TORY Police and Crime Commissioner candidate John Dwyer has welcomed news that police officers in Cheshire are set to benefit from a new law to protect officers and staff which has been announced by the Home Secretary.
The new Covenant will be enshrined in law to enhance support and protection for the police and follows the publication of a consultation which found more than 90 per cent of respondents backed such plans. It will apply to all serving or former police personnel.
The Home Secretary announced the publication of the Government response to the consultation in a virtual speech to the Police Superintendents’ Association, where she outlined her commitment to stand firmly by the side of the police.
Commenting, Home Secretary Priti Patel said:”The police and the families that stand behind them deserve special recognition. Their bravery and sacrifices are what keep us and our loved ones safe.
“I will put the Police Covenant in law to ensure they will always have the support of the nation.”
The consultation, launched earlier this year, was aimed at those serving with the police, those who have previously done so, their families and any groups with an interest in supporting the police in England and Wales.
Over 1,000 responses to the consultation were received, with the highest proportion coming from serving police officers, followed by police staff and retired officers.
Welcoming the news, John Dwyer, the Conservative’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for Cheshire said: “The covenant will provide a clear sign to the families of officers and staff, who have made sacrifices in carrying out their duties, of the esteem in which they are held by the rest of society.”
