As another year draws to a close, I wanted to take a slightly different approach to this month’s blog and reflect on the highs and lows of 2024 and what I hope the new year will bring.
It’s been another challenging year where demands on you, our members, have been consistently high. There are key moments in our policing calendar, for example, some of the events we cover yearly, that require significant planning and resource commitments. However, there are also unforeseen incidents that prove challenging both professionally and personally.
I felt so proud of our officers this summer after the tragic events in Southport, which saw the lives of three innocent young souls cut short. Violent protests followed, and BTP officers from across the B, C, and D divisions came together and worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances. That was a clear demonstration of why I believe our officers are the best in Britain.
I am pleased this Federation has been able to provide practical, on-the-ground support for our members, especially at events such as Notting Hill Carnival. I want to develop this area of our work, and I’m pleased that our plans to invest in a wellbeing vehicle are progressing well. We will take delivery of the van after Christmas, and work to convert it will begin shortly afterwards. The vehicle will be used across the force area, allowing us to host events directly supporting you in various guises, from financial advice to wellbeing activities. Crucially, it will also attend major incidents for immediate welfare support and provisions.
The year has brought a variety of challenges, and some are ongoing. The Optimised Policing Model is causing much worry when many of you still suffer from the outcomes of the Layers and Spans review. The length of time PSD investigations take remains a concern, even more so the length of time and lack of empathy and understanding we’re seeing from the IOPC and, in some cases, PIRC. There are also continual frustrations around OP Hampshire support and practices.
The biggest challenge has come at the year's end: BTP’s funding settlement. At 4.6% this is considerably less than BTP had requested and will require difficult decisions to be taken. I have written to the Chair of the BTPA about the Authority’s decision (and shared his response) and have asked the new Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander MP, to intervene. We and the Force have shared information on this internally, but more will follow as the picture for 2025 becomes clearer.
This situation is a good example of how the work of the Federation is never ‘done’; there are always more negotiations and representations to be made. We will always strive to do what we can. In 2025, this will include working with the Force to ensure PSD investigations are proportionate and timely, continuing to challenge and hold the IOPC and PIRC to account around their timeframe and rationale, and building stronger relations with the Transport Secretary, Rail Minister and our peers in the trade unions linked to the railway.
Whether at this time of year or more generally, BTP is indebted to you, our members, for your persistent hard work and dedication as you continue to face challenges both at work and more broadly. Your actions and professionalism are why BTP officers are highly thought of. This Federation will continue to support you and have your backs. Thank you for all that you do.
Looking ahead, I know many of you will be working over the festive period, but I hope you will enjoy a few days with your family and friends, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. I have said it several times this year, but rest is necessary; none of us can run on an empty tank. New Year’s Eve will be particularly busy for some, so look out for yourselves and each other. Hopefully, the new year we welcome will bring some positives amongst the inevitable challenges. Who’d be a police officer? You, fortunately. Thank you.
Stuart Cowan, Chair of BTP Federation