Lancashire Police Federation

25/07/2025

Chair’s Blog: Sarah Pochin MP should spend some time with our officers to see what we deal with day in and day out… regardless of our gender

Martin Midgley discusses the “unbelievable” views of one MP one BBC Radio 5 Live this week – and invites her out on shift.

"I am astounded to listen to the views of MP Sarah Pochin on BBC Radio 5 live earlier this week

"The MP for Runcorn and Helsby said that she didn’t feel comfortable when she saw two female police officers together, saying: “I’d much rather see a great big strapping male police officer with a female.”

"The MP said that female police officers should be deployed to “more sensitive situations” such as those involving children or domestic violence.

"I find it frankly unbelievable that views such as this are still here in our modern society.

"My wife is a police officer, and I find the comments made outrageous. To suggest that she isn't as capable as me or able to deal with certain aspects of the role is simply inaccurate.

"Lancashire Constabulary has a high number of female officers who work in every department and specialism.

"Our female colleagues run towards danger and put their lives on the line just as our male colleagues do.

"The police have worked hard to challenge misogynistic views and create an environment where all officers can meet their potential.

"To suggest that female officers should deal with the more sensitive situations involving children or domestic violence is her opinion, but it is really insulting and undermining to all female officers.

"Is the suggestion also that as a man, I not able to deal with sensitive situations or children?

"Comments like this from an elect MP are harmful.

"MP Sarah Pochin should come and spend time with our police officers, both male and female to see first hand what an amazing job they do whilst underfunded and overworked."

24/07/2025

The Government has been accused of a “calculated” delay in the announcement of the 2025 police officer pay rise – as the service prepares for a summer of potential discontent.

As MPs across the country head off on their summer holidays, the nation’s police officers prepare for a busy period of work - with leave limited and mutual aid across the country required.

Memories remain fresh of the civil unrest of last summer – with fears similar scenes could happen once again.

And yet these same stretched officers still wait for the announcement of their 2025 pay award – scheduled to come in on 1 September.

Tiff Lynch, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Anger is building. Every other public sector profession — from NHS staff to teachers and the Armed Forces — has had its annual pay award confirmed. Police officers, alone, are still waiting. With just weeks before the new pay period begins, there has been nothing but silence.

“It’s hard not to see that delay as calculated — an attempt to avoid fuelling discontent in a workforce already under strain. If that’s the plan, it is both cynical and dangerous. Officers don’t need a message of reassurance. They need action — and respect.”

She added in an article in the Telegraph: “Instead of strengthening our front line, we are continuing to sap its energy. More than 1,500 officers have been pulled from local forces to police a private visit by the US President. This was not a state occasion; it was a leisure trip.

“While he plays golf, communities hundreds of miles away are left without coverage, and already exhausted public order units are stretched even further. It would be comical if it weren’t so serious — and so familiar.

“Local commanders are once again being forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps.”

This week it was revealed more than 17,700 UK police officers were signed off work over the past year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.

It also emerged that 8,795 police officers left the 43 police forces in England and Wales in the past financial year - that's 6% of the workforce. The most common reason for leaving was voluntary resignation (53.1% of leavers).

Tiff concluded: “Through our Copped Enough campaign, we hear from officers who are at breaking point. Working relentless overtime, not as a choice but as an expectation. Taking second jobs to keep up with rising costs. Watching friends and colleagues walk away because the personal toll has become too great.

“Behind each uniform is a person — someone with a family, responsibilities, and limits. When officers are stretched to breaking point, the effects ripple far beyond the frontline. It impacts home lives, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. These are not just statistics or headlines. These are real people carrying the weight of a system in crisis.

“This goes far beyond pay. This is about whether the country still values the men and women who step forward when everything else breaks down. Right now, many of them feel utterly abandoned.”

22/07/2025

More than 400 Lancashire Police officers were signed off work last year due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

The figure of 408 is a 16% increase on the previous year, when 350 Lancashire officers were signed off work for mental health reasons, the Police Oracle report found.

