Lancashire Police Federation

05/09/2025

Lancashire Police should follow Northamptonshire’s lead and pay officers for planned overtime rather than the current ‘half hour for the King’, the Chair of Lancashire Police Federation has said.

Martin Midgley was commenting on Northamptonshire Police’s decision to change the way it applies the so-called ‘half hour for the King’ – the long-standing expectation that officers would routinely give extra time at the end of their shifts.

Officers have actually been paid for this half hour since 1994, when the Police Federation successfully challenged its non-payment. All PCs and Sergeants now get an extra payment of around £450 a year, pensionable, to reflect this. However, demand is now so consistently high that officers are having to plan for extended shifts.

Northamptonshire’s Chief Constable has argued this means the time counts as ‘planned overtime’, and should be paid in addition to the allowance.

Martin said: "The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire has listened to what frontline officers have called for and has taken positive action.

"This not only reflects the current demands on policing, but also shows the value that Northamptonshire Police places on its officers.

“Lancashire is in the same position, with many dedicated and committed officers regularly staying on after their shift finish time without compensation. I will be calling on our Chief Constable to follow Northamptonshire’s lead.”

PFEW National Secretary John Partington said: “Northants Police have done the right thing by recognising that relentless demand cannot just be absorbed and that officers must be properly compensated and the sacrifice of their time recognised. We accept the strong case that government needs to fund policing properly, but if Northants can do it, every other force can too.”

Northamptonshire Police Federation Chair Sam Dobbs said: “Police officers serve with pride, dedication and bravery but they cannot be expected to shoulder today’s relentless demand without proper recognition. Chief Constable Balhatchet’s decision ensures that when officers work beyond their shifts, that time is properly treated as planned overtime. It’s a fairer approach that values officers’ time and wellbeing, and it sends a clear message: the pressures breaking policing must be acknowledged and addressed. We've lobbied on this issue for some time and now it’s time for every force to follow Northamptonshire’s lead.”

01/09/2025

The 2025 officially raised an incredible £306,668 for COPS - the highest fundraising total of the tour.

This record-breaking total will go towards supporting the families of police officers and staff who have died on duty.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2WJZFb5D/?mibextid=wwXIfr

23/08/2025

Today marks 54 years since Supt Gerry Richardson GC, of Lancashire Police, was shot at point black range, by armed robbers who had attacked a jeweller’s in Blackpool.

He died later that day.

Lancashire Police Federation Secretary Stuart Parry this morning laid a wreath in his memory on behalf of our members.

Stuart said: "We should never forget the risks that come with policing and that although thankfully rare, officers have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving and haven’t returned home to their loved ones.

"Today Supt Gerry Richardson's bravery, courage and leadership on that tragic day was remembered - and it should never be forgotten.”

23/08/2025

Remembering Supt Gerry Richardson, of Lancashire Constabulary, who was killed in the line of duty after being shot while attending an armed robbery in Blackpool on 23 August 1971.

22/08/2025

An independent and confidential Mental Health Crisis Line has been launched to provide immediate support for anyone working in policing experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

If you’re in crisis, and need help now, call 0300 131 2789.

https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/news/confidential-mental-health-crisis-line-police-staff-and-officers-launches

20/08/2025

Remembering PC Catherine Sutcliffe, of Lancashire Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 2004

19/08/2025

Remembering PC John Bromilow, of Lancashire Police, who died of injuries sustained on duty on 18 August in 1979

18/08/2025

Bereaved mother thanks Lancashire police officers and staff who worked tirelessly on heartbreaking investigation: https://news.lancashire.police.uk/news/2025/august/two-sentenced-following-fatal-collision/

12/08/2025

The PFEW believes that the current Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) process is not fit for purpose, especially for Police Officers who are assaulted on duty.

Quick poll for officers on the issue

https://forms.office.com/e/vr03JN0zMh

12/08/2025

Remembering PC David Whittle, of Lancashire Police, who died on duty on this day in 1979

07/08/2025

Burnley man headbutted two police officers in town centre cafe... He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours unpaid work

A man assaulted two police officers as they arrested him for causing a disturbance in a Burnley town centre cafe.

06/08/2025

Lancashire Police colleague Amy Knott has been cycling the Police Unity Tour for a decade.

Remembering fallen colleagues. Supporting the surviving family members left behind.

The ride concluded at the COPS Service of Remembrance.

Amy says: “It's important for the families of officers that are lost to know that their family members are still remembered. We have multiple survivors who ride with us - and you can see how much it means, especially those who have lost their family members years ago, and that they are still remembered.”

More than 500 cyclists, each wearing a Unity Band engraved with the name of a Fallen Officer, completed their cross-country journey as part of the Unity Tour.

These bands were presented to the officers’ families, symbolising remembrance and solidarity.

The tour’s motto is “We Ride For Those Who Died”.

Now in its 13th year, the PUT continues to raise essential funds for COPS, with the 2025 tour alone raising £235,000.

Why does Amy carry on with the charity event year after year?

“On the hills yesterday I asked myself that quite regularly,” adds Amy.

“I’ve been part of the same team for the last ten years and it becomes a little family in itself, and we all help each other and we support each other. And then the service today on the Sunday just shows exactly why we do it.

“The Police Family truly is a family. We all are here just to support each other.”

Christine Fulton MBE, Co-Founder and Life Vice President of COPS, said: “The pain of losing an officer is profound, but so is the compassion shown at our gatherings. We are proud to welcome families into the COPS community and support them on their journey forward.”

John Robins, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, and a Trustee of COPS, said to those who took part in the Unity Tour: “Your unwavering support and solidarity is welcome, needed, respected, and loved by the survivors.”