Thank you to police forces: letter from the Home Secretary, 23 December 2023
Published 24 December 2023
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Dear Police Forces,
As Home Secretary, I am lucky enough to see first-hand how exceptional our police service is. I have seen officers detecting and arresting the most dangerous and violent offenders, managers and supervisors building systems that drive down crime, community support officers providing a reassuring presence in town centres, and police staff keeping the whole policing system running. All of you contribute so much to society and I wanted to take this opportunity to send you my personal thanks for all that you do to keep us safe.
Policing is as hard a job as it is possible to do. On any shift, at any time, you could find yourself confronted with an almost impossible situation. The line between making the right choice and getting it wrong is often narrow; and the impact on you and your loved ones is potentially life-changing. But, despite all of that, you choose to do it. Not because you have to, but because you care about your communities and you want to keep them safe.
This public service, and the unique model we have in the UK, is what makes our police service amongst the most admired in the world, a fact that was abundantly clear to me during my time as Foreign Secretary.
This year has seen you achieve so much. For the first time in 70 years, officers and staff across the UK worked together to ensure the coronation of a new monarch passed off smoothly and safely. You dealt with public order incidents; taken the fight to drug gangs and organised crime; and helped make our streets, homes, public transport networks, and online spaces safer.
I also want to pay tribute to those often-unsung heroes of UK policing: your families, friends, and loved ones. In the past, the vital unpaid roles carried out by those closest to you has been often overlooked and undervalued. But now, thanks to the work of forces, the Police Covenant and the National Police Wellbeing Service, your pivotal role is now being recognised. Whether for your forbearance when a birthday or Christmas Day is missed, or for supporting your loved one after a traumatic incident, or for cheerfully waving them off to work every day, I thank you.
I am looking forward to spending more time with you on the front line next year. In the meantime, thank you for all you do, and Happy Christmas.
The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
Secretary of State for the Home Department