Police Officers Elect John Apter as New National Police Chair
John Apter has been voted in as the new National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales. This marks a historic first — police officers across the country cast their votes to choose their leader. Apter, former Chair of Hampshire Police Federation, beats rival Phill Matthews in the 2018 elections, held under a fresh democratic process introduced after the Federation’s 2014 Independent Review.
From Beat Cop to National Leader
John Apter started his policing career in 1992. He worked in response units, roads policing, and on a specialist team investigating road deaths. In 2010, his peers elected him Chair of the Hampshire Police Federation. Now, he steps up to represent officers nationwide.
A Voice for Officers Nationwide
The National Chair’s role is crucial. Apter will champion officers’ welfare and interests. He becomes the principal spokesperson for the Federation, representing the organisation on the national stage. For the first time ever, members directly chose their National Chair, marking a major shift in Federation democracy.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
John Apter will take over from the current Chair, Calum Macleod, on 1 August 2018. Apter warmly thanked Calum for his service and vowed to build on his legacy. “I would like to thank Calum for all the hard work he has done to this date and look forward to building on his accomplishments,” he said.
