Praise from union for Wiltshire Police officers called to Howard Jones armed robbery thisiswiltshire.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thisiswiltshire.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
THE DECISION not to vaccinate police officers as a priority was described by the chairman of Wiltshire’s police union as a kick in the teeth. Mark Andrews, chairman of Wiltshire Police Federation, said ministers were “failing in their duty of care towards those they expect to protect others”. His comments followed an indication from the Health Secretary on Monday that police officers would have to wait until after the “most vulnerable” were vaccinated. Reacting to the announcement, Insp Andrews said: “I hear daily of officers who have become seriously ill or have died as a result of catching the virus whilst carrying out their duties. This is unacceptable when the means to protect them is at hand.
Independent Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Mike Rees Picture: Barbara Leatham
PCC candidate is ex-detective I’d like to introduce myself personally to your readers as the time has come for them to consider who to elect as the next Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner. I’m Mike Rees and I’m standing as an independent candidate for this role – for me, this role should carry no political association. I’m a former detective inspector having served with the Wiltshire Constabulary for 30 years. I live in Malmesbury with my wife Angela and we have three sons. Today I run my own business and Wiltshire has been the backdrop of my life since leaving South Wales at the age of 18.
LONG investigations into the actions of police officers can see their mental health plummet and affect their families, the Chairman of Wiltshire Police Federation warned. Mark Andrews believes The Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is in charge of investigating the actions of police officers, needs to be held to account for the “unacceptable” amount of time it can keep officers under scrutiny. Mr Andrews said that while his colleagues have no objection at being held accountable for their actions, the IOPC and its investigators spend too long scrutinising their work - sometimes years. Home Affairs Select Committee MPs are looking into the IOPC’s timescales for investigating police conduct.