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Dying to get to work, Dying to get home 

Nationally, three officers have been killed in road traffic incidents on their way to or travelling home from duty since the start of 2009.

Since 2000 road collisions have been the most common cause of deaths while officers journey to or from work. A survey conducted by the Police Federation’s health and safety sub-committee has revealed that serious measures are needed to reduce the risks faced by officers after long shifts.                                                                                                                              More training and advice for officers is essential to prevent officers getting behind the wheel when they are struggling with fatigue. The survey was also initiated to highlight the pressures faced by frontline officers and the issues of work/life balance. For some time forces have been reporting that officers often work in excess of their duty times and on some occasions they work on days off but do not register for that duty nor do they claim any recompense.                                                                                     

The research also indicated that almost 65 per cent of collisions happened between 5am and 9am and when the officers lived over 25km from where they worked. According to the Police Roll of Honour, road deaths whilst on duty have decreased by 60 per cent in the last fifty years but deaths while travelling to and from duty have increased by 140 per cent.                                    

The health and well-being of officers is paramount and it should not solely lie on the shoulders of the shift sergeant; we need a much more common sense approach where officers feel they can turn down overtime if they are too tired. Equally, increased resources are needed to ensure that officers have wider access to alternative travel arrangements if they are feeling too fatigued to drive home.

On Friday 13th February 2009 the Thames Valley Police Authority met and agreed the Police budget for 2009/10. The Police Authority agreed to increase the police precept by 4.5% specifically to raise the Force establishment by 93 Police Officers.  

With the current economic climate, Government capping and the evidenced debate around low Police Officer numbers in Thames Valley, the debate was always going to be interesting and outcome vitally important to the future of Thames Valley Police.

The Police Federation had lobbied Police Authority members and MP's to emphasise the importance of increasing Police Officer numbers even in these difficult times. A favourable response had been received from many members of the Police Authority and MP's.

Even with this increase Thames Valley still remains towards the bottom of the population to police officer ratio table but this decision signals a real desire by the Police Authority to support police officers in Thames Valley and address this imbalance. 

Andy Viney, Secretary of Thames Valley Police Federation said " I am pleased that the Police Authority took note of our concerns around low Police Officer numbers."

Retention  

On 28th January 2009 Thames Valley MP's once again raised concerns at Westminster that the Home Office need to do something about the on-going retention problems facing Thames Valley Police. Over the past 5 years we have lost well over 300 experienced Police Officers to the Metropolitan Police. (see MPs debate TVP retention challenges link to right).

This continual experience drain has resulted in Thames Valley Police having a disproportionately high level of Police Officers with relatively short service. Despite the enthusiasm and the commitment of our front line Police Officers, the overall lack of experience on the front line remains an area of considerable concern across Thames Valley.

Both our Chief Constable and our Police Authority have advised us that they wish to increase the amount payable to our Police Officers in receipt of South Eastern Allowance - which has not increased since 2001. - We welcome this as we recognise that the current retention situation needs to change for the good of both the public and our Police Officers.

Additionally, Thames Valley Police Federation continues to highlight that the comparatively low numbers of Police Officers serving on the front line across Thames Valley is currently inadequate. We are currently attempting to influence the Police Authority in their deliberations concerning any Police Officer growth which may be achievable.

Police Magazines 2009 

     Jan 09              Feb 09          March  09               

       April  09         May  09               June 09

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