A former Isle of Wight-based Hampshire Constabulary officer has announced his plans to stand down from his role of Police Federation Chair next year.
John Apter, who was previously a Roads Collision Investigator, has held the role for 3-and-a-half years but has decided not to stand for re-election during February’s ballot.
Joining Hampshire Constabulary in 1992, Mr Apter – the brother of Steve Apter – went on to work in a variety of uniformed roles including response, neighbourhood, traffic and family liaison before he became the chair of the regional Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Federation.
Later, he was elected to become the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
In a letter to Federation members, Mr Apter said:
“This role is a privilege to hold and it truly is an honour to do what I do. However, I feel after a pretty eventful three and a half years for the Police Federation and for policing in general, and with almost 30 years’ service, it’s time for me to move on.
“I’ve been a Fed Rep for as long as I can remember; I love what the Federation and our reps do and I couldn’t be more proud of the small part I have played. A lot has happened since I became national chair, both professionally and personally; it’s been relentless. In all that time, all I have ever done is my best, and I hope that in some small way I have helped make a positive difference.
“This is not a long goodbye! I have a job to do and will continue to do my very best until the new national chair takes up the position on April 1st, 2022. I just felt it was important you are aware of my intentions.”
Article continues below this advertisement
It must be hard for the Police, to just see all their work wasted as Courts give little or no sentences to many offenders, albeit becasue they can’t as the jails are now filled with the worlds criminals as well as some of our own.
Still long as this guy has done his best, than that is all that anyone in these messed up times can do now.
I agree its not an easy job having to defend the indefinable at times