I've been away on holiday, so I'm catching up with the news. So this is the first chance I have had to comment on the announcement by the Home Secretary that he has plans for a police covenant
Sajid Javid says that his proposed police covenant will demonstrate government’s respect and support for those working in policing. Home Secretary Sajid Javid was speaking at the Police Federation’s Bravery Awards in London when he laid out plans to establish a covenant to recognise the sacrifice made by those who are working, or have previously worked, in policing.
The Home Secretary also gave his backing to plans for the Police Federation to extend their support to Special Constables, which will give the volunteers the option of the same protections as their colleagues.
The covenant will recognise that police officers are not employees but rather hold the ‘office of constable’, which comes with a high level of personal accountability and responsibility for the protection of life and property. They must also abide by a code of ethics which sets out the high standards of behaviour expected from everyone who works in policing in England and Wales, both on and off duty.
A consultation will take place in due course on the principle and scope of the police covenant. I am really looking forward to seeing the form this consultation takes, and what proposals come out the other end.
Undoubtedly the police stand between the public and harm. It is absolutely right that the government recognises this. But so must the rest of us. The police deserve our support and respect as they go about their work.
