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No more smoke and mirrors,
just the truth...
AN open later demanding answers from
Government on the funding of policing and the derisory pay award for Police
Officers has been published by those representing rank and file Officers from
across the country.
Peter Singleton, chair of Merseyside Police Federation, said:- "We don't
want meaningless and empty statements about the good job we do. We want a
properly funded and well-resourced Police service. The public of Merseyside
rightly want this, and they are right to expect this, which is why we have
called for answers. Our members are angry and forces have been put in an
impossible situation. We feel the government has not been truthful or honest
about the pay award given to Officers, which is insulting. The announced 2%
awarded isn't new money, it has to come from existing Policing budgets, which
means forces may have to choose between Officer numbers and public safety. On
Merseyside that means the pay rise could cost the force the equivalent of 25
Officers. That cannot be right."
The letter outlines failures of the Government and demands answers on a range of
issues, asking for the truth about crime figures, Police numbers and claims of
'extra' Officers. Sgt Singleton added:- "Crime is not
falling. It's rising and in some areas like cybercrime it has exploded!
Less and less Officers are having to do more and more, and ministers statements
of extra Police Officers being on patrol are false, they are not 'extra' Police
Officers. They are the same Officers doing longer hours, being called back in
when they are off or being given extra responsibilities. It is all smoke and
mirrors and double standards. The public here on Merseyside have been fantastic
at giving us support, but they deserve better. Officers are reaching breaking
point; we are now seeing Officers unable to cope with the mental and physical
demands placed upon them by having to work in depleted environments. This cannot
be right or fair on anyone, Officers or the public."
The Police Federation of England and Wales, represents 123,000 Police Officers
up to and including:- the rank of Chief Inspector. Established by statute, they
are responsible not only for the welfare of our members, but also ensuring that
their views on all aspects of Policing, including:- relevant legislation, are
relayed to Government, opinion formers and key stakeholders.
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