Police Covenant a step in the right direction for policing

THE Police Covenant is beginning to become a reality – with a focus on the health and wellbeing of police officers, physical safety, and support for their families.

The proposals included plans to ensure Occupational Health Standards are embedded in all forces, the establishment of a new Chief Medical Officer for Policing in England and Wales, and improved training for GPs related to specific police roles.

Steve Kent, Chairman South Yorkshire Police Federation, described the development of the Covenant as “a step in the right direction”.

He said: “I don’t know how it will look in terms of GPs to be perfectly honest because I don’t know if that’s an achievable task to make GPs focus on what, for them, is just a small portion of the people they treat. But obviously awareness is something that we would very much welcome.

“Between the Federation and the force – and I understand it’s subject to finalisation – we are looking at expanding South Yorkshire Police’s own occupational health ability, which is very welcome. We as a Federation also have our own bespoke offerings that we can provide people if they need to come to us.”

PFEW National Chair John Apter said: “The Police Covenant is something I believe passionately about, and I am incredibly proud this is finally turning into reality.

“We have worked long and hard on the creation of a Covenant to ensure it benefits all police officers, staff, volunteers, their families, and our retired colleagues.

“The first meeting of the Covenant Board is an important step forward and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring the Covenant is meaningful and tangible for all our members and their families.”