Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner signs Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national commitment that reflects the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Armed Forces. It is a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served, along with their families, are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect in all areas of public and community life.

The document outlines specific pledges made by the Commissioner to the armed forces community, including a commitment to make a career within Lancashire Constabulary more accessible to veterans.

Lancashire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Kimberley Whitehead, said:

“It was an honour to take part in the flag-raising ceremony in recognition of Armed Forces Week and to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Our armed forces personnel deserve the highest respect and fair treatment. This pledge reflects our commitment to ensuring that both the Commissioner’s Office and Lancashire Constabulary uphold these values in all that we do.

“By signing this covenant, we are pledging to make it easier for people who have served in the Armed Forces to join the ranks of Lancashire Constabulary, and ensure that the force remains an Armed-Forces friendly organisation.”

Chair of the Armed Forces Staff Support Network Supt Gary Crowe said:

“As a force we recognise and use the talents and skills that people from the Armed Forces community bring to the Policing community of Lancashire.

“I am very proud that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has joined the Constabulary in signing the Armed Forces Covenant. It really shows our shared commitment to being ‘forces-friendly’ employers and service providers.

“This means veterans, service leavers, reservists, military spouses and cadet forces instructors know we are united in our support of them, whether they are employed with us already or wish to join us in the future.

“We will continue to work closely with the OPCC in support of veterans and reservists.”

Kerryanne Wilde MBE, Defence Relationship Manager at the Ministry of Defence said: “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Office of Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner for signing the Armed Forces Covenant, and pledging its support to the Defence Community within Lancashire and the wider United Kingdom.

“The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. They, together with their families, deserve our respect, support and fair treatment, “