Response policing in the spotlight during national week of action

In addition to celebrating the professionalism and courage of response officers, is also an opportunity to recognise the challenges facing response policing and consider the future development of a key role that sits at the heart of policing.

The response policing role can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The calls they receive can range from someone being seriously injured or a person suffering mental health crisis, to dealing with someone in distress or a report of high-risk missing person.

This week of action recognises the work of response police officers and this year, there is an increased focus on providing opportunities for learning and development, networking and career progression allowing officers to explore and build on their experience in their existing role.

The week will also raise awareness of the wellbeing and resilience support services, provided throughout the year by occupational health units, with access to a range of initiatives from Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, and the College of Policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders of Wiltshire Police said: “This is an annual national awareness event highlighting the difficult and high-risk role that our response officers must undertake.

“They serve on the front line and are the first to attend serious incidents including road traffic fatalities, homicides, burglaries, robberies, and serious assaults.

“Alongside catching suspects and protecting the public, they are the ones that provide reassurance to the public. There is also a lot of satisfaction from the role in helping vulnerable people, finding someone who is missing or arresting an offender caught in the act of committing an offence. This needs to be celebrated.”

Oscar Kilo will be working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing throughout the week to deliver a range of initiatives, coordinated specifically to support, develop and recognise the role of response officers.

“Our wellbeing vans and dogs will be deployed across the UK, and we will be assisting with some of the College of Policing webinars,” it said.

“We know response policing isn’t a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job, so the resources we’re providing are also available online so you can access them whenever is most convenient to you.”

The College of Policing will be hosting the events throughout the week, each session will be recorded and will be accessible via the Knowledge Hub for anyone who wants to watch again or catch up.

“These ‘weeks of action’ are a great opportunity to let you know what is available to you, but also as a reminder that we are here to support you, and your force, not just during this week, but all year round,” said Oscar Kilo.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, head of Response Policing at Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “This type of work can be extremely challenging, which is why there is also a focus on officers’ wellbeing this week.

“We [at GMP] are constantly reviewing the challenges our officers face and looking to see how we can support them further, as well as raising awareness of the support services that are available and making sure they have the latest, most up-to-date equipment and technology.”

For further information visit https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/news/response-policing-week-action-2024 and https://www.college.police.uk/article/response-policing-week-action