The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has welcomed the announcement of plans for new covenant which will be enshrined in law to provide better protection and support for the police.
The Home Office yesterday unveiled their blueprint for a Police Covenant which will apply to all serving or former police personnel.
It is set to provide better legal protection for officers and staff and focus on their health and wellbeing while also providing support for the families of those injured or killed in the line of duty.
The idea is similar to the long-standing Military Covenant, which is society’s promise to recognise the service carried out and risks taken by members of the armed forces.
The Home Office carried out a consultation earlier this year and the results published yesterday found more than 90% of respondents supported the covenant which will be enshrined in law to recognise the service and sacrifice of police.
Full details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/priti-patel-to-create-police-covenant-to-protect-officers-and-staff
PCC David Munro said: “Police officers and frontline staff put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis to keep the public safe and feeling safe. There is no ‘off duty’ in reality and they and their families deserve our respect, gratitude and the greatest level of protection.
“When I completed the consultation earlier this year I fully backed the plans for the covenant and stressed the need for it to be more than a piece of paper with the proper legislation to support it.
“That is why I am delighted to see the plans for the Police Covenant announced and most importantly that it will be enshrined in law.
“Much of the work of our modern day police service goes unseen and the sacrifices made by officers and staff and their families are not sometimes not always fully recognised.
“Like those in our armed forces, officers and staff may be injured or killed in the line of duty and can also be exposed to the worst acts of humanity through their investigations. This can take a toll on their physical and mental wellbeing and I am pleased that the covenant will contain a strong focus on providing that crucial support in this area.”