Military police get first taste of frontline policing

A joint initiative that has seen serving members of the Royal Military Police (RMP) and our officers sharing their skills and knowledge has been a huge success.

Members of the RMP have been working closely with members of the South Staffordshire local policing team (LPT) to learn about how we work and further strengthen the relationship between the army and the force locally.

Vetted and trained to the same standards as our officers, Corporals Katie Butlin and Michael Knapper have been part of the LPT team for 30 days.

During that time they have used their own policing experience, training, skills and knowledge to make a difference to the local communities we serve.

Corporals Butlin and Knapper were each presented with a plaque by their LPT colleagues ahead of their final shifts with the team.

Cpl Butlin said: “The programme has given me a real taste of frontline local policing. We’ve been involved in a cross-section of jobs; from fire-arms deployments to public order and domestic situations, and the whole experience has been invaluable. The team have been so welcoming and it’s been great to work with them.”

Cpl Knapper, who is from Stafford, said: “It’s been a pleasure to contribute all I can to the LPT and to help to strengthen the relationship between military and civilian policing in Staffordshire. Every aspect of the programme, from the way the team in South Staffs has welcomed us, to the public’s response, has been positive.”

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton, from the South Staffs LPT, said: “This has been a hugely successful collaboration and is just the start of further placements that will benefit the public, military police and Staffordshire Police.

“The way Cpls Knapper and Butlin have carried themselves throughout has been absolutely fantastic and they have been a credit to themselves, the armed forces and the LPT.

“It’s been pleasing to see the reception they have had within the policing team in South Staffs, and the wider public, and we are already looking forward to welcoming the next intake. I’d like to thank them for their hard work and to wish them both luck in the future.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams added: “This initiative has been hugely positive, bringing together Staffordshire Police and the Royal Military Police, and reflecting the commitment made by the force as part of the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Both services play an important role in keeping us safe, and this placement has been an excellent opportunity for the organisations, and the individuals themselves, to learn from each other’s skills and knowledge.”

The scheme forms part of our commitment to the Armed Force’s Covenant.

In August 2022, our Chief Constable, Chris Noble, signed the covenant pledge, promising to ensure those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families, are treated fairly. We encourage all organisations who haven’t signed the covenant to do so.

More information is available from: Armed Forces Covenant: guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To read more about the Armed Force’s Covenant and our commitment in Staffordshire, visit: Staffordshire Police commits to Armed Forces Covenant | Staffordshire Police

In July, we also signed an agreement with Veteran’s Aid to further support the Armed Force’s community. Read more about it here: Force pledges further support for veterans in need | Staffordshire Police