Welcome to the Defence Police Federation

The Federation’s constitution lists the organisation’s main aims. These are:

• To protect and improve the conditions of employment of its members.
• To raise the status of the MoD’s police force and to enhance its efficiency.
• To offer a welfare service to Federation members.
• To provide members with legal advice and assistance on matters arising from their employment.
• To make available to members a wide range of benefits and other services including insurance.
• To maintain liaisons with representative bodies of other police services, when this is judged to be in the best interests of members.

A professional Federation for a professional Force

The Ministry of Defence Police is a body of professionals, trained to exacting standards with a high level of skills and competence. The Ministry of Defence Police provides excellent value for money in their service to both the Ministry of Defence and the nation. We believe that the officers that we represent have every right to expect the same qualities from us, their Federation: high standards of professionalism, skills and training, thus providing our members with value for money. As the Force constantly evolves, adapting to change and new challenges, so, we believe, should the Federation.

In fulfilling its statutory responsibilities for the welfare and efficiency of its members the Defence Police Federation will:

• Ensure that its members are fully informed and that there is the highest degree of transparency in decision-making and use of resources;
• Maintain exemplary standards of conduct, integrity and professionalism;
• Seek to build public confidence in the police service;
• Work together within the Defence Police Federation and with others in the policing world to achieve its goals.

The Defence Police Federation (DPF) strives to provide the best and most professional service for its members.

This is mirrored in our Statement of Purpose and in the work of all of our accredited representatives.

The subscription rate of the Defence Police Federation is currently £284.16 per year, as compared to the subscription rate of the Police Federation of England and Wales, which is £291.72.

The accounts of the Defence Police Federation are published on our website annually (under our Declarations of Benefits tab) and qualified chartered accountants independently audit these accounts each year. We only have one account.

Our Annual Report describes in great detail the activities of the Federation over the past year and is published on our website. These activities are in keeping with the rules of the Federation as defined in our rules and constitution.

The activities of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the managing body of the DPF, are subject to the scrutiny of all elected Branch Representatives attending Annual Conference, it is a requirement that these activities are examined and accepted each year, or direction given to address any issues identified.

All branches may send a representative/s, to Annual Conference making the NEC as accountable to the whole membership as reasonably possible.

Members also currently benefit from membership of the Police Firearms Officer Association (PFOA), which is included within our subscription fee.

As the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is a fully armed capable force, the NEC views the PFOA membership at a cost of £3.75 per month per member as a must, in terms of added value to our welfare provision, that is to balance the DPF own provisions and supplement the sadly inadequate welfare provisions provided by the MDP / MOD. The welfare of our members is the imperative of the Federation with many members benefiting from this assistance.

We have, as a consequence of re-organisation and at our own volition, substantially reduced our dependency on Special Paid Leave.

We also provide grants to those of our members who are in financial distress, and through our approved partners provide financial based products and services at advantageous rates to our members.

Eamon Keating

National Chair

This document supplements the policies stated in the DPF Rule Book, the Branch Representatives Guide and the DPF Manual of Guidance. All these references may be found on the DPF website.

The primary source of communication with our members is the DPF website; which members may access via a secure password.

The website also contains, circulars, guides and current policing news together with the contact details of Branch Representatives, NEC Portfolio Leads and DPF Accredited Friends.

The NEC will from time to time gauge the feeling and opinion of members using the website online ballot facility.

It is the responsibility of HQ staff to populate this site. It is the member’s responsibility to keep themselves informed.

Communications works two ways and members are encouraged to bring any item of interest to the attention of Head Office.

It is the responsibility of the National Officers only to represent the Federation point of view to the press and to parliament. All enquiries from the press must be referred to DPF HQ Tel: 0203 176 6509 or Royston Martis via Email: royston@martismedia.co.uk.

The Memorandum of Agreement, together with Policies, Rules and Guidance details our agreement with the Department, and Force, on internal Force and Departmental communications. It is the policy of this Federation that all issues should be raised first with the line management chain and only progressed further once this has been exhausted.

The history of the Federation is closely interwoven with the history of the Ministry of Defence Police. Indeed, it would be fair to say that the Force owes its very existence to the Federation’s efforts, or rather to those of its predecessors.

Until 1971 there was no Defence Police Federation, nor was there a Ministry of Defence Police Force. Before that date, each of the three armed services had its own constabulary, with its own Chief Constable. Each of those constabularies had its own staff association. Recognising that unity is strength, these staff associations formed a Federal Council in 1953 but even this arrangement did not ensure the cohesion, solidarity and bargaining power needed to best protect members’ interests. So, in 1971 the associations agreed to form a single Defence Police Federation.

