and give them a stronger voice in decision
making.
