POLICING is firmly on the political agenda in the run-up to December\u2019s General Election, something which can only be good for officers according to South Yorkshire Police Federation.<\/p>\n
Labour is pledging a 5% increase in police salaries from April 2020 if they are in power, while the Conservatives are vowing to increase sentencing for people who assault police officers and bring forward police driver protection.<\/p>\n
Both promises would be great news for officers, South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said, but only if the parties keep them once the dust settles on the election.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll parties are making these promises and I don\u2019t want these just to be pre-election promises that don\u2019t actually hold much water once actually whatever party is in office,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to obviously follow it through. But it\u2019s refreshing to see the sentencing issue rising again and also the protection for police drivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMention of a 5% pay rise is obviously welcome. For me, whichever party gets in, these three aspects coupled with officer welfare are an absolute given.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good that it\u2019s on the table. It\u2019s good that it\u2019s being talked about. But I\u2019m very cynical until it\u2019s actually there – the proof will be in the pudding.\u201d<\/p>\n