Chairman tells MPs we need to #ProtectTheProtectors

PROTECTING the protectors is the theme as the Chairman of Essex Police Federation continues to highlight the challenges officers face to the area’s MPs.

Over the past month, Steve Taylor has met another string of MPs – Stephen Metcalfe, Douglas Carswell, Mark Francois and John Whittingdale, and he stated that “the plight of officers who have been assaulted has been raised.”

He added: “The matter of spit guards has been raised and supported, the idea of body worn video and Taser has been spoken about and supported. They’re positive meetings and it’s starting to build a relationship with those MPs.

“The fact that we get into these meetings shows that we have a bit of traction and that we have an understanding. I think the MPs, broadly speaking, want to be seen as supporting the police. Almost all of them have asked about the morale, they’ve asked about injuries and they’ve asked about rates of sickness.

“I think they acknowledge that financially we’re in the position we are. It’s about making the most of what we have, it’s a big theme.”

Steve said he has more meetings lined up with Essex MPs in the New Year, including with Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, and Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow.

Steve added: “Protecting the protectors is the overarching theme but we are also keen for more support from partners in the criminal justice system, better use of equipment that’s available to us. And we want to see our elected MPs support colleagues who are on the frontline.”