Dear Colleague,
POLICE COVENANT FOR ENGLAND AND WALES: LAUNCH OF CONSULTATION
I am writing to you to raise awareness of the launch of the Government’s consultation on the principle and scope of a Police Covenant.
The police do a unique and remarkable job in the face of enormous challenges and pressure. This Government has proposed plans for a Police Covenant, enshrined in law, to recognise this and provide the protection and support they deserve.
Last year, the Home Office’s Front Line Review highlighted concerns of police officers and staff and the need to do more to help them.
This highlighted the need for urgent action to ensure the police were fully supported and valued. A package of immediate measures was brought forward in response, but the Government has continued to look for ways to do more to improve police welfare and address these concerns.
The introduction of a Police Covenant is the next step on this journey to provide comprehensive, meaningful and lasting support to officers.
This consultation seeks views on the principle of implementing a Police Covenant in England and Wales, to enhance support for the police and their families. It will look at the themes of:
• Physical Protection
• Health and Wellbeing
• Support for Families
It will also consider the scope of the Covenant and who should be covered.
The consultation will last 8 weeks. We have placed copies in the Library of both Houses, and it is available here or gov.uk. The consultation will close on 22 April 2020 and will be followed by a formal Government response.
To this end, I encourage you and your constituents to complete this consultation and let us know what more we can do to provide the support police officers and their families need. This is your opportunity to support the development of an effective police covenant.
To express your interest please email [email protected]. If you wish to discuss any of the issues raised by the consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
