The Objectives of the Defence Police Federation

The Federation's constitution lists the organisation's main aims. These are

• To protect and improve the conditions of employment of its members.
• To raise the status of the MoD's police force and to enhance its efficiency.
• To offer a welfare service to Federation members.
• To provide members with legal advice and assistance on matters arising from their employment.
• To make available to members a wide range of benefits and other services including insurance.
• To maintain liaisons with representative bodies of other police services, when this is judged to be in the best interests of members.

A professional Federation for a professional Force

The Ministry of Defence Police is a body of professionals, trained to exacting standards with a high level of skills and competence. The Ministry of Defence Police provides excellent value for money in their service to both the Ministry of Defence and the nation. We believe that the officers that we represent have every right to expect the same qualities from us, their Federation: High standards of professionalism, skills and training, thus providing our members with value for money. As the force constantly evolves, adapting to change and new challenges, so, we believe, should the Federation.

Welfare is our priority

The Defence Police Federation places great importance on ensuring the welfare of its members. To meet the needs of members who require financial assistance because of some misfortune, illness or accident, the Federation maintains a Welfare Fund. Grants are made at the discretion of the National Executive Committee. In addition there are Area Support Officers, for the members in need of advice or counselling. Often, the Support Officer can offer assistance personally. In other cases he or she can obtain help from other sources. All matters are treated in strictest confidence.

In the event of the death of a member either 'in service' or within 12 months of retirement, the members nominated 'next of kin' are eligible for the payment of a 'Death Benefit'

Specialist Debt Advice

Federated Credit Ltd are a national debt advice service specialising in solutions to individual's debt problems. Their advice is totally independent, free to members and above all, confidential.

Legal & Discipline Cases: A helping hand.

As public servants and police officers, the men and women that the Federation represents are subject to a rigorous code of conduct and discipline. Policing is a very responsible job and rightly, any hint of malpractice by a police officer is a serious matter. By and large, there is never any suggestion that MDP officers fail to meet these high standards. However, occasionally a member may come under suspicion for a breach of the law or discipline. In such an unhappy event, the Federation is there to help.

Should a member be placed under investigation for disciplinary matter, the Federation offers advice from the outset. The first point of contact is the Area Secretary who will arrange the appointment of a 'Friend'. The role of the 'Friend' is to advise and assist the member under investigation throughout the process. The rules allow for any officer to be appointed to this role, but the Federation has a number of 'Accredited' friends with a wealth of knowledge and experience of these matters. The Federation organises seminars and training courses to ensure that these 'friends' provide the best possible support to its members. In this way, a member is able to be represented at a hearing by a specialist. In more serious cases, the Federation will provide a solicitor whose costs will be met from the Federation's funds. The Federation employs three ferms of solicitors, Thompsons, Hughes Dowdall and Andrews Angel. Our solicitors have branches nationwide and close links have been forged over the years between their offices and the Federation's branches.

Apart from disciplinary cases, Federation members may apply for FREE legal advice on any matter related to their employment and, in special cases, on matters not related to work.

Disciplinary action can have severe consequences for officers. The Federation therefore does its utmost to help. In particular, we are committed to fighting instances of obvious injustice and discrimination. We have a strong track record in this aspect of our work and we have full confidence in the services available to our members.