Avon and Somerset Police Federation

Avon and Somerset Police Federation We are the local branch of the Police Federation of England and Wales PAGE NOT MONITORED This page is not monitored 24/7.

Please note and accept that not all views expressed reflect the views of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation or PFEW. Contributors to the page should refrain from offering any advice that could have legal or financial implications to members of our Federation. Such posts will be deleted and persons blocked.

Every police officer in England and Wales will be required to hold a licence to be able to continue working, the Home Of...
24/01/2026

Every police officer in England and Wales will be required to hold a licence to be able to continue working, the Home Office has said.

They will have to prove they have the right skills in issues such as tackling violence against women and girls or face being removed from their job, under the terms of a phased scheme similar to ones for lawyers or doctors.

The plans are part of a raft of reforms expected from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who is promising to oversee the biggest shake-up of policing in decades.

Officers will have to renew what the Home Office calls a 'licence to practice' throughout their career by keeping up to date with latest methods and guidance. Training will be rolled out in phases.

The plans have drawn criticism from the Police Federation of England and Wales, which said officers are routinely pulled off mandatory trainings and burdened with unsafe workloads.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: "Everyone wants professional policing, but that requires pay, training, time and support.

"Officers are routinely pulled off mandatory training to plug gaps, work rest days to stay afloat, and carry workloads no-one would call safe.

"We will await the detail of the white paper but these issues need to be fixed."

https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-24/concerns-over-unsafe-workloads-raised-ahead-of-police-service-reforms

22/01/2026

Our first ever Podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis and Chair Tom Gent discuss how the service needs to care for its colleagues.

Watch in full here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfvNgaY-Ik

Or listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/5auIPDq8gBQwZpLL2yFTnZ?si=Xgg0ZI1rTAOJ3aBUpUdA4A&pi=Kd7aF2RQTHupI&fbclid=IwY2xjawPev_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBIcWM0YjZjZ3JBQ1BxUWZEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHolhn7mt5XZoSq6FkOlmt2YToIarQYOehvpjZ-buB2VGYdTTnkmMrGPwNHhZ_aem_jhbs7ogw_NMdjs7gGzOgvQ&nd=1&dlsi=e8280cd8657342e2

Statement from Avon and Somerset Police Federation following the acquittal of PC Matthew Pike"We welcome the court’s dec...
21/01/2026

Statement from Avon and Somerset Police Federation following the acquittal of PC Matthew Pike

"We welcome the court’s decision clearing PC Matthew Pike of any criminal wrongdoing following the extensive Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

"The officer’s actions, now fully scrutinised through both the IOPC process and the judicial process, have been found to align with police training, policy, and the expectations placed upon officers when responding to crime and protecting the public.

"We note that the prosecution expert witness told the Court that PC Pike did not drive dangerously or carelessly. In dismissing the case, the Judge stated: “Matthew Pike did his job as he was trained to do it.”

"With the conclusion of court proceedings, we hope that all parties – most importantly the officer and the bereaved family – are now able to begin moving forward.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected. No legal finding can lessen the emotional impact of such a loss, and we acknowledge the grief that continues for those who mourn.

"The role of policing often requires difficult and dynamic decision‑making in challenging circumstances, and this case exemplifies the weight of that responsibility.

"What cannot be ignored is the extraordinary duration of this investigation and judicial process, which has been ongoing since November 2021. Prolonged scrutiny of this nature places a significant and lasting burden not only on the officer involved, but on their family, colleagues and the wider policing community.

"Effective oversight and accountability are essential to public confidence in policing. But they must also be timely and proportionate. This case raises serious questions about whether that balance has been achieved, and the IOPC must change how investigations of this kind are be progressed much more efficiently.

"We would now look for any potential conduct proceedings hanging over PC Pike to be dealt with expediently following this correct not guilty verdict."

The families of 30 UK police officers who have died on duty have seen their loved one’s sacrifice be recognised by the K...
16/01/2026

The families of 30 UK police officers who have died on duty have seen their loved one’s sacrifice be recognised by the King with the Elizabeth Emblem.

This includes the families of DC Mick Swindells, of West Midlands Police; PC Alan McMurray, of Lothian and Borders Police; and PC Sandra Edwards, of South Yorkshire Police.

Also receiving the award will be the families of fallen officers PC Laurence Brown, of the Metropolitan Police; PC Andrew Winterburn, of West Yorkshire Police; PC John Alcock, of Grampian Police; PC Kenneth Adams, of Hampshire Constabulary; and from Norfolk Constabulary PC Bernard Brown, PC David Protheroe Davies and DC Terence Glister.

The Elizabeth Emblem recognises the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

This is the third list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients to be published. The next of kin are awarded the national form of recognition.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown.

It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.

It includes a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

The full list of those to be awarded the Elizabeth Emblem is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-elizabeth-emblem-application-guidance-and-eligibility/list-of-recipients-of-the-elizabeth-emblem-15th-january-2026

Our first ever Podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.A new venture for us - ...
15/01/2026

Our first ever Podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

A new venture for us - join host Royston Martis and our Chair Tom Gent as they discuss issues relevant to Avon and Somerset Police officers.

