The Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) has announced key changes to its national team.

Superintendent Sara Crane, a serving officer at Devon & Cornwall Police began her three-year term as vice president on Tuesday 12th March, and Superintendent Warren Franklin of Kent Police has been appointed as the association’s new national secretary.

Sara was elected to the post at the meeting of the PSA’s National Executive Committee held on the 10th January. Sara takes over from Chief Superintendent Harvi Khatkar, who has held the role since March 2022.

Sara has 29 year’s service, all with Devon & Cornwall Police, and has held a variety of roles as superintendent over the past 7 years, including local policing commander in Cornwall, and has most recently served as Cornwall partnership superintendent.

Sara said: “It was a pleasure to be elected to this position in January and I’m looking forward to beginning the role, which is pivotal for our association, our members, and also the wider workforce. I’d like to thank Harvi Khatkar for the excellent work she has delivered for the association over the past two years.

“Having been involved in consultation with our members over the past year in my role as the reserved representative for gender, I’ve heard directly from superintendents on the issues affecting them both personally and professionally. It’s key that we take action as a result of this, working with stakeholders and policy makers to improve policy, practice and working life, not just for our members, but also for the wider workforce.
 
“Our association holds a trusted and valued role within the policing landscape, something we have worked hard to build over decades of supporting supers. Amidst what continues to be a difficult and challenging time for policing, I’m committed to doing all I can to support our national team in building on our positive influence.”

Sara will support Acting President Nick Smart. The substantive post of president remains vacant, pending an election process in July 2024.

Warren Franklin was appointed to the post of national secretary after a competitive process this week.  The national secretary leads the association’s work on issues including pay and reward, terms and conditions and misconduct.  Warren will take over from Chief Superintendent Dan Murphy from 4th July 2024. Dan has held the role for seven years, and following a formal process, Dan was appointed to the position of assistant national secretary.

Warren has twenty-eight years’ service in policing, working in both Sussex and Kent.  He is an experienced operational commander and has covered a wide range of roles including neighbourhood policing, Prevent violent extremism and tactical operations.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role of the PSA national secretary. The work delivered by the current secretary, Dan Murphy has been exemplary. I strongly believe that a collaborative approach with partners will lead to positive results for all stakeholders. My aims are to continue the excellent work already delivered by the PSA, and to be part of an effective and cohesive new team. My motivation in joining the police service has never changed, and supporting my colleagues is a privilege.”

Dan Murphy said: “It’s been a privilege to have held the post of national secretary for seven years. By working with members, understanding the demand they face, their challenges, and the impact of pay, pensions and conditions, we have successfully lobbied for positive change on their behalf.

“These matters are crucial for our members but also for the wider workforce, and our association is pivotal in keeping them on the top of the agenda for national leads.  I would like to congratulate Warren on his appointment to the role and look forward to further work with him in my new role as assistant national secretary.”

PSA members have also elected this year’s reserved representatives as follows:

Members in these reserved places bring issues facing members, and other staff and officers within the police family, to the association to ensure that equality and diversity informs the work of the association.