Sergeant Matt Smith says policing is the best job in the world – and also the toughest.
Matt, who has been a Federation workplace representative since 2014, acknowledges the successes and the challenges of a career in policing as he offered advice to recent recruits.
“This is the best job in the world,” he said, “It’s also the hardest job. Mentally and physically, it can take a toll.
“You’ll work nights, miss Christmas dinners, birthday parties, and going out with your mates.
“Policing is a vocation and not simply a job. There are no shortcuts, no saying ‘I don’t want to go to that incident, or deal with that investigation’.
“It’s tough, but what a job it is.
“In no other walk of life will you catch a criminal and put them behind bars, or save that child from suffering horrific abuse, be the first person on scene to comfort and support a victim of rape, and assist catching and convicting the rapist.
“Where else will you go into a school and give an input on internet safety or stranger danger, where you can have such a profound effect on a young person’s life?
“Helping to turn around a prolific offender’s life by supporting them to get that drug rehabilitation they need.
“Or simply helping an elderly person who is confused and you’ve found wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning.
“I’m 19 years in, and I still love it.”
Matt added: “Most importantly, I’m a sergeant and I make the brews at least once every day for my team.
“They appreciate the effort, and the 10 minutes spent making them and handing them out can have an impact on morale.
“It may just give that team member a moment’s respite from the horrific incident they’ve just dealt with.
“Offer to make a brew for your team once in a while, it goes a long way. You made them a brew and they came running to assist you when you need it.
“You’re joining a family, so be part of it.”
Matt joined the Staffordshire Police family in 2003 following in the footsteps of his brother, who joined as a cadet.
“Listening to his stories sold the job to me and I haven’t looked back,” he explained.
His first posting was on response at Longton Police Station.
“I learnt all my core policing skills while based in the city and feel it gave me the best foundations to build my career on,” he said.
Matt moved to South Staffordshire response in 2006, spending the next decade on response, neighbourhood and action teams.
In 2016, he moved to Integrated Offender Management (IOM) working closely with colleagues in the West Midlands and West Mercia forces.
He then spent 18 months as a risk assessor with the Sex Offender Management Unit as part of a Force operation, before returning to IOM.
“It was at this point I went for and achieved promotion, and was put back into the Sex Offender Management Unit as a sergeant,” he added.
He combines that role with being a Federation rep, which he’s done since 2014.
“Like so many others, I’d been affected by the pension changes so I wanted to join the Federation to try to effect change locally and nationally,” he explained, “I wanted to be in a position to help others, as being a cop is being part of a family.
“I like to think that I bring a practical viewpoint. But also, having been a rep for a number of years, having that understanding of the bigger picture of issues. That enables me to manage people’s expectations and to turn a negative into a positive.”
Matt, who is set to take over as the branch’s professional development lead later this year, said that managing expectations was one of the challenges of being a rep.
“There are expectations that, as a rep, you can sort out every grievance, every issue, and it’s trying to manage those expectations,” he said.
“I enjoy knowing what the Force picture is, and being able to bring a practical and honest opinion to the table.
“This is more so in meetings with executive officers, where I can help them understand what’s going on at ground level and influence change with them.
“The most rewarding things is when someone says thanks, whether that’s for a piece of advice, making them a brew or just listening. Nothing can beat that.”
Matt returned to pensions as he discussed what lies in store for the national Federation.
“The pensions issue could potentially drag on for a number of years,” he said, “Then there’s pay. Fighting for fair and reasonable pay increases in line with the cost of living and inflation. To attract the best, you need to pay for them.
“A positive and good working relationship with the Government, both current and future, is hugely important. You simply cannot have no relationship with the Government, as it’s counter-productive.”
Matt said there were a number of challenges ahead for the police service and for Staffordshire Police Federation around recruitment.
“Our workforce is getting younger and we’re losing a lot of skills as experienced officers are retiring,” he said, “We need to ensure that the training new recruits is tailored to being a police officer and that the right skills are being trained.
“We need to ensure tutors are trained correctly, along with newly-promoted sergeants and inspectors.
“New recruits will always be needed, so we’re all responsible for ensuring they’re prepared, trained and have the skills to do this job.”
He added: “For Staffordshire Police Federation, current staffing levels and demand are a challenge.
“Although the number of police officers has increased over recent years, approximately 400 of our current workforce are student officers.
“We need to support them in being trained appropriately so they can then become a resource that can share the burden of demand.
“And, although the Force is very optimistic about the new operating model, and wants change to occur, it’s important for Staffordshire Police Federation to not lose focus in ensuring all changes comply with regulations.
“Also welfare is such a huge thing. As the Federation, we need to keep challenging the Force to ensure the workforce are supported, feel valued and, that when they need help, they get the right help.
“Our new Chief believes in this, which is a huge benefit.”
