Lancashire Police Federation

Lancashire Police Federation The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is a national body which represents Police Officer

Lancashire Police Federation is the Staff Association representing the Federated Ranks (Constables to Chief Inspectors) in Lancashire and is the local branch of the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW)

Remembering PC Peter Heaton, of Lancashire Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 1986
16/09/2026

Remembering PC Peter Heaton, of Lancashire Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 1986

Concerns over the number of officers wanting to leave the police service were dismissed at the Superintendents’ Associat...
16/09/2026

Concerns over the number of officers wanting to leave the police service were dismissed at the Superintendents’ Association conference in Stratford this week.

Figures show that in the last financial year, 4,751 police officers voluntarily left the police forces in England and Wales – an increase on the previous year when 4,688 officers left.

And – according to the latest Police Wellbeing Survey - three in 10 police officers and staff say they intend to leave policing within the next year

However Jo Noakes, the interim CEO of the College of Policing, did not share concerns from delegates, describing the risk of officers leaving the service as “relatively low”.

Ms Noakes said: “The data does show that we are still a really, really low turnover sector and that is of course because it is a vocation. I talk to officers everyday who love the job, do a really good job… we just need to be really careful not to take advantage of that and all have a responsibility in that.”

She added “people come into policing because they want to make a difference, they do make a difference and they love it”.

Ms Noakes’ comments were echoed later in the conference by Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, Police Reform Lead at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, who said the service had “no problem” recruiting new officers.

AC Rolfe said: “Policing has no problem recruiting. Attrition is tracked clearly and tracked better than other public sectors.”

While she said the service must be “alive” to the numbers of people leaving, she said it was “better than other sectors”.

In the Police Wellbeing Survey, those saying they wanted to leave policing blamed poor work/life balance, poor pay and weak leadership are cited as the most common reasons.

At the conference, delegates heard from a Staffordshire Police Superintendent who pointed out the additional financial pressures lower paid officers face following years of below-inflation pay rises leaving police pay flagging behind other public sectors.

He said: “Are we serious about investing in young officers and making this career attractive, or are we making a decision to make people sign up for five years and have a constant churn of people leaving?”

NPCC Chair Gavin Stephens said: “I am not in the camp that this should be a job for five years. Let’s get people into policing and stick with us as long as they can.

“We have to have this as a profession that’s well rewarded. We need to start by reforming the workforce and then getting better pay structure that rewards people better for their skills.”

There is a reality gap between police officers of all ranks and chief officers, with the country’s cops having a “lack o...
15/09/2026

There is a reality gap between police officers of all ranks and chief officers, with the country’s cops having a “lack of faith in senior leadership,” the Superintendents’ Association Conference heard this week.

Association President Nick Smart told the organisation’s annual conference “there are exceptional people at every rank going above and beyond to protect the public” but that they are being let down by the Government – and Chief Constables.

He told the Police Minister Sarah Jones that policing – with reform high on the agenda – was at a crossroads due to “political ambivalence and negligence from previous Governments”.

Calling for a Royal Commission into the Criminal Justice System, Nick said that policing “must become a national priority” and that “the domestic threat is real”.

Nick said there needs to be a reset on what the responsibility of the police service should be – and that there needs to be a swift shift from the blame culture engulfing policing.

Speaking about police accountability, he said: “The question for policing shouldn’t always be who can we blame, but what can we learn?

“77% of PCs said they felt they wouldn’t be supported by their force if they made a mistake in the most recent Oscar Kilo Police Wellbeing Survey.

“This culture of blame cannot continue. Accountability needs to be balanced and fair. At the moment it is not.”

Nick detailed the stark lack of investment in the service since 2010 and asked politicians and chief officers to not to ignore the clear “red flags” from across the service when it comes to the financial crisis it faces.

Nick said: “UK policing is delivered by brilliant people who are committed to serving the public… but so often they are let down by the complex and underfunded criminal justice system around them.”

Police demand is overwhelmingly high, said Nick, and that officers are having to pick up the overspill of the broken system of partner agencies – reform must cover the entire criminal justice system.

Nick told the Police Minister that lasting reform in policing can only be achieved by working in partnership of those who deliver it.

In response, Ms Jones told Superintendents and Chief Superintendents in the room – but in a message to the entire police service – “we value you, we cherish you and we stand by you today and always”.

Ms Jones said she appreciated the current high levels of demand officers of all ranks are currently facing and committed to working together with policing to reduce and effectively manage that demand.

She concluded that the Government was also committed to a proper review of the police funding formula as part of its reforms. She added: “Ultimately we are looking to ensure that more resources reach the front line.”

