Following the announcement of the first ever national police hearing survey, the Disabled Police Association has released the results as part of 2024 Disability History Month.
The survey, conceived and conducted by DPA members Kathie Buffery (Greater Manchester Police) and Andrea Shoetan (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary), shows that there is likely to be an increased risk of hearing loss within operational policing, and recommends regular hearing tests for all frontline roles.
The survey results are available to download as PDFs: a single-page summary with recommendations (also available on the graphic – click to view full size), and the longer detailed results summary.
The authors look forward to updating on the progress of achieving their recommendations. Contact details can be found on the documents. ∎
National event promoting disabled and neurodivergent talent in policing attended by senior officers and disability advocates
The Disabled Police Association held its fourth Annual Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport over the 30th September and 1st October.
The conference was well supported, with Derbyshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Officer and NPCC Lead for Disability Andrew Price opening the first day, and West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted, NPCC Lead for Neurodiversity, opening Day Two. Guest speakers included Open Bionics ambassador and social media influencer Tilly Lockey, who presented awards at the Conference Dinner recognising policing colleagues for their work in championing disability.
DPA President Tracy Betts said: “A key theme of this year’s conference was ‘What success looks like’, and I was proud to stand alongside so many talented colleagues who represent the best in the police service. We have come so far in recognising diverse abilities, but there is still a lot further to go, and this event was a vital means of developing meaningful and sustainable change for the future.”
“With the Home Secretary sending a personal video message congratulating the award winners and committing to working with the DPA, this year’s conference not only inspired us with personal stories and lived experience, but also demonstrated how the DPA is making an impact at the very highest levels.”
The DPA would like to thank the NPCC as joint hosts, primary sponsors Axon UK and MindView, conference organiser CJS Event Solutions, and all those who gave up their time to attend and speak at the event. ∎
Clockwise from top: ACO Andrew Price, NPCC Lead for Disability; Tilly Lockey presenting the award for Service to Disabled Communities; guests at the Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony
With the theme of ‘Getting it right first time – what success looks like’, you will get to :
See and hear inspirational stories of triumph over adversity
Explore the Axon Aid Wellness programme, providing vital resources such as mental resilience training, peer support, and tools for building strong wellness departments from our sponsor Axon
Learn about best practice and successes of police forces, and initiatives of Blue Light partners
Understand how we can use accessible technology from our sponsor MatchWare
Recognise why knowing exactly who is working for us is so important with the Business Disability Forum
Visit trade stands and media partners, and engage in workshops with both private and public sector partners
Learn how neurodivergent thinkers are an essential part of the modern police service with Creased Puddle
Enjoy the opportunity to help design neurodivergent-friendly spaces with Derbyshire Constabulary
Meet the one and only ‘bionic girl’, model, singer and disability advocate, Tilly Lockey (Instagram @tilly.lockey), who will also be presenting at our gala awards dinner
Hear from our Keynote Speaker, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens QPM, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council
