Paul Cotton has first-hand experience of the complaints procedure and how unfair it can be at times.
So, he decided to put that experience to good use as a workplace representative for Staffordshire Police Federation.
He explains: “I put myself forward because I have been through that complaints system, so I know what it’s like and how it feels. The Federation was invaluable to me during that time, so I decided I’d really like to do the same for other people by becoming a rep.”
Paul had wanted to be a police officer from a very young age and eventually joined Staffordshire in 2004. He is currently working in the regional intelligence unit and put himself forward for the position of workplace Fed rep in 2021.
He says: “In addition to my experience, both as an officer and with the system, I believe I have a strong voice and a deep sense of pride. These qualities hopefully mean I can genuinely help people out and I’m particularly interested in specialising in performance and conduct.
“I’d also like to think I can be part of a team driving the Force forward and out of the dark time it’s currently in.”
Paul adds that he thinks many members are unaware of much of what the Federation does for members: “It might be difficult at times, being honest and realistic in terms of managing a colleague’s expectations, as many of them are largely oblivious to all the Fed work that goes on behind the scenes.”
He also believes the police service generally has its work cut out in terms of being listened to and respected by central Government and that the national Federation’s greatest challenge is gaining the trust and confidence of its members.
“I also think Staffordshire is going to have an issue meeting the expectations of its members during the dark times and challenges ahead,” he adds, “And with that in mind, I’d say to any new recruit just joining: you’ve got to want to be a cop. It’s not something to just do on a whim. It’s so much more than that.”
