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 enhance the efficiency and raise the status of the MoD's police force
- to offer a welfare service to Federation members
- to provide members with legal advice and assistance
- to make available to members a wide range of insurance and other benefits
- to liaise with the 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, with a high level of skills and competence and trained to exacting standards, who provide value for money in their service to the MoD and to the nation. We believe that the officers we represent have every right to expect the same qualities from their Federation: professionalism, skills, training, high standards and value for money. And as the force constantly evolves, and adapts to changes and challenges, so, we believe, should the Federation.
We hope that this website demonstrates a commitment to our role and the many ways in which we provide a high-quality service to our members.
Welfare is our priority
The Defence Police Federation places great importance on ensuring the welfare of the officers it represents. To meet the needs of officers who require financial assistance because of some misfotune, 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 Welfare Officers, for members in need of advice or counselling. Often, the Welfare Officer can offer assistance personally. In other cases he or she can obtain help from other sources. All matters are treated in the strictest confidence.
All members of the Federation are eligible for the payment of a Death Benefit to their next of kin in the event of their death either in service or within 12 months of retirement.
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, confidential and free to members.
Legal & Discipline Cases: A helping hand.
As public servants and police officers, the men and women the Federation represents are subject to a rigorous code of conduct and strict disciplinary regulations. 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. But occasionally one of our members comes under suspicion for a breach of law or discipline. In that unhappy event the Federation is there to help.
Should a member be placed under investigation for a disciplinary matter, the Federation offers advice from the outset. The first point of contact is the Branch Secretary and Regional Secretary. These officials will arrange the appointment of a "friend". The role of a friend is to advise and assist the officer under investigation throughout the process. The rules allow any officer to be appointed to this role, but the Federation has a number of "professional" friends, with a wealth of knowledge and experience of these matters. The Federation organises seminars and training courses to ensure that these friends can help to prepare the best possible defence. Thus a Federation member is able to be represented at the 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 two firms of solicitors, Thompsons, and Hughes Dowdall, both of whom are experts in this field. 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 members.
