“Fundamental changes” ahead for Police Federation

FEDERATION members will be given a “greater voice” under reforms recommended in this week’s independent review, the secretary of South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Speaking after the review was published on Monday, Jim Lucas said there were likely to be some “fundamental changes” ahead for the Police Federation of England and Wales.

One recommendation in the review was that local chairmen and secretaries should be given more powers. They would form a new National Council, meeting four times a year to elect and hold to account a new National Board, which would replace the Joint Central Committee.

“It does give us a better voice,” said Mr Lucas. “We can go to Leatherhead and we have got a vote. Rather than us just sit there and be force-fed decisions, we can actually take part in any changes and future moves. It gives us a greater voice and, in turn, gives our membership a greater voice.”

Mr Lucas dismissed any talk of Federation representatives “riding a gravy train” and said one of the main reasons that officers pay into the Federation is that it will represent them if they find themselves subject to an investigation. “If we have to represent someone, it does involve a cost,” he said.