Across the UK, over 17,700 police officers were signed off for mental health reasons in the financial year 2024-25, which is 22% up on last year and a huge 182% higher than when Police Oracle first ran the survey 12 years ago. Of the 45 forces that provided figures both this year and last year, 33 reported an increased number of officers being signed off for mental ill health.

Martin Midgley, Chair of Lancashire Police Federation, said: “Here’s the context behind why officers are being signed off work: most people will experience three or four traumatic events in their lifetime. Police officers, on average, are going through between 400 to 600 traumatic events in their careers.

“Police officers run into situations that most members of the public wouldn’t ever see. A few years ago I did CPR on a two-week-old baby. Tragically, that child died. Years on from that, I can still see the face of that child. I can still hear the screams of the parents.

“After that incident, I had to go straight to another job. We carried on. If you ask any police officer anywhere in the country, they will tell you that they’re going to jobs like that and seeing that sort of trauma day in, day out. And having to come to terms with what they’ve seen, and then going home to their families and trying to put a brave face on so their children aren’t seeing how distraught they are.”

The Government was to blame for the fact that officers were overworked and exposed to so much trauma, Martin said.

He said: “It’s outrageous that the Government fails to recognise the funding required for forces to operate effectively. The thin blue line is getting thinner. Officers have increased workloads, so they have more pressure put on them. And they’re already at breaking point.

“The other key thing is that, since 2010, police pay has fallen by a fifth in real terms. Police officers should be recognised for the unique work that they do, and paid in accordance with the dangers and traumas they face.”

Martin added: “If any Lancashire police officers are struggling with their mental health, please reach out to the Federation, and we can signpost you to the right help and support.”

In order to help officers who are struggling with mental health issues, a new 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789 has been launched by The National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo.

It is staffed by expert counsellors to support those working in policing who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. It is confidential and completely independent – no information will be shared with the force, Occupational Health departments or line management.

16/07/2025

Meet Lancashire Police's best response cop who helped save a young grooming victim in Blackpool

A Blackpool PC has been crowned Lancashire’s best response officer after he helped find a young grooming victim and took on an armed domestic abuse suspect.

11/07/2025

The best of British policing was celebrated at the 30th annual National Police Bravery Awards last night.

Eight regional winners were awarded for incredible acts of bravery; with the overall winners named as three Merseyside officers who were the first responders to the Southport attack last July.

Sgt Greg Gillespie, PC Luke Holden and PCSO Tim Parry said they were humbled to receive the award, and their thoughts remain with the families of the victims of this terrible incident.

During the evening two officers from Cheshire Police were given an inspiration award for raising money for a men’s mental health group following the death of a colleague.

And for the first time, a Heart of Policing Award was given – to an officer from Kent who use empathy and compassion to save a woman who was intent on taking her own life.

Many congratulations go to our nominee, who asked not to be publicly named.

A total of 70 officers were nominated for the awards; they attended a reception at Downing Street with Police Minister Dame Diana Johnson and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper; before a glittering awards ceremony in central London.

https://www.polfed.org/news/latest-news/2025/national-police-bravery-award-winners-2025/

09/07/2025

The next Family Law surgery at Federation Office, Police HQ will be held on Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Lund Bennett Law is a dedicated Family Law Solicitors for Lancashire Police Federation.
To make an appointment with the Family Solicitor please telephone 01772 584 556 or email lancashire@polfed.org

All federation members, their family and police staff are offered:

- A free initial 60-minute consultation
- A reduced fixed fee Divorce, and
- Discounted hourly rates.

The family law solicitor specialises in all areas of matrimonial law including divorce, finances and pension on divorce, child arrangements, cohabitation and civil partnership disputes.
They offer monthly in person surgeries at the Federation Office.

As well as Teams appointments or telephone call appointments at any time – just call 0161 924 0079.

Whichever is most convenient for you.

07/07/2025

The National Awards are this Thursday.

Good luck to our nominee!

This week provides an excellent opportunity to focus on the great work colleagues carry out every day.

