Police Minister thanks police officers

THE Police Minister has thanked police officers for their “sterling work” during the coronavirus crisis, in a letter sent to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

Kit Malthouse MP addressed officers directly in the letter, praising them for their resilience, commitment and sacrifice and for stepping “forward without hesitation into the front line”.

Writing to PFEW Chair John Apter, he said: “Their professionalism, good sense, and often humour, means that the precious tradition of policing by consent has been maintained.”

Mr Malthouse acknowledged that it was a “unique situation for UK policing” and that officers’ ability to “adapt to the new role of maintaining compliance has been remarkable”.

He also said that the Government was committed to giving officers “all the support and resources they need to keep us all safe”.

John welcomed the letter and said he hoped it would be appreciated by members working on the front line of the pandemic.

He said: “In this time of crisis, when some are quick to criticise everything policing does, it is important that Government ministers take the time to show their support. Police officers don’t do what they do for praise or recognition, but a letter like this is welcome and can only be a positive thing.

“The minister highlights the professionalism and resilience of officers, and by saluting and thanking colleagues he also pays tribute to colleagues who are upholding the finest traditions of policing. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for his kind words.”

Full letter from the Minister of State for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse:

“The arrival of the Coronavirus in this country has created significant challenges for everyone, but particularly for our police officers of all ranks. As we face this second period of national lockdown, I want to congratulate and thank you and your members for their sterling work so far.

The introduction of social distancing regulations presents a unique situation for UK policing, and while the courage and commitment of officers is all too often tested, their ability to adapt to the new role of maintaining compliance has been remarkable.

Their professionalism, good sense, and often humour, means that the precious tradition of policing by consent has been maintained.

The resilience of forces across the country has also been reassuring, with absence rates falling as officers return to duty from isolation in numbers. Their commitment is appreciated, as is the eagerness with which many are now focusing on those high harm individuals and groups who are increasingly in plain sight.

We are committed to giving your members all the support and resources they need to keep us all safe, while protecting the NHS and its mission to save lives.

So thank you to you and all officers for their work so far. We salute their dedication and sacrifice, and that of their families.

As our national battle to defeat Coronavirus continues, it is a source of enormous pride and comfort to see that, as so often in past crises, it is police officers who step forward without hesitation into the front line.”

Kit Malthouse MP
Minister of State for Crime and Policing