How does a regional newspaper editor end up helping to found a brand new staff association for UK policing?
Bernard Rix speaks to Martin Buhagiar, co-founder of the National Police Association and a former Head of Communications at the Police Federation of England and Wales, to trace his journey from local journalism, through the London riots, into the heart of police representation at the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Martin reflects on covering the pensions challenge, leading comms during COVID, giving evidence in high-profile misconduct proceedings, and why he ultimately chose to walk away and try to “build something better” for rank-and-file officers. He also talks about a very different kind of passion project: nine years on the board of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust.
Takeaways
- Martin’s route into policing began in regional newspapers covering the London riots.
- As editor of Police Oracle he built deep contacts across UK policing.
- He later became Deputy then Head of Communications at the Police Federation of England and Wales.
- The Federation represents around 145,000 officers from PC to Inspector ranks.
- Martin led comms through COVID, bravery awards and National Police Memorial Day.
- Internal controversies and changing leadership made the environment increasingly stressful.
- Giving evidence to the IOPC against his own chair was a pivotal moment.
- He left in 2022, choosing to start his own businesses and later co-found the National Police Association.
- Outside policing he spent nearly a decade as a board member, and later chair, of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Martin Buhagier and Policing TV
01:03 Martin’s Background in Policing and Journalism
02:56 Role and Challenges of the Police Federation
07:27 Transition to the National Police Association
10:18 Involvement with Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust
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