Defence Police Federation

Recent branch visits continue to provide valuable opportunities to hear directly from members, including a visit to Alconbury where Northern Area Secretary Mick Reynolds met with local Branch Representative PC Dowling and colleagues.

We remain committed to ensuring members have regular opportunities to raise concerns, share feedback and engage directly with the Federation.

If you would like an Area Secretary to visit your station to discuss matters affecting you and your colleagues, please get in touch with your local Branch Representative to arrange this.

A full list of contact details can be found by logging into our website and visiting the "DPF Representatives" section: https://dpf.org.uk/dpf-representatives/

This Armed Forces Week, the Defence Police Federation is proud to recognise the contribution of Armed Forces personnel, veterans, reservists and service families.

We mark the week by sharing our latest article reflecting on service across the Defence community. Members can also log in to read an interview with one of our Branch Representatives, who shares their experience of serving as both a Ministry of Defence Police Officer and a Reservist.

Armed Forces Week 2026: Proud to Stand Alongside Those Who Serve - Defence Police Federation Armed Forces Week is an opportunity for the nation to come together and recognise the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. It is a time to celebrate their contribution to our security, acknowledge the support of their families, and recognise t...

Members raised a range of issues during recent engagement visits to Porton Down and Oakhanger, including questions around regional allowances and rest day working mileage claims. We also heard strong feedback on the ongoing review of the promotions process.

The DPF continues to liaise with the Force on the matters raised. In relation to the promotions process, the Federation is represented on the Force Working Group reviewing the process, enabling us to raise feedback and observations from members directly. This will be sent to the Federation under the formal consultation process and we will engage with Branch Representatives and our National Executive Committee members to gather feedback and ensure members views are reflected in our response.

These visits, undertaken by the General Secretary and Southern Area Secretary, form part of the Federation's ongoing commitment to engaging with members, understanding local concerns and ensuring members voices are represented at every level.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us.

The Defence Police Federation extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of PC Jess Turnbull following this tragic loss.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly her colleagues at Northumbria Police. At this difficult time, we stand with the wider policing family in remembering Jess and her service to the public.

A police officer has tragically died in the line of duty after a collision in Northumberland.

PC Jess Turnbull was responding to a collision which occurred on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at about 11.10pm on Monday.

While at the scene, she was outside of a marked police vehicle when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC which was unconnected to the original incident.

Jess was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones, she sadly died.

Jess, who was 19, joined the Force in September last year and worked on the response policing team in Northumberland.

Our thoughts very much remain with her family and those impacted by this devastating loss.

If you would like to leave a written tribute to Jess, you can do so by leaving a comment below.

This week marks Carers Week 2026, a national campaign highlighting the importance of creating more carer-friendly communities and ensuring unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve.

The Defence Police Federation is proud to support the campaign and recognise the invaluable contribution made by carers, including many of our members balancing caring responsibilities alongside their policing duties.

Read our full article to learn more about Carers Week, available support, and resources for carers. Visit our website for details:

Carers Week 2026: Supporting Those Who Care for Others - Defence Police Federation Carers Week 2026 takes place from 8–14 June with this year’s campaign highlighting the importance of creating more carer friendly communities and improving recognition and support for unpaid carers across the UK. Across the country, around 5.8 million people provide unpaid care to loved ones, fr...

Information on the new MDP Vetting Regulations is now available on our website.

Members can read more about the Federation's involvement in the development of these Regulations by logging in:

Federation Update: New Vetting Regulations - Defence Police Federation You must be logged in to view this content.

Following a visit to The Police Treatment Centres (PTC) last week, our General Secretary was pleased to attend the PTC AGM this week.

Our General Secretary, Darren Mitchell, said:

"I was extremely impressed by the outstanding physical and psychological support available to patients attending either of the PTC centres. Having previously attended the PTC as a patient myself, I have seen first-hand the exceptional care, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the staff. I would encourage all colleagues to explore the many benefits of becoming a member."

A fantastic endorsement of the invaluable support provided by the PTC and the wide range of benefits available to members.

Darren is pictured alongside PS Hall, an MDP Ambassador for the PTC, who also attended yesterday’s AGM.

PS Hall also spoke highly of the support provided saying: “Having spoken with numerous officers who have attended, all have nothing but praise for the service. I would strongly encourage not only our police colleagues but also our civilian staff to consider becoming members.”

Joining through a simple monthly donation provides access to support when you need it most, helping you invest in your health and wellbeing.

Sign up via the link below to access the PTC’s first-class residential and online treatment programmes:

https://www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org/sign-up/form/

The Defence Police Federation believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and equality. We are committed to supporting an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, individuality is celebrated, and all officers can be themselves without fear of discrimination.

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

Can you open your heart and home to a retired police dog in need? Meet Retired Police Dog Roscoe, a loyal and affectionate dog who has spent his life serving with the Ministry of Defence Police and is now looking for a calm, experienced retirement home where he can finally relax and enjoy the good life he deserves.

Roscoe is a large, intelligent boy with a loving nature who absolutely adores human attention. He loves fuss, belly rubs and spending time with his people. Despite his working background, he settles well in the home and enjoys regular walks and companionship.

📍 North Yorkshire
🐕 Belgian Malinois
🎂 DOB: 01/09/2017
👦 Male (entire)

🏡 Roscoe would suit:

✔ Experienced owners familiar with working breeds or behavioural management
✔ A calm home environment
✔ Children aged 15 and over
✔ A home where he is the only pet

⚠ Things to know:

• Due to his previous operational role, Roscoe can be alert around people with covered faces or hoods
• He may react to fast-moving bicycles
• Dog introductions need to be slow and carefully managed
• He can become physically playful when excited due to his size and strength

🩺 Health:

• Seasonal skin allergies (managed with medication when required)
• Early onset osteoarthritis, currently managed well with daily pain relief
• He still enjoys his walks and quality time outdoors

He will be fully supported by the Foundation with the above medication 💙

Roscoe has given a lifetime of service and now deserves a peaceful retirement filled with love, patience, understanding… and a very comfortable sofa. 🛋️🐾

If you believe you could offer Roscoe the loving retirement home he deserves, please email expressing your interest, including a little about yourself, your experience with dogs, and why you feel you could provide the right home for him. Please email: [email protected] 📧

Please share to help this incredible boy find the right forever home.

Last week, our General Secretary and Northern Area Secretary were out conducting station visits, meeting with Branch Representatives, SPO's and members to hear directly about the issues affecting them in the workplace. Key topics raised included: PPE, vehicle suitability and the need for greater clarity and transparency around promotion processes.

Engaging directly with members helps us better understand the challenges officers face, strengthen our representation, raise concerns with the Force, and work towards positive improvements wherever we can.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us, share their experiences, and contribute to these important discussions. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our work and supporting our members.