POLICE officers and politicians must \u201cdraw a line\u201d to ensure acrimonious scenes are not repeated, Parliament has been told.<\/p>\n
Will Riches, chairman of the Constable\u2019s Central Committee of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said it was \u201ctotally unacceptable\u201d that \u201ctrust in the police service as a whole has been called into question\u201d over recent months. Mr Riches is pictured right with Keith Vaz MP at the meeting.<\/p>\n
Jim Lucas, secretary of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: \u201cThere is a perception that it has been \u2018them and us\u2019 between police officers and MPs. So it is good to see a dialogue developing between the two sides.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Riches told some 150 MPs, peers, and Police Federation representatives from across the UK at the event, that questioning all officers\u2019 integrity was \u201ca shocking disservice to every decent, hardworking Police Officer.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cToday we draw a line together. We begin what I recognise will be a long process, rebuilding the trust between the Police Federation and Parliament.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat starts here today \u2013 with open and honest dialogue between those who deliver policing, and those who decide the framework within which to deliver our service.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe don\u2019t go in for point scoring or name calling, antics, gimmicks or games. Like every Police Officer in England and Wales, we get the job done.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we need now is a productive dialogue focused on how we manage to do more with less. We need you to recognise that the quality of the service we provide to the public relies on the commitment and morale of the women and men I am so proud to represent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keith Vaz MP, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, hosted the event. He thanked all police officers \u201cfor the incredible work you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI know you are facing enormous challenges and it is very difficult out there but I do think it is important to recognise that you cannot reshape the police service unless you ask and talk to the constables \u2013 you are the police service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The meeting was also attended by Policing Minister Damian Green, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales Steve Williams and the Association of Chief Police Officers President Sir Hugh Orde.<\/p>\n
In September, Mr Lucas led a delegation of federation representatives to meet the area\u2019s local MPs in Westminster. Speaking this month, he added: \u201cWe will be looking to repeat that visit in the New Yearn and to present to them some more evidence about the impact of cuts on policing.\u201d<\/p>\n