Avon and Somerset Police Federation

07/02/2026

05/02/2026

Chair Tom Gent has co-signed a letter with the Chair of The Police Federation of England and Wales today to the Director of Public Prosecutions following the recent jury verdicts relating to protest activity at Elbit Systems sites, where a police officer suffered serious injuries.

04/02/2026

Avon and Somerset Police Federation notes the verdict reached at Woolwich Crown Court today - particularly in relation to the alleged assault of a colleague.

Like people across the country, we have viewed very distressing scenes during this trial, including footage of a police officer trying to maintain law and order only to be severely injured.

We remind the public that a brave police officer's spine was fractured during this incident.

Avon and Somerset Police Federation continues to support our injured colleague and all officers involved on that day.

Tom Gent, Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation said: "When an officer is assaulted while simply doing their job, the impact is felt across the policing family.

"We expect — and rely upon — the full support of the criminal justice system when our officers are harmed in the line of duty.

"Our priority is Sergeant Evans’s welfare and we stand squarely behind her as she continues her recovery.

"We await with interest to hear news of whether there will be a retrial over this allegation."

04/02/2026

Remembering PC Sarah Minskip, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, who died on duty on this day in 2004

02/02/2026

Our latest podcast focusing on Police Reform and the Government's White Paper announcement - and it's available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis and Chair Tom Gent discuss the potential for police force mergers.

Watch in full here https://youtu.be/Iu8no2XiBTQ

Or listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/36LwAQFYvk8yk52I75AJeJ?si=6qUDQh61RROjFJMUNlklNw&fbclid=IwY2xjawPtPJ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBIcWM0YjZjZ3JBQ1BxUWZEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHikXruOpIO_r-Z-sDf9WSsim_y_bTJ_99-yak-LPBoeHFmwACB53EEHgdkJQ_aem_1hsWKH4kH__nuXs0le6lDA&nd=1&dlsi=b7b245a01b4a48a7

27/01/2026

Hot off the press - our latest podcast focusing on Police Reform and yesterday's White Paper announcement is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis and Chair Tom Gent discuss the proposed Licence to Practice.

Watch in full here https://youtu.be/Iu8no2XiBTQ

Or listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/36LwAQFYvk8yk52I75AJeJ?si=6qUDQh61RROjFJMUNlklNw

24/01/2026

Every police officer in England and Wales will be required to hold a licence to be able to continue working, the Home Office has said.

They will have to prove they have the right skills in issues such as tackling violence against women and girls or face being removed from their job, under the terms of a phased scheme similar to ones for lawyers or doctors.

The plans are part of a raft of reforms expected from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who is promising to oversee the biggest shake-up of policing in decades.

Officers will have to renew what the Home Office calls a 'licence to practice' throughout their career by keeping up to date with latest methods and guidance. Training will be rolled out in phases.

The plans have drawn criticism from the Police Federation of England and Wales, which said officers are routinely pulled off mandatory trainings and burdened with unsafe workloads.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: "Everyone wants professional policing, but that requires pay, training, time and support.

"Officers are routinely pulled off mandatory training to plug gaps, work rest days to stay afloat, and carry workloads no-one would call safe.

"We will await the detail of the white paper but these issues need to be fixed."

https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-24/concerns-over-unsafe-workloads-raised-ahead-of-police-service-reforms

22/01/2026

Our first ever Podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

In this clip, host Royston Martis and Chair Tom Gent discuss how the service needs to care for its colleagues.

Watch in full here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfvNgaY-Ik

Or listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/5auIPDq8gBQwZpLL2yFTnZ?si=Xgg0ZI1rTAOJ3aBUpUdA4A&pi=Kd7aF2RQTHupI&fbclid=IwY2xjawPev_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBIcWM0YjZjZ3JBQ1BxUWZEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHolhn7mt5XZoSq6FkOlmt2YToIarQYOehvpjZ-buB2VGYdTTnkmMrGPwNHhZ_aem_jhbs7ogw_NMdjs7gGzOgvQ&nd=1&dlsi=e8280cd8657342e2

21/01/2026

Statement from Avon and Somerset Police Federation following the acquittal of PC Matthew Pike

"We welcome the court’s decision clearing PC Matthew Pike of any criminal wrongdoing following the extensive Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

"The officer’s actions, now fully scrutinised through both the IOPC process and the judicial process, have been found to align with police training, policy, and the expectations placed upon officers when responding to crime and protecting the public.

"We note that the prosecution expert witness told the Court that PC Pike did not drive dangerously or carelessly. In dismissing the case, the Judge stated: “Matthew Pike did his job as he was trained to do it.”

"With the conclusion of court proceedings, we hope that all parties – most importantly the officer and the bereaved family – are now able to begin moving forward.

"Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected. No legal finding can lessen the emotional impact of such a loss, and we acknowledge the grief that continues for those who mourn.

"The role of policing often requires difficult and dynamic decision‑making in challenging circumstances, and this case exemplifies the weight of that responsibility.

"What cannot be ignored is the extraordinary duration of this investigation and judicial process, which has been ongoing since November 2021. Prolonged scrutiny of this nature places a significant and lasting burden not only on the officer involved, but on their family, colleagues and the wider policing community.

"Effective oversight and accountability are essential to public confidence in policing. But they must also be timely and proportionate. This case raises serious questions about whether that balance has been achieved, and the IOPC must change how investigations of this kind are be progressed much more efficiently.

"We would now look for any potential conduct proceedings hanging over PC Pike to be dealt with expediently following this correct not guilty verdict."

16/01/2026

The families of 30 UK police officers who have died on duty have seen their loved one’s sacrifice be recognised by the King with the Elizabeth Emblem.

This includes the families of DC Mick Swindells, of West Midlands Police; PC Alan McMurray, of Lothian and Borders Police; and PC Sandra Edwards, of South Yorkshire Police.

Also receiving the award will be the families of fallen officers PC Laurence Brown, of the Metropolitan Police; PC Andrew Winterburn, of West Yorkshire Police; PC John Alcock, of Grampian Police; PC Kenneth Adams, of Hampshire Constabulary; and from Norfolk Constabulary PC Bernard Brown, PC David Protheroe Davies and DC Terence Glister.

The Elizabeth Emblem recognises the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

This is the third list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients to be published. The next of kin are awarded the national form of recognition.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown.

It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.

It includes a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

The full list of those to be awarded the Elizabeth Emblem is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-elizabeth-emblem-application-guidance-and-eligibility/list-of-recipients-of-the-elizabeth-emblem-15th-january-2026

15/01/2026

Our first ever Podcast is available for colleagues to watch/listen to now on YouTube and Spotify.

A new venture for us - join host Royston Martis and our Chair Tom Gent as they discuss issues relevant to Avon and Somerset Police officers.

We will be launching a regular series of these as the year progresses so let us know if there any topics you would like us to discuss info.avonsom@polfed.org

Watch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHfvNgaY-Ik

And listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/5auIPDq8gBQwZpLL2yFTnZ?si=Xgg0ZI1rTAOJ3aBUpUdA4A&t=0&pi=Kd7aF2RQTHupI

14/01/2026

Upcoming mortgage surgery for colleagues