Avon and Somerset Police Federation

02/05/2026

A shocking 15% of police officers have missed out on meals due to financial worries - with 32% thinking of leaving the service due to financial insecurity.

The latest Police Family Finance Index Report has highlighted ongoing concerns around long-term financial security across the police workforce.

The findings point to a growing trend driven by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant real-term pay forcing many officers to make difficult short-term financial decisions - often at the expense of their future.

Younger officers are particularly affected. Those under 35 are significantly more likely to both consider and act on pension opt-outs, highlighting a potential long-term generational impact on retirement outcomes.

The report, published by Police Friendly and based on over 13,500 responses from across the UK police family, also highlights:

• 68% of police officers report current financial concerns
• 56% say their financial situation has worsened over the past year
• Nearly 4 in 10 are in significant debt when housing costs are included
• 46% of police officers have considered opting out of their pension in the past 12 months, and new survey renewals, with 7% going on to stop contributions altogether.

With many officers reporting they have less than £100 left at the end of each month, pension contributions - often a substantial deduction from take-home pay - are increasingly viewed as unaffordable in the short term.

Tiff Lynch, National Chair of Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We’ve seen again this week the very real dangers officers face; bravery and selflessness, running towards danger to protect the local community.

"What the public aren’t told is that those same officers are doing it on pay that means they struggle to pay the bills.

"Up to 10,000 officers may already have stopped paying into their pensions just to get through the month.

“This is not sustainable. A minimum 7 per cent annual pay award for the next three years is both fair and affordable because the alternative is losing experienced officers and putting public safety at risk.”

More here https://www.metfriendly.org.uk/metfriendly-police-family-finance-index-report-spring-2026/

01/05/2026

You only have until Friday 15 May to nominate colleagues for our Third Recognition Awards in October this year.

More here https://polfed.org/avonsom/news/news-articles/avon-and-somerset-police-federation-recognition-awards-nominate-your-deserving-colleagues-now/

30/04/2026

Did you know that every beneficiary registered with Police Children’s Fund is eligible to apply for a School Holiday Activities Grant?

Parents tell us that the grant has helped with courses, camps and a range of activities undertaken during school holidays.

Maybe we can help for the May half term?

What have you got coming up? Could we help you? If so, get in touch or visit our website to see our full range of grants https://policechildrensfund.org/about/available-grants/ to support the education and wellbeing of police children.

We have been helping police children for over 100 years and with the ongoing commitment of our donors and supporters we hope to do so for another century and beyond.

27/04/2026

Our latest podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis, Chair Tom Gent and Victim & Witness Liaison Officer Mollie Flood discuss response policing and the Police Federation survey results https://polfed.org/news/latest-news/2026/nine-in-10-officers-cite-staffing-shortages-as-new-film-reveals-policing-in-crisis/

Watch the Podcast in full here https://youtu.be/3A3W659UY-c

Or listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LHLh1VtcKaTkBYgOesggC?si=9E_f9DrVSQyAIyF8qjrs5w

23/04/2026

A Police Memorial stone was today unveiled in memory of killed Thames Valley Police Officer PC Andrew Harper.

His wife Lissie, colleagues and many other dignitaries - including Police Minister Sarah Jones representing the Government - attended the unveiling in Reading, which was bathed in glorious sunshine.

Lissie said: "Today, we gather to remember and honour my late husband, Andrew — a man who meant so much to so many, and everything to me.

"He was proud to serve as a police officer, but to me, he was so much more.

"He was my partner, my strength, and my first love.

"He had a kind heart, a steady presence, and a quiet courage that shaped the way he lived every single day."

PC Andrew Harper was killed on duty after being dragged by a fleeing car after confronting quad bike thieves in a country lane near
Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019.
Three teenagers later received custodial sentences of between 13 and 16 years for Pc Harper's manslaughter.

Following their conviction his widow Lissie campaigned for tougher sentences for this killing Emergency Services workers, achieving what was known as Harper's Law in 2022.

Lissie added: "In 2019, our lives changed forever.

"The world lost a hero, but I lost the person I was meant to grow old with - the man I stood beside on our wedding day, promising a lifetime we never got to finish.

"There are no words for that kind of loss — but there is love.

"A love that hasn’t faded, and never will.

"I will always carry him with me — in my heart, in my memories, and in everything he taught me about strength, compassion, and courage."

She concluded: "Andrew was the epitome of what a police officer should be — willing to serve and protect at all costs.

"That is why I know how important it is that Andrew is honoured with this memorial, and I am so grateful to the trust and everyone involved in making it happen.

"I hope that those who walk these streets will take a moment to pause, to pay their respects, and to know that he made our world a safer place. He deserved so much more — but we will cherish all that he gave.

"Andrew… you are missed, you are loved, and you will never be forgotten."

Leigh Matthews, Deputy Secretary of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: "We are here to celebrate the life of PC Andrew Harper.

"It’s so important for many reasons but mainly to recognise the huge sacrifice that Andrew made on that fateful day."

Sarah Jones said "It is incredibly humbling for me to be here with you all to honour PC Andrew Harper and to unveil a memorial dedicated to his memory which will act as permanent tribute to an outstanding police officer who was a credit to his family, his force and his country.

"His death was a moment of profound shock and sadness beyond those who knew and loved him but across the whole country.

"PC Harper was a dedicated public servant, a man of courage and would go out his way to help others and someone who epitomised the very best of British policing."

TVP Chief Constable Jason Hogg recalled being the Deputy Chief Constable - and on call - the night Andrew was killed in 2019.

He said: "Like many of those here, I remember that day with absolute clarity as the chief officer with Thames Valley Police on call that evening. I remember the shock at the information given. I remember standing with officers in the aftermath - that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"What I saw that day was a policing family in deep pain. I saw officers who were experienced, resilient, and professional, suddenly faced with the unbearable reality that one of their own was not coming home.

"And I remember watching hearts break in front of me. It was a solemn, devastating scene that left a mark on every one of us who witnessed it.

"Andrew was 28 years old. He was doing his job. He was responding to a call for help, serving the public, protecting his community. There was nothing extraordinary about that decision, because for police officers across this country that sense of duty is part of everyday service. And yet we know the risk is always there."

The Memorial Stone was commissioned by the Police Memorial Trust. Its Chair Geraldine Winner said: "It's absolutely right that the landscape of Reading should change just a little to accommodate a permanent reminder of the life and death of PC Andrew Harper."

22/04/2026

Our latest podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis, Chair Tom Gent and Victim & Witness Liaison Officer Mollie Flood discuss her role and what it means for colleagues

Watch the Podcast in full here https://youtu.be/3A3W659UY-c

Or listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LHLh1VtcKaTkBYgOesggC?si=9E_f9DrVSQyAIyF8qjrs5w

20/04/2026

A survey of nearly 2,000 emergency response officers has revealed the scale of crisis facing policing - with 91% of officers working in unsafe and understaffed teams.

The survey, conducted by the Police Federation, also found that more than half (52%) of officers believe response policing is not working well, with just 6% saying it is working “very well”. The survey includes responses from officers in all 43 police forces in England and Wales, the majority of whom are constables and sergeants working on the frontline.

More than a third of officers said travel distances and the size of the areas understaffed teams cover are affecting their ability to respond, while almost one in five cited equipment failures. Officers described “constant pressure to move onto the next incident”, “being singly crewed”, and “full shifts wiped out by the first job of the day”, painting a picture of response teams stretched not just by volume, but by distance, weak systems and too little support.

Alongside the survey, the Federation is launching a new film, “My Last Set”, which uses actors to portray the real, unedited words of police officers who were asked a very simple question: tell us what your last week of shifts were like. The film is part of the Federation’s “Copped Enough” campaign, which calls attention to the crisis facing policing across the country.

The film reveals a consistent picture of everyday frontline policing:

• Teams operating well below safe staffing levels
• Officers working extended hours, often exceeding 60 hours a week
• Repeated exposure to traumatic incidents including suicides, stabbings and mental health crises
• Officers unable to take rest days due to the demands of the job and starting work feeling exhausted and traumatised.

Taken together, the survey data and the testimony in the film point to a service far beyond breaking point.

Brian Booth, Police Federation Deputy National Chair, said: “These officers are immersed in the blood, sweat and tears of emergency incidents every day. They know what they’re talking about and they know they’re working in a broken service that is only viable because it places unsustainable burdens on them. The question for anyone who cares about their community is simple: is this what a police service should look like? Our members will always do their duty, but they know they are working in a system that is failing them on every set of shifts they work, just as it is ailing the communities they are proud to serve.”

You can watch the video here

2 likes. "Overworked, Underpaid, Under Threat - "

17/04/2026

Congratulations to all colleagues recognised at the force Awards.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

14/04/2026

Chief Constables have today announced that forces will introduce mandatory recording of Police Officer suicides.

National Police Chiefs' Council Statement: "We have now secured approval from Chief Constables to introduce a mandatory, consistent reporting requirement through the Chief Medical Officer for policing."

The NPCC added that it is also developing a national trauma support system, including tracking, annual psychological assessments and mandatory training.



If police officers and staff are struggling they can contact the Mental Health Crisis Line (call 0300 131 2789) and Samaritans (116 123).

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/police-mandatory-recording-officer-suicides-36975753

13/04/2026

Our Third Recognition Awards returns in October this year to recognise and celebrate Police Officers who have gone above and beyond in their difficult roles.

And we need you to nominate your deserving colleagues!

We are looking for nominations for the following categories:

• Bravery
• Unsung Hero
• Inspiration
• Detective
• Compassionate Officer
• Team of the Year
• Supervisor of the Year
• Response Officer of the Year

Please do let us know who you think is deserving of these Awards in our force - and provide us with a short citation as to why (no more than 250 words).

Please fill in the form with information on your deserving colleagues https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=IJTX9mriHUe68V29n-n68zH2OkLNidtHi7xRDZ81qt1URExIUDM3WDFIRVEwOUQxTjlTOVBIUUtUVi4u&route=shorturl

You have until Friday 15 May to nominate colleagues.

Winners will be informed of their success in June and be invited to the prestigious evening in October.

09/04/2026

Why Fixing Your Mortgage Rate Early Makes Sense in Today’s Property Market - advice from Police Mortgages

With mortgage rates still unpredictable, fixing your next deal up to six months in advance has become one of the smartest financial moves a homeowner can make. A six month lock-in gives you certainty in a market where rates can shift overnight, protecting you from sudden increases and helping you plan ahead with confidence.

Crucially, fixing early doesn’t remove your flexibility. If rates drop before your new deal begins, you can simply switch to a better product. It’s a no risk safety net that keeps you in control.

It also ensures you avoid slipping onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate—a costly default that catches many borrowers out when their current deal ends.

And you don’t have to navigate any of this alone. Police Mortgages offers expert, tailored support to help you secure the right deal, monitor rate changes, and switch if something better appears—all at no cost to you.

In a market like today’s, fixing early isn’t just sensible. It’s strategic.

So if you are looking to get onto the property market, or are coming to the end of a mortgage term, fix an appointment with your qualified mortgage adviser here https://calendly.com/police-mortgages/avon-and-somerset-police-federation-mortgage?month=2026-04.

06/04/2026

- Dan Lewis, Graeme Smith, Josh Neal Bate, Kieran Hodson and Rhys Webb have been recognised with the Waley Cohen Award for their exceptional bravery during a rapidly unfolding and high risk incident. Congratulations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWYpVhQjD7M/?hl=en