Police family come together to celebrate police staff

Launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), with support from the College of Policing,  the first ever Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition (Monday 4 March - Sunday 10 March) hopes to shine a spotlight on the individuals who play an important role within the policing family.

As part of the week, forces will be celebrating the contribution made by those working across all areas of policing – including call handlers, crime scene investigators, PCSO’s, as well as those who manage sex offenders in the community, analysts, fleet, finance and more.

It is also hoped the recognition will encourage other professionals to consider a future in policing.  

Chair of NPCC, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, welcomed the week of celebration and praised the contribution of police staff.  

 “The role that staff play across UK Policing is not widely understood and deserves higher profile. Police staff are at the front line answering emergency calls, keeping detainees safe and helping to progress investigations in our custody and investigation centres, and informing and educating our communities.

“Police staff lead and run critical national services, work across governments to ensure the policing business functions effectively, develop new technologies  and keep us ahead of criminality by carrying out so many investigative and evidence gathering functions.  

“This week is all about recognising that vital contribution and showing the public that police staff, just like officers, play an important role in policing, keeping communities safe and contribute to effective justice.  There are so many exciting career opportunities.

“Our policing family is diverse and is made up of officers, staff and volunteers and the public should know that when they need us, we come together, serving as one to help.  

“I’d personally like to thank each and every staff member and volunteer for the huge role they play.” 

Gemma Stannard, Head of the NPCC’s Strategic Hub said:

“As a passionate police staff member, I am in awe and proud of the contribution made by police staff nationally. 

“It is their expertise, dedication and professionalism which helps progress investigations, gets justice for victims, enables effective response to critical incidents and calls for service, and supports the workforce.   

“The majority of staff did not fall into policing but made a conscious decision to be part of the service because they want to make a difference and help others. It is important that we applaud this passion and continue to champion their contribution so we can encourage others into the service and recognise the impact staff have as part of the whole policing family, helping keep our communities safe .”  

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said:

“I’ve been privileged to work with so many inspirational and dedicated police staff throughout my career. I’m delighted to be celebrating police staff week as we take time to recognise the far-reaching contribution they make.

“Their expertise, dedication and commitment to public service are invaluable, yet all too often they are the unsung heroes of policing. Dealing with the public on the frontline, investigating crimes and working with communities to improve public trust, staff are there in every area of policing.

“It's important that we take time to reflect on the work of police staff, particularly as the service continues to face ever-evolving challenges and increasing demand. Over the next few days I look forward to meeting and speaking to police staff from across the country and seeing inspiring examples of the work that police staff do.”

APCC Chair Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: 

“Preventing crime is not just a job for police officers. It takes a huge number of skilled and multi-disciplined workers behind the scenes to protect the public and ensure the services they receive are efficient, effective, well-organised and offer value for money.

“From studying fingerprints and managing our IT systems, through to call handling and keeping the finances in check, police staff play an integral role in the success of their forces. People are the lifeblood of any successful organisation and as PCCs, we join our colleagues across the criminal justice system in recognising the selfless and tireless efforts of our police staff this week. Policing would not be what it is today without the courage, teamwork and compassion of our unsung policing staff.”

The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP said:

"I am delighted to support the first National Week of Recognition and Celebration of Police Staff.

"I am sure this week will help spotlight the importance of all staff roles and encourage people who may be interested in public service to look at the range of possibilities that a career as a member of police staff can offer.

"Anyone who knows anything about policing recognises the important role police staff play in public safety. Staff can rightly be considered as being fundamental to holding the whole system of policing together. Without them no one would be paid, forensic evidence would be left ungathered, calls for help from the public would go unanswered and every officer would be swamped by the sadly necessary administration that comes with policing a free society.

"Simply put, policing would not be possible without police staff, and it is only right that this is recognised."

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