The new Federation strongly believed that the MoD’s three police forces should be amalgamated. It argued that amalgamation was the only way to realise the forces’ true potential , enhancing their officer’s professionalism and so ending forever the the idea that these officers were somehow inferior to “real” police officers – and that they should be paid accordingly. Even before the formation of the Defence Police Federation, the individual Defence constabularies’ staff associations’ had fought constantly against the notion that their members should receive a considerably abated rate to full police pay. The Federation campaigned tirelessly for amalgamation, and our views began to be echoed even within the Ministry of Defence itself. Finally, in 1971, the Department conceded, and the Ministry of Defence Police was formed.

The next landmark in the history of the MDP was also to a great extent the result of the Federation’s efforts. Ever since the establishment of the force in 1971, the Federation had campaigned for an Act of Parliament to replace the maze of regulations, statutory provisions and instructions on which the MDP’s legal authority was based. We believed that such an Act would enable the officers we represented to discharge their duties more easily and to enhance their credibility as police officers. In 1987, following the recommendations of the Broadbent Report, we finally saw this aim realised and Parliament passed the Ministry of Defence Police Act.

The Ministry of Defence Police Act was also a landmark in the history of the DPF too. It gave full legal status to the Federation and put it on par with the representative bodies of other police forces. Our standing in relation to the Secretary of State for Defence is the same as that of the Police Federation of England and Wales to the Home Secretary.

Since the Act, the force has gone from strength to strength, and MDP officers have won widespread praise for their high standards, skills and professionalism. The Defence Police Federation is proud to say that it has played a major part in this evolution.

The Federation’s structure and the organisation of its activities are specifically designed to meet the Federation’s objectives in the most effective way possible. They are designed:

• To enable efficient and productive negotiations with the official side.
• To ensure that Federation policy is determined democratically and so as to meet the interests of the membership as a whole.
• To fulfil the Federation’s duty to its membership.
• To meet the needs of a disciplined, specialised and National Police Force.

The Federation embodies a hierarchical structure, resting on the Branches who form the very foundation of the Federation. These are organized into two area’s – Southern and Northern.

The supreme authority of the Federation is the Annual Conference. Branch Representatives from the two areas consider policy and received reports on the business conducted throughout the year. Conference may also debate resolutions about improving conditions of service and related matters or revise the Rules and Constitution of the Federation.

Routine management of the Federation is overseen by the National Executive Committee (NEC) who meet quarterly. The NEC is composed of our National Officers, Area Secretaries, Northern & Southern Branch Representatives and Inspecting & Superintending Rank (ISR) Representatives.

The NEC are responsible for negotiating and consulting with the Chief Constable, Senior Officers of the MDP and the Ministry of Defence. The Federation also has access to the MoD Police Committee (MoDPC) with either the National Chairman or General Secretary attending as an observer. The MoDPC meets quarterly and is chaired by an independant Chairman.

Negotiation and partnership: The Consultative Machinery

The Federation’s NEC at present enjoys a constructive and amicable relationship with the MDP’s Management Board. Over recent years there have been many areas where the interests of both the Force and the Federation have converged. By working together we have invariably achieved accords that would not have been possible working alone.

Inevitably however there are matters on which the views of the Federation do not concur with those of the official side. The Federation’s facilities agreement with the Ministry of Defence makes provision for various Consultative Committees. These are the primary forum for the official and staff sides to exchange views and information in order to negotiate and try to resolve any differences of opinion.

The Federation prides itself on its industrial relations record. We are confident that we show ourselves unyielding on those issues where compromise is, in the best interests of our membership as a whole, not an option. Yet we have shown that we are able to negotiate, adapt, be realistic, compromise where appropriate, and strive for consensus.

Welfare is our priority

The Defence Police Federation places great importance on ensuring the welfare of its members. To meet the needs of members who require financial assistance because of some misfortune, illness or accident, the NEC may at their discretion award a grant.

The PFOA (membership included in your DPF subscriptions) provides a 24 hour help-line. The number for the PFOA Support Line is: 0808 164 2622 – select option 1 for assistance including in the moment support, option 2 for the 24/7 GP and option 3 for any other PFOA related enquiries.

In the event of the death of a member either ‘in service’ or within 12 months of retirement, the member’s nominated beneficiary is eligible for the payment of a ‘Death Benefit.’

Legal & Misconduct cases: A helping hand

As public servants and police officers, the men and women that the Federation represents are subject to rigorous conduct and performance regulations. Policing is a very responsible job and any hint of malpractice by a police officer is a serious matter. By and large, there is never any suggestion that MDP officers fail to meet these high standards. However, occasionally a member may come under suspicion for a breach of the law or discipline. In such an unfortunate event, the Federation is here to help.