Policing's Mental Health Crisis Line was launched for staff and officers in England and Wales last year. Since then, it ...
14/09/2026

Policing's Mental Health Crisis Line was launched for staff and officers in England and Wales last year. Since then, it has received more than 440 calls, providing in the moment crisis support.

The independent and confidential Mental Health Crisis Line has now been extended to those who no longer work in policing – no matter what role they were in, when they left, or the reason why.

Available 24/7, the Crisis Line can be accessed on 0300 131 2789.

https://oscarkilo.org.uk/news/confidential-mental-health-crisis-line-now-extended-those-who-have-left-policing

Remembering Acting Sgt Walter Lacey, of Lancashire Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 1978
12/09/2026

Remembering Acting Sgt Walter Lacey, of Lancashire Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 1978

Family, friends and colleagues from military and policing came together in an incredible celebration of public service a...
10/09/2026

Family, friends and colleagues from military and policing came together in an incredible celebration of public service at the funeral of Cleveland Police PC Tom Clough.

The 38-year-old was remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and his dedicated sense of duty at the ceremony of celebration of his life in Kirkleatham on Thursday.

As well as leaving behind his partner and surviving family members, PC Clough also left behind his beloved sausage dog Frank.

Tom was remembered at the funeral on Thursday as a man who had proudly served his country to make the world a better place and had always been on public duty throughout his life.

PC Clough's funeral cortege was led by four police horses and flanked by military personnel, police motorcycles and a a single armed response vehicle.

A piper accompanied the procession as it made its way into Kirkleatham Walled Garden.

PC Clough's coffin was adorned with a Union Jack flag and his police helmet; with a simple red and white flower arrangement.

PC Clough died – alongside PC Matthew Blades - when a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way down the road collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday August 22.

In a statement released after his funeral service – via Cleveland Police Federation – PC Clough’s family said they wanted to say thank you for the support they have received.

Federation Chair Lauren Somerville said: “Tom’s family want to say thank you, the public support they have received has been overwhelming and it has helped to keep them going in these very difficult times.

“Tom wasn’t just a Cleveland Police Officer, he was a partner and a brother and a son - but he was also a father to a sausage dog called Frank, who he loved so deeply.

“Tom used to say that there wouldn’t be anybody at his funeral… as we have witnessed today, he could not have been more wrong.

“The tributes paid to Tom were uplifting, emotional and profound.

“Tom was so full of fun – he is described as giving everything to everybody.”

Police officers from Tom’s previous forces – the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the British Transport Police – also attended the funeral to pay their respects.

Police Minister Sarah Jones represented the Government.

Dozens of colleagues from Cleveland Police flanked the street, alongside members of the public and representatives from the other emergency services to pay tribute to the popular officer.

Lauren added: “Tom was loved deeply by his colleagues, people have been contacting me who worked with Tom, years and years ago. He served in the military, he was in the Civil Nuclear Police, the British Transport Police and Cleveland Police.

“I would say that it would be an understatement to say that every single place that he served was privileged to have him with them.

“He will be hugely missed.”

09/09/2026

A loving husband and father who brought infectious “light and laughter to every room” was remembered at the emotional funeral of Cleveland Police officer PC Matt Blades.

A full Police Guard of Honour was on display with hundreds of grieving colleagues lining the streets of Hartlepool as loved ones and friends paid final respects to PC Blades at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.

Hundreds of people packed the church, with members of the public and paramedics also in attendance on the roads outside paying their respects to the 37 year old father of two, who died on duty in the early hours of Saturday August 22.

Standard bearers from every force across the country lined the route as PC Blades’s hearse made the journey to the church.

His coffin was draped in the Union Jack flag. The hearse carried a floral tribute at its front: “Dad”.

In a statement, his family said: “Matt’s laughter may no longer fill the room, but the memories of his humour, his love and the happiness he brought us will stay in our hearts forever.”

There was silence as mourners bowed their heads as PC Blades coffin made its way slowly to the church – followed by his family - as part of the ceremonial parade.

Hundreds of officers from Cleveland Police were on parade, many wearing a patch with the thin blue line and the officers’ names and collar numbers - PC 2443 Blades and PC3234 Clough.

PC Blades died – alongside PC Tom Clough - when a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way down the road collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

In a full statement issued after the funeral from Cleveland Police Federation, his wife said: “There are no words powerful enough to express the heartbreak of losing my beloved best friend, my husband and father to our beautiful boys, especially in such tragic and unimaginable circumstances.

“The heart of our family has been taken from us and from those who loved him far too soon.

