Guidelines to be created to support restricted duty officers

Work is underway to create national guidelines for officers performing restricted duties who currently face potential pay reductions and dismissal, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has announced.

On September 19, Andy Fittes, general secretary of the PFEW, said it has agreed to work with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to create guidelines to help officers continue in their careers.

Mr Fittes, who negotiates pay and conditions on behalf of the federated ranks, said the PFEW raised the issue following proposals set out in the Winsor Review of Police Pay and Conditions.

Mr Winsor recommended changes to Police Regulations with a view to making it easier to remove officers who were unable to perform the full range of police duties as a result of injury or illness.

Mr Fittes said forces in England and Wales should carry out a scoping exercise on the issues around the definition of restricted duty roles – to be known as limited duties.

He said: “We are pleased that the concerns appear to have been listened to. Forces acknowledge, however, that this will be a huge undertaking.”

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, ACPO lead on reward and recognition, added: “When the new proposals are finalised, we will work with staff associations to put together national guidelines so that forces can deliver them with consistency.”