Should a member be placed under investigation for a misconduct or performance matter, the Federation offers advice from the outset. The first point of contact is the Area Secretary who will arrange the appointment of a ‘Friend’. The role of the ‘Friend’ is to advise and assist the member under investigation throughout the process. The rules allow for any officer to be appointed to this role, but the Federation has a number of ‘Accredited Friends’ with a wealth of knowledge and experience of these matters. The Federation organises seminars and training courses to ensure that these ‘Friends’ provide the best possible support to its members. In this way, a member is able to be represented at a hearing by a specialist. In more serious cases, or cases of a criminal nature, the Federation will provide a solicitor whose costs will be met by the Federation. The Federation utilises an insurance which covers the costs of legal expenses and instructs solicitors and counsel from leading firms nationally. Our solicitors have branches nationwide and close links that have been forged over the years between their offices and the Federation’s branches.

If a member is arrested, then a call via CCR will ensure that the on-call DPF official is informed immediately, regardless of the time of day. This route should only be utilised in emergencies and during silent hours. In normal working times DPF HQ will assist on 0203 176 6509.

Apart from cases of conduct or performance, Federation members may apply for FREE legal advice on any matter related to their employment and, in special cases, on matters not related to work. This will be assessed by the National Executive Committee, and DPF HQ may appoint a solicitor to assist.

Disciplinary action can have severe consequences for officers. The Federation therefore does its utmost to help. In particular, we are committed to fighting instances of obvious injustice and discrimination. We have a strong track record in this aspect of our work and we have full confidence in the services available to our members.

Members can access more detailed guidance and the necessary forms for completion here.

Protection and assistance for you and your family away from work

Federation members and their families can benefit from extended legal services covering:

• Free Personal Injury Service – contact Thompsons Solicitors on 0800 587 7520.
• Free Wills Service.
• Low-Cost Conveyancing.

This provides peace of mind knowing that whatever your problem is, there is always a highly trained Federation representative to offer help and advice.

A channel to put your views into action

As a Federation member you have the opportunity to put your views, ideas, frustrations and proposals on work-related matters or policy to the highly skilled Federation Officials for consideration and, if appropriate, negotiation with the official side.

The DPF are also members of the European Confederation of Police (EuroCOP) who are an umbrella organisation for 30 police unions and staff organisations in Europe. EuroCOP is a non-profit organisation representing the voice of European police officers. Striving to protect the rights, safety, values, and position in society of European police officers.

All serving Ministry of Defence Police Officers can apply to join the Federation and receive a range of benefits. These include assistance with matters ranging from personal injury claims to unsatisfactory performace procedures (UPP); up-to-date information on the policies and developments affecting our membership; and access to our Group Insurance Scheme, which provides travel and roadside cover at a discounted rate.

If you would like to join and have not been a member before, please complete the online application form below which will be submitted to DPF Head Office.

If you have previously been a member of the Federation and would like to re-join, please complete the online re-join application form.

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is MOD’s own dedicated civil Police Force of around 3,500 officers, all of them having full constabulary powers. They operate throughout the UK wherever their services are required at MOD establishments and units; they are the UK’s only truly national police force. In addition, each officer is weapons trained and at any one time 70% of MDP officers on duty carry arms, either pistols or rifles. They are deployed at some 110 MOD sites which require officers with constabulary powers and an armed guarding capability.

In addition to being a national police force, the Marine Units, which are stationed at various RN locations around the UK, have the largest number of craft of all police forces in the UK. Some MDP officers hold depositions from HM Customs & Excise which enable them to stop and search seagoing vessels for contra­band and drugs. The Force also handles over 300 dogs, one of the largest in the UK.

MDP Crime Command are rightfully respected throughout the UK and in recent years have had some notable successes, the most noteworthy of which was the arrest and con­viction of a former MOD Director of Ammunition Procurement, Gordon Foxley, in what is thought to be the largest corruption case in British legal history.

The Operational Support Unit (OSU) of 50 personnel is the MDP’s own multi-capability response unit who are deployed anywhere in the UK at short notice whenever there is a requirement for their specialist skills which include public order duties, search and specialised firearms roles.

The Special Escort Group provides protec­tion for the passage of nuclear material throughout the country.

Qualifications for entry

If you want to join the Force you will have to mea­sure up to the following requirements. You must be:

• at least 18 years old
• of British nationality
• of good health with unimpaired hearing and good eyesight.
• currently resident in the UK and have been for the last 5 years (this condition does not apply to members of HM Forces currently serving or have served abroad)

Selection

In order to join the MOD Police you must take the Police Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT) followed later by a physical fitness test, medical examination, firearms assessment and extended assessments.

Physical fitness

Important – if you have any doubts about your ability to take part in these tests you should seek medical advice before attending for the selection procedure.

Note

The Chief Constable reserves the right to reject your application at any stage of the selection procedure and it is not Force policy to give any explanation of why an applica­tion was unsuccessful. However it should be borne in mind that an unsuccessful attempt to join one police force does not mean an applicant will be unacceptable to another force.

Interested in Joining?

To start your MDP journey, please apply via the MDP website.

If you have a question about joining the MDP, please contact: mdp-recruitmentenquiries@mod.gov.uk