Police chiefs up and down the country have today(SUN) come out in support of a campaign started by Esther McVey demanding the next Prime Minister commit to a Police Covenant.
The Police Superintendents’ Association, the Chair of the National Police Federation of England and Wales and all 19 Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners, together with more than 50 Conservative MPs are all backing the Tatton MP’s call.
As support continues to grow and the race for No10 enters its final week both candidates are facing widespread pressure to put law and order at the top of their agenda.
Ms McVey said: “I am delighted with the level of support I have received for this campaign. It shows how important it is the next Prime Minister commits to this and delivers for our hard working police officers. We introduced a covenant for the Armed Forces and this would sit alongside that.
“Our police officers face uncertainty every day and put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to protect the public. We had to make tough decisions to clear up the economic mess left by the last Labour government but now the economy is better, it is time we show our appreciation for the people who are willing to put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
“I have made it clear to both candidates how important this is and I will keep raising it at every opportunity.”
The open letter to both Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt calls for a Covenant which would acknowledge the valued contribution they make including measures such as protecting mental health of serving and retired officers, equipping them with right resources and powers to do the job and legal support for the tough decisions they have to make to protect the public.
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.”
