Next phase of ‘a memorial fit for the 21st century’ to be unveiled

Martin Hewitt, chair of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust, and chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “Tonight’s reception is a thank you to those who have supported us in the construction of a fitting tribute to fallen police officers and staff at the National Memorial Arboretum, and to unveil our exciting plans for Phase II of this project.

“The memorial at the Arboretum is a tribute that recognises all those who have given their lives to policing, who have died in whatever circumstances.

“Since the memorial was dedicated in the summer of last year, we have observed and reviewed how it, and the openness and serenity of the space, is used by visitors and have noted overwhelmingly positive feedback. We have also listened to the feedback from other parts of the policing family.

“After careful consideration, the current Trustees have decided to progress Phase II without the inclusion of a names walls feature at this time, and to concentrate instead on the development of the digital memorial and its educational aspects. This will truly be a memorial fit for the 21st century, one which includes all who have dedicated their lives to the police service and to their communities.”

The digital memorial, developed in partnership with the Police Roll of Honour Trust, already contains the names and citations of almost 4,500 police officers and staff who have lost their lives to policing.

It is the Trust’s ambition to further enhance content by creating tributes that tell the personal stories of those behind the badge, including interviews with the family, friends and colleagues of officers killed.

The digital memorial is integral to the Trust’s wider educational plans for this project and by using the memorial as a mechanism to engage with the public, the Trust hopes to contribute to an appreciation of the role that policing has in civil society and to mark with pride the UK as the birthplace of modern policing.

Mike Ashby-Clarke from Axon said: “The physical memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum and the upcoming digital platform are stark reminders of the risks and sacrifice police officers face every day.

“Axon is proud to be associated with the Trust and its partnership with UK Policing. Axon’s technology is designed with officer and community safety at the forefront, with the mission to protect life and ensure no more names must be added to the list of the fallen.”

The reception at the BT Tower in London will be attended by representatives from across the political landscape, representatives from UK forces, and those who have supported the memorial project.

Mr Hewitt added: “Without the generosity of our donors and benefactors, including Axon who are sponsoring tonight’s reception, we would not have been able to construct such a fitting tribute at the Arboretum. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to them all.

“Whether it’s the physical memorial, the digital part, or the educational aspects, we want to create a fitting tribute that honours the courage and sacrifice of all those who have given their lives to policing; those who have protected us from harm, defended our freedoms and kept us safe.

“Those who have paid the ultimate price must never ever be forgotten.”

The UK Police Memorial was dedicated by HRH the Prince of Wales at the National Memorial Arboretum in a special ceremony in July 2021. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, families of fallen officers, policing charities, representatives from across the UK police service, together with major donors and sponsors.