THE Police Covenant is beginning to become a reality \u2013 with a focus on the health and wellbeing of police officers, physical safety, and support for their families.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Steve Kent, Chairman South Yorkshire Police Federation, described the development of the Covenant as \u201ca step in the right direction\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI don\u2019t know how it will look in terms of GPs to be perfectly honest because I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetween the Federation and the force – and I understand it\u2019s subject to finalisation \u2013 we are looking at expanding South Yorkshire Police\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
PFEW National Chair John Apter said: \u201cThe Police Covenant is something I believe passionately about, and I am incredibly proud this is finally turning into reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n