Forty Years of the Police Federation
| Date | 01 April 1960 |
| Published date | 01 April 1960 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X6003300208 |
| Author | C. H. White |
| Subject Matter | Article |
SERGEANT
C.
H.
WHITE
Bedfordshire Constabulary
Chairman of the Joint Central Committee of the Police Federation
of England and Wales
Forty
Years
of
the
Police
Federation
THE POLICE FEDERATION was created by the Police Act. 1919 to
represent the Constables. Sergeants. Inspectors and Chief Inspectors
of the Police Service of England and Wales. Prior to 1919 there
was no national representative body in the Police Service. as we
know it today. Many Forces had a Representative Board. each
dealing with its own particular problems in its own particular way.
However. in consequence of the very low rate of pay. the un-
satisfactory conditions of service. appalling working conditions and
the absence of any pension provisions for police widows. grievances
which had accumulated and fermented over the years. a Committee
was set up on the 1st March. 1919 under the chairmanship of
Lord Desborough to enquire into these aspects of the Police
Service. This resulted in the Desborough Report being submitted
to Parliament. One of its recommendations was that there should
be set up a national representative body to be known as the Police
Federation.
This recommendation became law with the passing of the Police
Act of 1919 and Section (1) of the Act clearly defines the Constitu-
tion and functions of the Police Federation. which are to consider.
and bring to the notice of the Police Authorities and the Secretary
of State. all the matters affecting welfare and efficiency. other than
questions of discipline and promotion affecting individuals.
The Act became applicable to the City of London Police and to
every Police Force to which the Police Act, 1890 applies. with
equal reference and application to Scotland.
The
structure
of
the
Police
Federation
In each Police Force elections take place annually by ballot.
when the members of the Branch Board. including Police Women
Advisers, for each rank are elected. These Boards may make their
representations to the Chief Officer, the Police Authority or direct
118 April-June 1960
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