Avon and Somerset Police Federation

30/12/2025

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help our Gloucestershire Police colleague in the weeks and months ahead.

Helping him to rebuild after an unimaginable loss.

More here

This Gofundme has been created to support Tom following a devastating house … Lucy Lucy needs your support for Helping Tom rebuild after an unimaginable loss

29/12/2025

Remembering PC Peter Deans and PC Jonathan Stapley, of Avon and Somerset Police, who died on duty on this day in 1984

28/12/2025

Police Sergeant's Adam Davies and Christopher Downham have been recognised by the Royal Humane Society at the recent Force Awards for their bravery and professionalism during an incident.

A man was critically injured after being struck by a motorbike whose riders fled the scene. Davies and Downham were passing seconds later and immediately stopped to help. Davies, a qualified tactical medic, began treatment, while Downham controlled road closures and communications and assisted medics at the scene. They were later supported by another colleague who also assisted at the scene.

Police Sergeant Kate Wildman said: “Adam and Chris responded with professionalism, calm and compassion in an extremely challenging situation. Even though they were on a break when they were called, they immediately stepped in and relied on their training to do everything they could at the scene.”

The award recognises their actions and commitment in the most difficult of circumstances, and our thoughts remain with the man’s family and loved ones.

23/12/2025

"Officer workloads have skyrocketed by more than 32% per constable since 2015. Over the past decade, police-recorded crime rates per 1,000 population have increased by 44%."

https://www.polfed.org/campaigns/copped-enough/

22/12/2025

Merry Christmas from Avon & Somerset Police Federation

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take this opportunity to thank every officer for your incredible dedication and resilience throughout the year.

Policing is a vocation like no other, it's one of the most challenging professions, and your commitment to keeping our communities safe never goes unnoticed.

We know that many of you will be working over the Christmas period, sacrificing time with loved ones to protect others. Your professionalism and selflessness are truly appreciated.

Not just by us, but by the communities you serve.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together this year, and we’re already focused on how we can do even more to support you in 2026.

Your wellbeing, fair treatment, and representation remain at the heart of everything we do.

From all of us at the Federation: stay safe, enjoy some time away from work when you are able to and thank you for everything you do.

17/12/2025

Government announces whole life orders for murders connected to the off-duty and retired police, prison or probation officer's current or former duties.

https://polfed.org/news/latest-news/2025/pfew-welcomes-landmark-sentencing-reform-to-protect-police-prison-and-probation-staff/

15/12/2025

The Police Family came together today to pay tribute at the funeral of PC Mat Parker, who died on duty on Wednesday, 19 November.

Steve Martin, Chair of Essex Police Federation, said: "Today we came together in great numbers to honour and say goodbye to Police Constable Mat Parker. The scale of attendance reflected the deep respect and affection held for Mat, not only within Essex Police but across the wider policing family and his friends.

"As Chair of Essex Police Federation, I was humbled to stand alongside his family, friends, and colleagues in paying tribute to a man who served with dedication, courage, and compassion. Mat’s commitment to protecting the public and supporting his fellow officers will never be forgotten.

"The strength shown by his loved ones today was remarkable, and the outpouring of support from across the service is a testament to the impact Mat had on so many lives.

"On behalf of the Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to Mat’s family and assure them that they remain firmly in our thoughts. We will continue to stand beside them, and beside all our officers, and offer support if needed.

"Rest in peace, Mat. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered."

12/12/2025

40,601 working days were lost to sickness last year in Avon and Somerset Police, which shows just how much pressure officers are under, the Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Federation said.

Tom Gent was commenting on Home Office figures collected by The Telegraph, which show that, nationally, 1.63 million police working days were lost to illness or injury in the year to March, the highest level since records began.

Tom said: “Our officers face relentless workloads and traumatic incidents, and many tell me they are simply unable to stop and have a break. These figures aren’t just numbers – they represent real people under immense pressure.

“Our officers desperately want to give their all to protect the public, but we need to look after them too. Policing urgently needs more Government funding, as asking officers who are already under pressure and have such high workloads to do even more is not sustainable, nor does it allow us to deliver the best service to the public.”

A spokesman from the Police Federation of England and Wales commented on the national figures, saying: “Policing in 2025 is a service that is breaking the people whose bravery and dedication protect communities across the country every day.

“Police officers are exposed to hundreds of traumatic incidents every year and every incident leaves its mark. With assaults on officers at record levels and the job getting more dangerous, these figures are not surprising.

“What is shocking is the record number of police officers – nearly 9,000 a year – who are resigning from policing before the job breaks them. More than 18 officers die by su***de every year.

“Policing needs to fix its leadership and create healthy workplaces where officers can thrive. Bad pay, worse morale and the challenge of working in conditions where every shift ends late and rest days are cancelled regularly are contributory factors to sickness absence.”

11/12/2025

Huge congratulations to our colleague Jo Babbage who has been named Family Liaison Coordinator of the Year.

Jo led the UK policing response to the Air India flight AI171 disaster, coordinating support for families affected by the incident.

Her leadership, compassion, and professionalism ensured every family received the care and support they needed during an incredibly challenging time.

Many Congratulations from all at Avon and Somerset Police Federation to Jo - a true example of the very best in policing.

09/12/2025

Thanks to the efforts of DCI Mark Almond and colleagues, a man has been jailed for life for the murder of 19-year-old Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia in Bristol in 2023.

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2025/11/man-jailed-for-life-for-murder-and-attempted-murder/

01/12/2025

Guard of Honour as young Police Officer who died is laid to rest

Rehaan Akhtar, 28, died after vanishing on a night out in the early hours of Sunday, November 23

28/11/2025

Liam is a dedicated family man and Police Officer. He has put others above himself his whole life, and now Liam and his family need your help.

Three months ago Liam was preparing for the arrival of his third child when he was rushed into ho… Jacob Fairburn needs your support for Liam and The Sealey’s