“The pain of his absence will be felt every day, but so will the love he gave, the memories he created, and the precious place he will forever hold in the hearts of his family.

“He may no longer be here to hold our hands, but his love will remain with them for the rest of their lives. He will be loved, remembered and missed beyond words, today, tomorrow and always.

“He will be incredibly proud and thankful for all the support that’s being given to us as a family.

“We miss everything about him, but perhaps most of all, we miss his laughter, his silly jokes and the way he could always make everyone smile, even when we least expected it.

“He was the joker of the family, the one who brought light and laughter into every room, and life feels unbearably quiet without him.

“Matt’s laughter may no longer fill the room, but the memories of his humour, his love and the happiness he brought us will stay in our hearts forever.

“We will miss him more than words could ever say, and we will love him always.”

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said: “The Police Family came together shoulder to shoulder today, arm in arm to remember our brave colleague PC Matthew Blades.

“It was an honour and a privilege to attend today’s funeral on behalf of our colleagues across Cleveland.

“His family have shown incredible dignity and bravery since those awful events in August and it was our privilege to play our small part in honouring Matt’s memory.

“Matt was a devoted husband and father. An adored son and brother, son-in-law, and is remembered as the most fun uncle. He has been taken from his loving family far too soon and they remain squarely in our thoughts.

“The support and love we offer them does not end today. We will always be there to take care of them.”

Police Minister Sarah Jones attended the service on behalf of the Government and PC Blades’s coffin was piped into the service to the tune “Amazing Grace”.

Tributes to PC Blades were made throughout the hour long funeral service – including from Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller.

Lauren added: “Matt was a police officer who was loved deeply by his colleagues and clearly a cherished and much missed football coach.

“It was so moving to hear the stories of his humour and cheekiness. That’s the man who will be remembered fondly and we will never grow tired of hearing these stories.

“Policing Cleveland will continue – but we will ensure that Matt and Tom, and their legacy, will never be forgotten.”

Historic 1 Million Signature Petition Delivered to Downing Street This afternoon Thames Valley Police Federation went t...
02/09/2026

Historic 1 Million Signature Petition Delivered to Downing Street

This afternoon Thames Valley Police Federation went to Number 10 Downing Street to drop off the petition signed by more than 1 million people calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to not be released early from prison.

A historic public backing for police officers - which left the Government with no choice but to act and change their early release plans.

Aileen O’Connor, Chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to remain behind bars was a historic public backing for police officers.

“We want to thank each and every person from across the United Kingdom and the who signed it - and provided this incredible support for the police service and our colleagues working out there now, risking it all keeping the public safe.

“The fact Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Government - despite saying it could not be done – this week eventually listened and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars has to be welcomed.

“But let’s be clear – we all left them with no option.

“The weight of public and policing anger at the plans for early release of those who kill police officers was huge. And that’s why we feel we had to still deliver this petition in person today.

“To properly acknowledge and recognise the strength of support.

“And to put the Government on notice that we will not stand – as police officers – to be treated with such disdain in the future."

Prime Minister Announces PC Andrew Harper's Killers To Stay In Jail - following relentless Thames Valley Police Federati...
30/08/2026

Prime Minister Announces PC Andrew Harper's Killers To Stay In Jail - following relentless Thames Valley Police Federation Campaign.

TVP Federation Chair Aileen O'Connor reacts after Andy Burnham announced this morning the killers of PC Andrew Harper would now NOT be eligible for early release.

Thanks from TVP Federation go to everyone - and all Police Federations - who backed their campaign.

Aileen said: “PC Andrew Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job that he loved, serving communities, serving society.

“His killers should never have been considered for early release. It remains shocking that they were.

“We are pleased that the Government - despite what was frankly initial reluctance – has eventually listened, seen sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.

“They had no option.

“The weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming.

“The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition over this was a historic public backing for police officers.

“The fact 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the Government to reconsider was unprecedented.

“The right and proper decision has been made.”

Aileen added: “There is wider good news here that – as a result of our campaigning work – a wider collection of criminals will not be eligible for early release so there is better news today for many more families.”

Aileen concluded: “We would like to offer huge thanks to everyone who backed our campaign.

“The one million people who signed our petition and all those who offered messages of support. You have made a difference.

“Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day.

“They head towards danger when everyone else is running away.

“They do so knowing that they may never come home to their families. We have only seen in recent days in Cleveland, the danger colleagues face.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades.

“And – as always – our thoughts remain with Andrew’s wife Lissie, his family, friends and close colleagues in Thames Valley Police.”

Address

Saunders Lane
Hutton
PR45SB

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Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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01772 412520

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