Hampshire police representative becomes chair of Police Federation of England and Wales

The man who represents police officers in Hampshire has been elected as the national chair for the Police Federation.
John ApterJohn Apter
John Apter

John Apter, a police officer for 26 years, has been Hampshire Police Federation chair for eight years.

In a statement on the Police Federation of England and Wales website, he said: '˜I am incredibly proud to be a police officer but what makes it special is the people I work with. Police officers are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. They are the bravest. They are the best.'

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Mr Apter starts the national job toimorrow after being elected in a poll that for the first time saw all officers have a say.

Outspoken Mr Apter has taken on the police and crime commissioner, leading a successful no-confidence vote in incumbent Michael Lane.

During the election campaign for the post, Mr Apter called for an open debate on officers' industrial rights.

Mr Apter said: '˜I have a long list of priorities. At the top of the list will always be pay and conditions.

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'˜Following the contemptible and disgraceful actions of the government this year over our pay award '“ and let's be frank, over the past seven or eight years '“ we have some significant decisions to make.

'˜The disdain and contempt shown to police officers in England and Wales must end.'

He added: 'Officer safety is also key. I will be pushing Government to centrally fund Taser and I will also be putting my full support to getting better protection for police drivers. The legal vulnerability they face for doing what they are trained to do is unacceptable and must end.

'I also want to start the debate on Employment Rights for police officers. It's important we have a grown up and balanced discussion about what this means '“ and is it something our members want?

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'˜Other areas I want to focus on include Special Constables joining the federation, the ongoing wellbeing of colleagues and reviewing the 'free half hour for the Queen'.

'˜I will be making myself as visible as possible, both to members across England and Wales and to local federations.'

The current vice-chair of Hampshire Police Federation is roads policing unit officer PC Chris Powling.

Mr Apter added: '˜We are dealing with a government that has its head firmly buried in the sand when it comes to the impact of cuts to policing. Let's make them sit up and listen. The hard work starts here.

'˜Working together we can achieve so much. For the public we serve, and the police officers we represent.'

Mr Apter now represents police officers up to chief inspector ranks.