PFEW vows to be “open, transparent and accountable”

THE Police Federation has agreed to be “open, transparent and accountable” in the wake of the independent review into the organisation.

The Police Federation Joint Branch Boards (JBB) Chairs and Secretaries have been meeting with members of the Joint Central Committee to discuss the Independent Review where there was “agreement in principle to adopt a core purpose” following the report.

Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “We have to remember that our members come first. But all the discussions are within keeping the spirit of the report.”

The National Federation also issued a statement. It said: “Many JBBs had already sought the view of their local members [on the review] and the remainder will do so in the near future.

“It was acknowledged that the Police Federation has a vital role to play in representing its members efficiently and effectively and in building public confidence in the police service.

“There was recognition that the Police Federation needs to reform and there was agreement in principle to adopt a core purpose.

“This will be built around the need to be more open, transparent and accountable, whilst maintaining exemplary standards of conduct, integrity and professionalism.

“It was accepted that we need to come together and work in partnership with others to embark on this historic programme of reform.”

Many of the reviews 36 recommendations are expected to be debated at the Federation’s annual conference in May this year.

Monty Montgomery, secretary of Essex Police Federation, said: “There is a recognition by all elements within the Federation that there needs to be reform and we are working towards finding a compromise with the recommendations [where agreement cannot be reached] and we are working very hard at getting a workable solution to the recommendations where there is disagreement.”