MP calls for more support for retired police officers
MP Dehenna Davison has added her voice to the campaign to give retired police officers the same ongoing mental health support as their serving colleagues.
She said this was vital for those officers “who often have to rely on charities for wellbeing support”.
The National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) has been actively campaigning for a Police Covenant to be extended to retired officers, in the same way that the Armed Forces Covenant covers veterans.
In April last year, the Government announced funding of £7.5 million for the development of a National Police Wellbeing Service and has recently been progressing a Police Covenant, which looks to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who work in policing and to deliver the practical support they need. The intended key areas of focus will be physical protection, health and wellbeing and support for families.
The Police Covenant is due to put into law as part of the Police Protection and Powers Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech, and the Government has indicated that it will look at including retired police officers within its remit.
Ms Davison said: “Our police officers dedicate their lives to protecting us and the challenges of their work will often stay with them long after they retire. I believe it is vital we do all we can in return to protect them with support for their mental health.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment of £7.5 million and would now ask that they consider extending this funding to retired police officers, who often have to rely on charities for mental health and wellbeing support.”
The Bishop Auckland, who is a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, added: “The Government is leading the way in this area already and it’s important we progress the Police Covenant as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing what support is made available through this.”
During a meeting with NARPO, the organisation shared results of a survey of its members, conducted by De Montfort University in 2018, which found some concerning results, including that half of retired police officers feel that their careers had affected their mental health.
The survey also found that 66 per cent had experienced negative or uncomfortable feelings associated with their experiences in service and 67 per cent said had unexpected thoughts about their experiences – particularly nightmares and flashbacks.
After the meeting Ms Davison tabled a question to the Home Office to ask what steps the Government is taking to support the mental health and wellbeing of retired police officers.
Steve Edwards, chief executive officer of NARPO, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of MPs such as Ms Davison for this important cause.
“Mental health and wellbeing support has improved drastically in recent years for police officers. This is an important and welcome move but as soon as a police officer retires, this support stops. For many retired police officers, it is only after they retire that issues around mental health and wellbeing emerge.
“We look forward to more information on the Police Covenant and welcome the news that mental health and wellbeing support specifically for retired officers will be considered.”
NARPO is a member organisation that represents more than 90,000 members spanning all forces across England and Wales.
Formed in 1919 by a group of retired police officers, NARPO is a branch-led organisation with headquarters in Wakefield. Since that time, it has become one of the largest public sector pensioner organisations in the country.
Its members include former police officers, staff, their partners and former partners and those widowed both in and after service.