Warwickshire Police Awarded Ministry of Defence Accolade For Its Support of Armed Forces

Warwickshire Police has been recognised for its commitment to helping current and former members of the Armed Forces.

The force has been awarded Gold in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The gold award represents the highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

Warwickshire Police originally signed the Community Covenant in 2012. In 2014 this was superseded by the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and so in 2018 the force re-signed.
In signing the AFC it is demonstrating its commitment to treating service personnel and their families with fairness and respect, and recognising their dedication and sacrifice in serving our country.
The force employs several veterans – anyone who has served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces at any time including National Servicemen, Regulars and Reserves – as police officers and staff. It also has a Reservist Policy in place to support its employees.
Warwickshire Police was awarded the Silver ERS Award by the MOD in 2017 and today (Thursday) it was revealed as a recipient of the Gold Award – one of only four forces nationwide to have received this accolade.
Speaking about the recognition, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said: “Warwickshire Police has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces and in employing ex-service personnel and Reserve staff.

“There are plenty of similarities between the police and the Armed forces – the challenges and pressures, where every day is different, requiring a professional can-do attitude and strong teamwork ethos.
“A number of our workforce come from an Armed Forces background and have thrived in our organisation providing the skills that are critical to our ongoing commitment to protect people from harm.
“We are extremely proud to have received this recognition of our work and continued commitment to support the Armed Forces community.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, who is also the Chair of the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, added: “I am extremely proud Warwickshire Police has been recognised for its commitment to the Armed Forces community.
“As a former reservist myself, I know from personal experience how many of the skills that people acquire while serving with our Armed Forces are very valuable for policing, such as leadership, problem-solving and the ability to work under pressure in an environment where each day is different.
“The force has a long tradition of supporting our Armed Forces and can count many ex-service personnel and Reservists among its officers staff, something which continues strongly today and will help to shape Warwickshire Police for many years to come.”
If you are a current or former member of the Armed Forces who enjoys facing challenges and solving problems, policing could be for you. Click here to find out more.