Police Union:" we must ensure lessons of past are learned"
Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation that represents constables, sergeants and inspectors in the region, said: Our members - ordinary officers - went to work that day in 1989 expecting a normal day, policing a football match, but walked into an unfolding disaster.They did their best and did their jobs in incredibly difficult circumstances on that day: they followed orders and did what they were commanded to do by senior officers. When there were gaps in that command, they used their initiative to try to save lives.Today's policing standards - such as strict procedures, improved equipment and health and safety standards - were simply not in place 27 years ago, nor indeed the current ability and frameworks for junior officers to question senior officers' decisions. The officers we represent co-operated fully with the investigations and we have always been clear that what we wanted, above all, was to get to the truth of what happened on that day for all those concerned. We recognise the prolonged agony endured by the families.We also recognise that this was exacerbated by various accounts from some areas, comments which were deeply upsetting to the families. Nothing can turn the clock back and we know that more answers will be needed as the outcome of the inquests sink in.However we hope that today's outcome gives all those involved the final truth about what happened on that day. We must ensure lessons of the past are learned and that nothing like this ever happens again. As a staff association representing rank-and-file officers we will continue to support our members in making sure that this is recognised and hope that they, too, can now try to move on from this horrific tragedy.'' Mr Bowles was asked if he will apologise for what the federation said about fans after the disaster. He said:It is not my place to apologise for what my predecessors may or may not have done. What I can say is that we will support the investigation and support officers and our ex-members at the same time.'' Pressed, he said:I'm not going to apologise as those matters are under further investigation and I don't want to prejudice any investigation.'' Mr Bowles was asked if federation members were complicit in a cover-up of the true facts of Hillsborough.'' He said:That is not my place to say. I've been chair since 2011. What happened with my predecessors before that I've got no comment to make whatsoever.We've been open and honest with all the inquiries, we've provided the inquiries with our minutes and the inquiries are ongoing.'' Mr Bowles also said he did not want to comment on whether officers felt they were let down by commanders.