‘Declarable Associations’ Policy:  You don’t have to sign anything now

Members are advised that they are not required to sign any document pertaining to the Force’s ‘Declarable Associations’ policy by today, 1 October. 

This advice follows feedback received by the Association from some sections of the membership that they’re being required to sign documentation by 1 October. Such an instruction should not be adhered to as it is incorrect and at odds with a previous CCP instruction which stipulates a 31 October deadline.

We also reiterate our earlier advice that members should not take any action in relation to submitting any documentation pending further advice from the Association.

Despite some minor tinkering to the original ‘Improper Associations’ policy and a name change to the ‘Declarable Associations’ policy, the Police Association’s serious concerns with this policy have not changed.

Members should be aware that by signing a declaration pertaining to ‘Declarable Associations’ they are effectively acknowledging that they fully comprehend every aspect of this policy and of its future application, even though many aspects of the policy remain ambiguous and suspect in terms of its validity.

It is for this reason that The Police Association has sought legal advice in relation to the merits of this policy and whether it stacks up against existing privacy and human rights laws. We have also formally complained to the Ombudsman on the validity of the policy.

We expect to receive a response from the Ombudsman to our complaint well before 31 October. We intend to pass on this advice to members as soon as we receive it. 

We therefore reiterate our earlier advice to members to not sign anything in relation to the ‘Declarable Associations’ policy until such time as they have received The Police Association’s further advice on this matter.

Greg Davies