We will be launching a regular series of these as the year progresses so let us know if there any topics you would like us to discuss info.avonsom@polfed.org

Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfvNgaY-Ik

And listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/5auIPDq8gBQwZpLL2yFTnZ?si=Xgg0ZI1rTAOJ3aBUpUdA4A&t=0&pi=Kd7aF2RQTHupI

Upcoming mortgage surgery for colleagues
14/01/2026

Upcoming mortgage surgery for colleagues

Avon and Somerset Police officers who have been subject to alleged harassment or sexual misconduct in the workplace are ...
06/01/2026

Avon and Somerset Police officers who have been subject to alleged harassment or sexual misconduct in the workplace are to get new representation within the force.

Mollie Flood is to take on the new full time principal officer role that will focus on supporting victims and witnesses, which she said will provide meaningful support to colleagues who currently have little structured help.

Mollie, a PC with ten years’ experience in response and investigations, is the Federation’s new Victim and witness support officer

She said: “I will primarily be supporting victims and witnesses in relation to alleged domestic abuse, assaults and misconduct. We, as a Federation, always support the suspects... but we don't do a lot at the moment for the victims who are left and who don't understand the process.”

Mollie's primary role will be supporting victims, answering their questions about processes, timelines, procedure and in helping with practical matters, like whether they need a station or role move or other adjustments.

Mollie said Avon and Somerset appears to be the first Federation to create the dedicated role, and that she has had great support from the force in setting it up. Her initial focus will include “supporting any kind of alleged sexual misconduct in the workplace”.

She said: “I want to empower colleagues to come forward in a way that means they don’t have to worry about it having a negative impact upon them. And I will also be working in domestic violence. If allegations are made, we need to support our victims where we can."

A survey by the Police Federation of England and Wales has revealed the most comprehensive picture to date of how officers experience, witness and report misconduct by colleagues and the findings point to a system that many believe is unclear, inconsistent and, in some cases, unsafe to navigate.

The survey, completed by 5,203 officers across all ranks, regions and demographic groups, shows that police on police misconduct is far from rare. More than one in five officers (21%) have been directly involved in a misconduct case where the perpetrator was another officer. This represents thousands of individuals who have either experienced harmful behaviour or witnessed it happening to colleagues.

Among those involved, witnesses outnumber victims by three to one. Nearly half of all victims say the perpetrator was of the same rank, while 41% say the perpetrator was more senior.

"Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones... tell them you love them"Gloucestershire Constabulary Sgt To...
01/01/2026

"Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones... tell them you love them"

Gloucestershire Constabulary Sgt Tom Shearman has thanked everyone who has kindly donated to the Go Fund Me Page created for him and said he is "humbled beyond comprehension".

He said “three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us”, and Tom asked for everyone to take every opportunity to hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.

The donation page was created after the death of Tom's wife Nu, their children Eve and Ohner, and their dog Hutch following a house fire at their home in Brimscombe on Boxing Day.

Tom said: "I have stared at my keypad for what seems like an eternity waiting for the words to appear. I have no way to thank any of you for the unbelievable out of this world generosity that you have shown to me in the darkest of hours.

"My life, the lives of my loved ones, my friends and the whole community changed on Boxing Day. Most importantly, and tragically, three of the greatest humans to ever grace our presence were taken from not just me, but all of us.

"I cannot begin to describe the anguish and trauma of the events of Boxing Day 2025. My family had its very core, its very essence, ripped from it in the most violent way.

"While nothing can ever undo what has happened, nor can it ever make sense of the suffering, I am genuinely humbled beyond comprehension at what this page has and is doing.

"My family and friends have rallied around and provided me with more than the bare essentials. I have a roof (and many offers) over my head, clothes on my back, food - most importantly company and compassion. I will heal.

"I have already started the ball rolling on a plan that came to me just as I was falling past the precipice of the abyss. I WILL make sure my unbelievably talented, empathetic, compassionate and beautiful wife's legacy of craft, design and making lives on.

"As will I ensure that my bright spark Eve's legacy of enjoyment from books and writing be carried on. Along with my incredible son's sheer compassion and desire to help people.

"I thank each and every one of you for your donations. I shall forever be in your debt and you will now forever be in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully I can repay in some way.

"Please all take every opportunity to hug your loved ones, tell them you love them. Because, as Paulo Coelho said, one day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you want. Do it now.

"My heartfelt thanks to the emergency services whom tried everything to save my wonderful family. I hope they are all being looked after by their colleagues and friends. Boxing day was horrific for all involved.

"Now go light up the darkest corners and the black sky.

"In memory of Nu. Eve. Ohner. Hutch."

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-rebuild-after-an-unimaginable-loss

Address

1 St. Davids Court
Clevedon
BS216UP

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Avon and Somerset Police Federation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Avon and Somerset Police Federation:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram