UPDATED 5th JUNE 2017
It was announced today that National Police Chaplain, Rev Canon David Wilbraham, has agreed to Chair the second convention of the UK Police Memorial Independent Names Committee. Over the course of the summer the Committee will be asked to evaluate and recommend, by September 2017, how best to remember in meaningful and appropriate ways, those officers and staff who have died of natural causes, illness, road accidents and the like – whether that be on duty or off duty.
The Committee’s first convention had wide representation including the Chaplaincy, Care of Police Survivors, UNISON, PSAEW, National Association of Retired Police Officers and Police Roll of Honour Trust. These organisations will be asked to continue their representation to the Committee as remembrance is further considered.
Following the first set of recommendations of the Committee in October 2016, the Trustees decided that it is fitting and appropriate that the names of those who have died ‘as a result of injuries received in the course of their lawful duties’ will be recorded by way of permanent inscription on the screens as you enter the Memorial. This pays due respect and honour to those who have faced criminal and hostile behaviour and in doing so sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition to the names of circa 1,400 officers who have died in the line of duty, the Memorial will be able to commemorate officers and staff who have died in service. The Trustees thank the Independent Names Committee and representative organisations for their support and guidance on this important issue.