Chief Constables pledge support for Police Covenant

Chief Constables of all police forces in England and Wales 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.

Policing is a unique, rewarding, though challenging job, and the Covenant focuses on the health, wellbeing and physical protection of officers and staff, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, as well as support for their families.. Speaking on the day that it became law, National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said,

“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. 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 added, “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.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing said that the College’s national wellbeing service, Oscar Kilo will deliver many of the services offered through the 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.”