Law Enforcement Unions: Their Role and Representation in the United States and the United Kingdom
Law Enforcement Unions: Their Role and Representation in the United States and the United Kingdom
In the United States, law enforcement officers in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia have the right to collectively bargain their terms of employment with their employers. This practice has evolved from organizations that were once fraternal associations into unions that represent the interests of law enforcement officers.
Collective Bargaining in U.S. Law Enforcement
The right to collective bargaining for law enforcement officers was often granted following the development of these organizations. Sometimes, local police unions are linked to larger unions such as the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) or the Peace Officers’ Research Association of California (PORAC). Other times, smaller unions like the NYPD Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) operate independently. Not all law enforcement forces in the U.S. are unionized; some maintain their own structures without formal union representation.
Police Unions in the U.S.
Local police unions play a crucial role in representing the interests of law enforcement officers. They often affiliate with larger organizations like the FOP or PORAC, which provide additional support and resources. Self-sufficient unions like the PBA in New York City operate independently but can still leverage collective bargaining power to improve conditions for their members.
Police Federations in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, law enforcement officers are not allowed to belong to trade unions. Instead, they are represented by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
Formation of the Police Federation
The PFEW was introduced in response to strikes in 1918 and 1919, which led to the Police Act 1919. This act outlawed industrial action and strikes but recognized the need for protection for rank and file officers. The PFEW was created as the body to represent these officers. Unlike trade unions, the PFEW does not have the power to engage in collective bargaining, but it does provide essential support and representation.
Role of Federation Representatives
The PFEW representatives act much like union representatives, offering invaluable advice and assistance. They can challenge senior command teams on behalf of officers and provide legal representation in disciplinary and court hearings. This support is crucial for the officers, as they often face sensitive and sometimes contentious situations in their work.
Conclusion
The role of law enforcement unions and federations is deeply intertwined with the protection and representation of officers. In the U.S., these unions have evolved to offer a wide range of services, from collective bargaining to advocacy and support. In the UK, the PFEW serves a similar purpose, providing essential representation and legal support for police officers. Both systems ensure that law enforcement officers have the necessary resources and representation to handle the challenges they face in their roles.