Heatwave Struggles

POLICE officers were “really struggling” in the recent heatwave, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

UK temperatures topped 40℃ for the first time ever on 18-19 July, and the national Federation called on Chief Constables to ensure working conditions were reasonable, comfortable and safe.

PFEW said in a statement: “These temperatures present a serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and sunburn. Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.”

In South Yorkshire, a major incident was declared as wildfires swept across the region, overwhelming the fire service and putting more pressure on officers to help out.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “My car reached 42 degrees outside one of the stations, so it wasn’t easy. Our officers were struggling, wearing dark clothing with body armour, out and about in the streets, it was absolutely difficult.

“We also found ourselves in a situation where we were having to support the fire brigade who were inundated with local fires. It was a very challenging time. I was actually in a briefing when they got called out to deal with assisting the fire brigade with a fire.”

Steve added that the force’s response had been a “mixed bag”.

He said: “To their credit, some people in the force went the extra mile and made sure officers had ice pops, cold water, that kind of thing. Sadly it wasn’t across the board. We heard that some officers were really struggling. Some police stations have air conditioning, but others don’t, so it’s a lottery.”