FMEs and the Metropolitan Police Service

14th January 2009

In July 2008, the faculty sought and received reassurances in respect of certain aspects of the proposed new contract that it considered were likely to adversely affect the quality of service provided – specifically these related to clinical governance issues, and the lack of any requirement for personal service or continuing professional development. In keeping with its charitable status, the faculty has not been involved in the subsequent detailed contract negotiations between the MPS and its FMEs regarding terms and conditions. However, the faculty notes that these contract negotiations broke down and only 62 of the 120 FMEs who had expressed an interest to continue working with the MPS have signed the new contract.

This situation has led to significant gaps in service provision. These gaps are being covered either by ‘agency’ doctors, some of whom are alleged to have had no training or experience in clinical forensic medicine, or by asking existing FMEs to cover more police stations when on duty than was the case previously – leading to lengthy response times and undue pressure on the doctors concerned. The faculty considers that these practices are potentially dangerous, posing a threat to the health and safety of persons detained by the Metropolitan Police and to the proper process of justice.

In light of these concerns, the faculty has written to the Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service recommending that negotiations are re-opened with the previous FME workforce.

Click here to read the Faculty's response