Local MP Julian Knight demanded on Sunday the next Prime Minister commits to giving West Midlands Police officers a guarantee in law they will be looked after both in and out of the job – as police bosses up and down the country pledge their support to the growing campaign.
He has signed an open letter to both Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt urging them to commit to a Police Covenant which sets out measures to protect mental health of serving and retired officers, equip officers with the right resources, necessary powers to do the job, and the legal protection for tough decisions they take to protect the public, as well as acknowledging them and police staff for their valued contribution.
Julian is one of dozens of MPs to have signed the letter written by Tatton MP Esther McVey which today has secured the support of all 19 Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners up and down the country and the Police Superintendents’ Association.
Commenting on the campaign, Julian Knight said:
“The Military Covenant has helped to transform the way both government and society treats both serving soldiers and veterans, and we must now apply this blueprint to inform how we support those serving in other services.
“Police officers serve our communities and often face significant personal risks to tackle criminals and keep us safe. Working in Parliament I have seen first-hand how officers run towards the danger, and I fully support this campaign to ensure they are looked after.”
Chief Superintendent of the President of the Police Superintendents’ Association Paul Griffiths said:
“We are surrounded by striking evidence about the personal impact the challenges of policing can have on individuals. We hear this on a daily basis from our membership and it is clear in the personal accounts shared in the Front Line Review. It can also be seen in national statistics showing the prevalence of PTSD and mental health issues amongst our staff.
“Consequently, there has never been a more important time to re-invest in our people; and a police covenant, designed to support those people who have personally suffered following their time in Service, would show true value to policing from Government and Society.”