A dedicated off-duty detective who sprang out of bed to break up a fight on her street involving a man wielding a Taser has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

On 21 May 2023, an off-duty detective constable from Lancashire Police was at home in bed asleep, when she was awoken by the sound of a disturbance on the street outside.

She rushed to look out of the window and saw two men fighting. The DC noticed the main aggressor was now holding a device in his hand, thought to be a Taser, which he pointed at the second male and fired. He fell onto the floor in a state of incapacitation.

She rushed outside in her pyjamas and slippers taking only her mobile phone. As she ran outside, she could see both men continuing to fight.

Fearing for the safety of the male who had been “tasered”, she jumped into the middle of the fight. She grappled with the male armed with a Taser, trying to avoid punches from both men as they continued to try and fight each other.

Due to the nature of the fight, she was struck several times either intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless, she was able to isolate the main aggressor, pinning him to the ground.

Now, with some degree of control, she issued instruction for the other man to back away. Other members of the public were arriving to see what was going on.

The DC gave clear guidance for them to call the police, identifying herself as a police officer requiring assistance.

A short time later, no doubt a period which seemed an eternity, help arrived from other local police officers.

She handed over the detained male to her colleagues and secured the recovery of the Taser which had fallen onto the floor during her attempt to restrain the male.

Lancashire Police Federation Secretary Stuart Parry said: “After being involved in partnership working some years ago with her prior to her joining the police service, knowing her work ethic and commitment to serving Lancashire’s communities, it is no surprise to me she finds herself as Lancashire’s nomination for PFEW’s Bravery Awards.

“Her actions whilst off duty were selfless, above and beyond, putting herself in grave danger without PPE. She displays unwavering dedication to her role as a police officer and this act of bravery is another example of her commitment to policing and putting the communities of Lancashire first. She is a credit to Lancashire Constabulary.”

02/07/2025

🚨FedConnect 2025 is happening TODAY.

🕘 09:00–14:00 hrs
💻 Online
📼 Recording available after.

There’s still time to register and be part of this key member-centric event:

This is your opportunity to:
• Join vital conversations about the future of policing
• Share your views directly with Police Federation leaders
• Connect with fellow members and key stakeholders

What’s on the agenda?
▶️ Copped Enough – National pay and conditions campaign update
▶️ Policing at Crossroads – A conversation on reform, reality and the road ahead
▶️ Men, Boys and Policing – Exploring the impact of policing beyond adolescence
▶️ A Federation Fit for the Future – How we’re evolving to better support members
▶️ Live Q&A – Ask questions and join the conversation

Whether you can attend the full session or just part of it, your voice matters. Let’s shape the future, together.

Thank you to our headline sponsors Quick Mortgages.

30/06/2025

29/06/2025

Sad news as Durham Constabulary announce the death of Police Staff member Curtis Davies.

Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.

He was 32.

The body of Curtis was located by specialist search teams in the Shildon area this morning (Sunday, June 29).

The force said: "Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of 32-year-old Curtis from Shildon.

"Curtis’ family have been informed and are being supported.

"Help and support is also being offered to Curtis’ friends and work family.

"We would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search for our friend and colleague, and who worked closely and considerately with officers on the ground.

Curtis’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Phil Stephenson, Secretary of Durham Police Federation, Tweeted: "Very sad to hear that one of our police staff members, who has sadly been missing for a few days has been found deceased.

"My thoughts go to his family, work family and friends. A very well thought of young man I’m led to believe. Very sad indeed."

27/06/2025

It's been a busy week for our team of Federation Reps.

The Summer Roadshow has visited Headquarters, Preston, Blackpool and Burnley to engage with our members.

We were supported by Police Insure, Quick Mortgages, Blues and Two's as well as the Police Treatment centres.

It doesn't stop there as next week we'll be visiting Lancaster, Morecambe, Leyland, Chorley, Burnley and Waterfoot.

27/06/2025

Police officers who protect our communities are being pushed to breaking point. Real-terms pay cuts of up to 21%. Rising assaults. Daily trauma and risk. They run towards danger — but their pay doesn’t cover running a household.

https://www.polfed.org/campaigns/copped-enough/