"Madness Continues": Outcry as Police Federation Chair Suspended After Rulebook Challenge
Suspension Raises Questions About Federation's Rules
The Chair of the West Midlands Police Federation, Rich Cooke, has been suspended by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), pending an investigation into complaints regarding his alleged behaviour on social media.
The suspension comes just days after Mr Cooke's outspoken concerns about using Appendix 9 of the Federation's rules, which allows for the suspension of elected representatives pending the outcome of investigations. In an article published shortly before his suspension in the West Midlands Police Federation's regional newsletter, Mr Cooke highlighted how Appendix 9 had been deployed to suspend high-profile Federation officials, raising questions about its fairness and democratic legitimacy.
The Impact of Appendix 9
Appendix 9 of the Police Federation's rules is a mechanism titled the "Ethics, Standards and Performance Procedure" designed to address conduct breaches, ensuring accountability and professionalism among Federation representatives. However, critics argue that its use has an undemocratic and authoritarian effect, as it can enable the immediate suspension of elected representatives, particularly those who speak out against senior leadership.
While the Federation maintains that the provision protects its reputation, questions have been raised over whether it is being used to suppress dissent within the organisation.
The procedure allows for suspensions pending investigation, even before findings are reached. This has led to concerns that Appendix 9 compromises the democratic nature of the Federation, as elected officials can be removed without direct input from the rank-and-file members who elected them.
In the article, Mr Cooke stated that the West Midlands branch, supported by other regional branches, had submitted a paper to the National Council calling for an immediate halt to using Appendix 9. The paper, however, was rejected, with the Federation citing its unlawful standing under existing regulations. Days before he was suspended, Mr Cooke argued that this rejection undermined the branch's democratic right to raise genuine and delicate issues on behalf of its paying members.
Timing of Suspension Under Scrutiny
Following this publication, Mr Cooke was suspended from his role as Chair. A statement from the Police Federation of England and Wales—shared on X by PFEW_Whistleblower—noted that his suspension followed "complaints from members relating to conduct and behaviour that took place on social media." In the document shared on X, the Federation confirmed that an independent investigating officer (IIO) has been appointed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
While the Federation maintains that the suspension is part of a standard process to ensure fairness and integrity, some have questioned the timing of the decision. Critics have suggested that Mr Cooke's suspension may be directly linked to his public criticism of the Federation's leadership, particularly comments that appeared to challenge the governance approach taken by PFEW's Chief Executive Officer.
However, this link has not been confirmed.
Spotlight on PFEW CEO Mukund Krishna
Mukund Krishna, the Chief Executive Officer of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), stands out as an unusual figure within the organisation's hierarchy. Unlike the regional representatives who are directly elected by serving police officers, Krishna holds his position by appointment rather than through any member-led voting process.
This structural arrangement distances him from the rank-and-file officers who fund the Federation through their monthly membership fees. As a result, the majority of his substantial salary is effectively paid by frontline officers—despite Mr. Krishna having never served in the police himself.
Reports have claimed that Krishna's annual salary hovers around the £280,000 mark.
This figure is particularly striking given that many officers under the Federation’s representation begin their policing careers with a basic salary of just £28,551. The stark disparity between the CEO’s pay and the earnings of those his role is meant to support raises serious questions about the Federation’s financial priorities, as well as the transparency and accountability of its leadership. The PFEW has been notably reluctant to disclose any public details about the CEO’s salary, which only came to light after it emerged that he would be receiving a substantial bonus.
What truly sets Krishna apart in the eyes of many officers, however, is that he has never served in the police.
This fundamental difference in professional background can be seen as a barrier to fully grasping the on-the-ground, often grim realities faced by police officers—realities that include stringent resource constraints, increasing workloads, and, for some, personal financial hardship. As morale within the forces hits rock bottom and more officers turn to food banks to make ends meet, the notion of a well-paid CEO with no firsthand policing experience becomes a source of genuine discontent and scepticism.
Social Media Reactions
A statement shared on X by PFEW_Whistleblower attributed to a spokesperson for the Federation stated: "In order to protect Rich and also the integrity of the process, it makes sense for him to step aside from his duties at this time." However, it is important to note that this statement has not been officially released into the public domain by the Police Federation itself.
The Federation's CEO previously defended the use of Appendix 9, describing it as essential for maintaining professionalism and protecting the organisation's reputation.
Supporters of Mr Cooke have taken to social media to voice concerns, with accounts such as PFEW_Whistleblower questioning the circumstances. One post remarked, "The madness continues".
Is the Police Federation CEO's Salary Justifiable? A Question of Representation and Experience...
The recent suspension of Rich Cooke, the popular Chair of the West Midlands Police Federation, has thrust the inner workings of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) into the spotlight, particularly focusing on the roles and remuneration of its leadership. Central to this debate is the salary of PFEW's CEO, Mukund Krishna, reported to be around £280,000 annually. On the surface, this figure is staggering, especially when juxtaposed with the starting salary of a police officer, which stands at approximately £28,551.
The stark contrast between the CEO's salary and that of a rank-and-file officer not only highlights a significant wage gap but also poses questions about financial priorities within the Federation.
The funds that support this salary come directly from the membership fees of police officers, many of whom are facing economic hardships, with some resorting to food banks. Is it justifiable for an organisation largely funded by its members, whose primary job involves public service with modest pay, to allocate such a substantial amount for its CEO's compensation? A CEO with no first-hand experience of policing?
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