Monty maps out his Essex Federation Focus

WHAT plans does the new secretary of Essex Police Federation have for the role? What will he focus on? Why is the Federation important to front line police officers…?

EssexFedFocus spoke to Monty Montgomery, who took over the role this month. Mr Montgomery, a police officer since 1986, has been a firearms officer, custody sergeant and neighbourhood sergeant before taking on the full time secretary role.

What plans do you have for the job?

To continue the work that Roy Scanes [former secretary] did. He left a very big pair of shoes and I have to try and fill them. So I want to continue with the work that he has done – but I want to introduce my own style into it. I want to work, very much with the force, with Mark Smith [federation chairman] and to do what we possibly can for the benefit of our members and for the good of the organisation and the residents of Essex…

Any issues you are going to focus on?

I am very keen on the welfare side of things. And it was reassuring that when I spoke to the chief constable [Steve Kavanagh] he has the same viewpoint about what occupational health is… it is a necessity. And if we can look after our own then our own will look after us. He feels that way as well. One of the other things I am going to be involved in is the national framework for the future of the Police Federation and the changes that are going to be brought in and the recommendations that we are currently working through. That is going to take up an awful lot of my time. There is also the restructuring within Essex. We have got that big piece of work to do. And we have got various smaller projects in Essex as well. There are only three full timers in the Federation office now – with the remaining work redistributed. I have inherited the sickness side of things. And perhaps some of the claims handling… so it is going to be a very busy year.

Are you looking forward to it…?

Yes I am. I have been in the post for a few weeks now and I have loved every single minute of it. I have enjoyed my time as a Fed rep [for the past seven years]. I never for once imagined that I would end up as the secretary of the Joint Branch Board – but now that I am doing the job I am absolutely loving it.

Why is the Federation important to front line police officers…?

It is that level of support that the force can’t necessarily give them. We give them some protection – yes we are there for the misconduct side of things and sickness but not only that… I really see the Federation as the conscious of the force. We sit on the chief constable’s shoulder and sometimes clear our throats politely and remind him “you can’t really do that boss…” or “that is a really good idea, we will help you implement that…”. We are not about standing and digging our heels in, with a copy of Police Regulations under one arm, and banging the desk with the other saying “you can’t do that”. I really do see the Federation as sitting down with the chief and saying “this is where you want to go – this is how we get there within the spirit of Police Regulations.” Sometimes there will be things the chief or organisation want to do that we disagree with. We accept that. In the main we should be trying to work towards a common purpose. And that is what is good for our members is good for the organisation and Essex residents.