Sir Peter: I will never introduce compulsory severance

THE Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has vowed he will “never” introduce compulsory severance for officers while he is in command of the force.

Sir Peter Fahy (pictured) also told those at the Greater Manchester Federation open meeting that they had his “absolute guarantee” that the force would not be bringing in direct entry superintendents.

Both compulsory severance and direct entry in policing have been key ideas from the Winsor reports into police officer pay and conditions that the government is keen to introduce.

Speaking at the meeting on 23 October, Sir Peter said that he could “understand the degree of concern” around police officer redundancy plans – now waiting on a decision from the Police Arbitration Tribunal.

He said there had been a “very difficult debate” among chief constables around the issue of compulsory severance but that the majority felt that “if they were going to be asked to make really difficult decisions about further cuts, it could not be completely ruled out.”

“This is a really serious issue and a watershed,” said Sir Peter. “The view among chief constables was if we are going to get further cuts imposed upon us then it has to be there as an option.

“We have to be realistic. The whole world is becoming more and more uncertain. We cannot be isolated from that. When you have seen soldiers who have fought in Afghanistan being made redundant, it is a really difficult argument to say somehow we are different from that.”

However he emphasised to officers at the meeting in Manchester City Centre: “It will never be used while I am chief constable here. I have been very, very clear about that.”

Sir Peter, a former ACPO lead for workforce modernisation, added: “I understand it is a game changer. Realistically do I think this will happen? Certainly not in the short term.”

He added that if compulsory severance is introduced to the service in England and Wales “it does not mean police forces will use it.”

Ian Hanson, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “I think the government have underestimated what a big issue this is. This is a constitutional issue as opposed to a Police Regulation issue.

“You are fundamentally altering the Office of Constable. This has been highlighted. It would need primary legislation in the Houses of Parliament.”

Sir Peter also gave an “absolute guarantee” that he would not be bringing direct entry superintendents to Greater Manchester Police.

The Government announced this month that 20 direct entry superintendents will be brought into the police service in England and Wales in 2014.

“We have a great workforce,” said Sir Peter. “At the moment a lot of people feel trapped in their rank. We have got incredibly talented people and there is no way I need to bring in someone from outside through direct entry to superintendent.”

Sir Peter said he would be open to the idea of “direct entry” inspectors but described the initiative as being more akin to accelerated promotion rather than direct entry.

The annual meeting also heard from Sir Peter that there are currently 1,100 PCs in the force who possess the right qualifications to become sergeants. But that only 50 or 60 will be promoted this year.