The Impact of the Olympics By Lorraine Harvey, Principal Lawyer (Partner), Family Law Russell Jones & Walker

Whilst the nation waits in anticipation for the monumental sporting event this summer what is the potential impact of the event on those involved? We don’t mean the athletes but the police officers who have had their leave cancelled and the impact that this may have on their family life. 

The nature of the job for most officers can cause a strain on their home life particularly so if there are children. It is likely that the other party is feeling aggrieved as they are anxious at facing the prospect of uncertainty of when their partner may be around to help out with the children during the summer break. This may also impact on their work commitments as child care may need to be factored in. Try to ensure that communication is maintained as far as possible to avoid misunderstandings and be mindful of how your partner may be feeling as although this is not necessarily your choice to be working this does also impact on them. 

For those who have separated from the other parent they may face difficulties with contact. Ideally flexible arrangements for contact will be agreed between the parties to ensure that the children do have an opportunity of spending time with the other parent during this period. 

Officers working beyond Capacity

Huge cuts to police officer numbers could leave the service “unable to cope if riots break out in the country again”, the chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation has warned.
Ian Hanson said officers in his force – which according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary stands to lose 1,520 police officer posts by 2015 – will be unable to sustain the level of service they provide to the public with falling officer numbers.
The projected loss of officers in GMP is the biggest fall in officer numbers any force faces in England and Wales – including the Metropolitan Police.

“I call for the government to wake up to what is happening on their watch and face up to its responsibilities.”

Mr Hanson said: “The police officers of GMP are working well beyond capacity.
“The way the force reacted to events last week in Oldham is testimony to their professionalism and commitment – but they and their colleagues around the country quite simply cannot sustain this for much longer.
“The HMIC report spells out we are losing in excess of 1,500 police officers from GMP which is 19 per cent of our strength. This is nearly double what other forces are losing.