New Police Covenant enshrining protections for officers and staff supported by Chiefs

Chief Constables from all 43 Home Office forces in England and Wales have pledged their support for the Police Covenant which was recently enshrined in law as one of the new measures of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.

The Police Covenant is a pledge to do more as a nation to help those who serve this country and specifically to recognise the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of those who work or have worked in policing. The covenant aims to ensure that members or former members of the police workforce in England and Wales are not disadvantaged as a result of working in policing.

More information about the Covenant can be found here.

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Rachel Swann, said: “This is an important step in ensuring that all those who help keep our communities safe are given the support that they need.

“This national commitment from all 43 forces across England and Wales compliments the work that we are already seeing at a force level, and we will continue to ensure that officers, staff and volunteers, who put their own physical and mental health on the line, are given every support possible.”

Speaking yesterday, National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt, said: "Chief Constables have today pledged their support to the principles set out in the Police Covenant, which will ensure those in policing and their families receive the protection and support they deserve.

"The Covenant is already starting to deliver on improving the physical protection and welfare of our police officers and staff who work so hard to keep us safe. We will now also be looking at the needs of families and leavers and will be listening to their voices as part of this work.

"It is poignant that today the annual police bravery awards take place where we see first-hand the incredible dedication and courage of our finest people. The Covenant will strive to recognise the contribution of everyone who works in policing and provide them with a voice to influence the type of support they need now and into the future."

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Day in, day out, throughout their careers, our brave police officers face some of the most challenging situations and run towards danger as they seek to protect the public.

“The Covenant is our national commitment to prioritise the physical protection, health and wellbeing of those who work in policing and support for their families. 

“I am committed to ensuring that the police, police staff, retired officers, leavers and their families have the protection they need and deserve, and I am delighted that chief officers have affirmed their support for the Covenant through the pledge they have made today.”

College of Policing CEO, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “The Police Covenant is welcome formal recognition of the vitally important role those in policing fulfil to help make our communities safer. On a daily basis police officers and staff are exposed to distressing events which we know has a considerable effect on their mental health and wellbeing.

“I’m proud the College of Policing’s National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo, will deliver many of the products offered through the Police Covenant.

“Policing is a challenging but immensely rewarding career and we must look after our people, so they are best able to look after the public. The products and services we’ll offer will be tangible, evidence-based and proven to improve the physical and mental health of those working in policing.

“Oscar Kilo and the National Police Wellbeing Service already provides significant resources for officers and staff, and we will continue to identify the best ways for the College to support those working to keep our communities safe every day.”