The Association’s National Officers will represent the PSAEW at the National Police Memorial Day service in Cardiff on 24.9.2017. The Memorial Day, now in its 144h year, honours police officers throughout the UK who have given their lives in the line of duty. The service is held each year in one of the four countries of the UK, and takes place on the nearest Sunday to September 29, St Michael’s Day, who is the Patron Saint of Police Officers. This year’s service is held at St David’s Hall in Cardiff and will bring together colleagues, family and friends from across the police service in remembrance of more than 4,000 officers. Association President Gavin Thomas said: “It is my privilege to represent the...
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“Officers will feel their pay cap remains” – Superintendents
Responding to the announcement of the public sector pay award for 2017-18, National Secretary Dan Murphy said: “Whilst we are pleased to see an increase, this pay award falls far short of what we believe officers deserve. “Essentially, officers will feel their pay cap remains, because half of what they have been awarded will be taken away within a year. “Together with the Police Federation, we put forward a solid, evidence-based case for a modest increase in pay of 2.8% – less than the current inflation rate announced today. “This is after several years of significant pay restraint, meaning that our members have suffered a drop in pay of almost 18% in real terms since 2010. ...
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Association responds to two-force merger discussions
The PSAEW has welcomed the announcement by Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police of the intention to explore a possible merger. The announcement came on the final day of the Association’s annual conference, where the issue of the 43-force structure of policing in England and Wales was frequently raised. Responding to a question about structures, Policing Minister Nick Hurd MP told conference it would be “irresponsible” for the Home Office not to listen to strong messages from the service, and that if a “good case” was made for “rationalisation” the Home Office would support it. President Gavin Thomas said: “My Association has long been saying that the structure of policing is no longer suitable. I said in my speech to...
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President’s Awards honour exceptional achievements by Superintendents
Outstanding work by Superintendents across the country in child protection, armed policing and running one of the country’s biggest commands has been recognised in this year’s Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales President’s Awards. The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the Association’s annual conference. Judged by the President and Vice President of the Association, they recognise the achievements of Superintendents and Chief Superintendents and the contribution they make to policing, to their colleagues and to the public. This year’s winners are: Lifetime Achievement – Det Supt Vicky Dennis, Hampshire Constabulary Vicky has led national work to improve how police investigate child abuse. She has led distressing cases such as the investigation into an international paedophile ring...
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Vice President’s address to Conference 2017 – the vulnerability equation
The Vulnerability Equation Vulnerable is one of the most frequently used words in policing today. The words vulnerable and vulnerability appear in HMIC’s 2016 State of Policing report 75 times. How policing deals with vulnerable people and how it manages the demand from vulnerability are some of the most critical issues facing the service today. This morning I will attempt, for the first time, to look at the totality of risk of vulnerable people in our society and our capacity to deal with them. It will be represented in a crude equation of demand and supply – but will attempt to give an idea of the scale of the problem. Let’s break this down to the key areas of vulnerability……...
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President’s speech to PSAEW Conference 2017
Good afternoon I want to start in a slightly unconventional way, not with greetings, but by saying thank you. Thank you, to the Association members in the room and your colleagues for your commitment, professionalism and passion in serving the public. For ensuring our country remains a safe place to live. And is one where intolerance to difference is not as prevalent as some with extreme ideals would want it to be. Every now and then I am privy to a conversation that I am sure many of you hear too. This conversation will go along the lines that the job is not what it used to be; that it is not working; that it is broken. I could not...
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Superintendents President: ‘perfect storm’ on policing horizon
A combination of fewer officers and staff, reduced budgets, new threats and increasing traditional crime will create a ‘perfect storm’ for policing, the Policing Minister will be told at the annual conference of senior operational police leaders. Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, President of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales, will highlight how policing services across the country are now routinely based on fewer people working more hours and days, an unsustainable position in the face of increasing demand. The head of the body that represents senior operational police officers will set out his message to new Policing Minister Nick Hurd MP at the Association’s annual conference in Warwickshire on 4.9.2017. He will urge the Minister and police leaders...
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PSAEW Annual Report 2016-17
The Annual Report of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales for the financial year 2016-2017 has been published. Several events have happened that continue to present a challenge for both the government and the public. While different in themselves, they will have consequences for years to come. The decision that the UK will leave the European Union still has much uncertainty surrounding it. This may remain the case for some time. The string of terrorist attacks in the spring that left 35 people dead, including PC Keith Palmer of the Metropolitan Police Service, leaves no doubt that the threat from terrorism is very real. And the horrendous fire at Grenfell Tower reminds us that tragedy can strike at...
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VP’s 2017 HQ cycling challenge – leg 8!
Association Vice President Paul Griffiths is raising money for National Police Memorial Day by cycling to every police HQ in England and Wales. Covering more than 2200 miles and now aiming to raise £3000, Paul will be cycling three to four days per month and is inviting members and other colleagues and staff to join him along the route. Here’s his latest blog …. Day 23 (13/7) – Essex Police to Hertfordshire Police to Bedfordshire Police Another nice day for cycling and I started off from Essex Headquarters with ACC Pippa Mills, Steve Ditchburn and others waving me off. The route to Hertfordshire was very pleasant, taking me through nice parks and canal bank routes. I made good time to Herts Headquarters...
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Association steps up support for policing and LGBT
One of the Association’s strategic priorities is to champion the benefits of embracing difference and inclusivity in the service, particularly amongst our membership, and to work to bring about positive change in these areas. A dedicated representative for LGBT issues sits on the Association’s National Executive Committee and this role is currently held by Det Supt Clint Blackburn, force lead for Surrey Police on domestic abuse, multi-agency safeguarding, sexual violence, vulnerable adults and LGBT. The Association’s activities are focused on five key themes: Supporting LGBT officers Supporting the wider Association membership on LGBT issues Increasing representation of LGBT staff Encouraging the development of federated officers to superintendent rank Understanding and influencing LGBT issues on behalf of the Association Specific work under...
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