Background

The National Police Officers Roll of Honour and Remembrance is an ongoing historical record of all British police officers, including those in service with Colonial or UK administered Forces overseas, who lost their lives in the line of duty, since the earliest days of professional law enforcement over three centuries ago. 

In considering these criteria reference has been made to police pension regulations, coroner's courts rules, and existing UK and foreign police rolls of honour. Each case will normally require two independent sources of information for verification, except in the case of official police records where one source may suffice. Each case will be treated individually and on its own merits and will not be accepted onto the Roll unless these criteria are satisfied. However, while maintaining the overall principle that the death should have occurred in the line of duty, the Roll aims to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Where there is doubt about an officer's eligibility, for the sake of the officer's family and force, the benefit of that doubt will generally go towards their inclusion.

When considering names for inclusion on the Roll the following criteria will apply:

 

Definitions

'NATIONAL' & 'BRITISH'
Of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the British Islands. Read more

Namely: The countries of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (Ireland prior to independence in 1922), and the British Crown Dependencies of the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.

 

'POLICE OFFICERS'
Any sworn constable or member of a police force or police authority or other peace officer engaged in a law enforcement role. Read more

1. Any sworn constable i.e. a person holding the 'Office of Constable' (regardless of rank), including a trainee or student constable undergoing training;
2. Any regular or auxiliary officer serving as a member of a police force or service (including the former Police Fire Brigades), whether on a full or part-time, professional or voluntary basis;
3. Retired officers whose injuries were received on or as a result of their police service;
4. Un-sworn police staff members, e.g. explosives officers, community support officers, traffic wardens, police cadets, etc., providing they die in operational circumstances (i.e. in the performance of a law enforcement role, including patrol duty and training for operational duty);
5. Peace Officers appointed by local authorities prior to the formation of the modern police service in 1829, charged with enforcing the law e.g. Parish Constables, Watchmen, Bow Street Patrol.

 

'ROLL OF HONOUR AND REMEMBRANCE'
A. Roll of Honour - officers killed, or who died of injuries received, in consequence of the execution of their duties; and
B. In Remembrance - those who have otherwise died on or in connection with their duties.

 

'BRITISH POLICE OFFICERS'
Police officers serving in the current and former police forces of the United Kingdom and the British Islands; and British Citizens serving overseas as police officers in the former Colonial Police Services and other overseas territories, whilst administered by the UK.

 

'WHO LOST THEIR LIVES'
Killed, or died as a result of injuries received,  including duty related illness, which caused or substantially contributed to the death.Read more

Death from an illness or disease may be deemed to be the result of an injury on duty if arising from:
1. An act of violence (e.g. heart failure or brain haemorrhage during an assault or violent arrest);
2. Other physical cause (e.g. heart failure from exertion of chasing suspects or dealing with public order);
3. Contracted in the course of duty or resulting from the performance of police duties.

 

'IN THE LINE OF DUTY'
In connection with Police Duty i.e. whilst on duty, in the execution of duty or as a result of duty, operational or non-operational.

Police Duty - The protection of life and property, preservation of public order, and prevention and detection of criminal offences.

On duty - during a tour of duty comprising all normal lawful actions carried out on operational or non-operational duty.
In the Execution of Duty - As a direct result of their performance of operational duties, or their status as a police officer.
As a Result of Duty - Death occurring some time after the event from the effects of an injury or illness sustained on duty.
Otherwise in Connection with Duty – Deaths on or in connection with duty occurring otherwise than in the execution of duty. Read more

Deaths occurring otherwise than in the Execution of Duty, namely:

From injuries received on non-operational duty; or
Travelling to or from duty, outside of a tour of duty, for which no payment is made.
From sudden death or natural causes on duty, not attributable to the execution of duty.
From enemy action while off duty or where duty status is unknown.
Whilst on a temporary residential training course or operation or secondment out of the force area.
Whilst serving in UK administered forces overseas, including when off duty or duty status is unknown.
Actions undertaken by choice not subject to an obligation of duty e.g. sports or fitness activities.
From unknown or other causes on duty where the full circumstances are unknown.

Operational Duty - actual performance of a law enforcement role, including patrol duty and training for operational duty.
Non-Operational Duty - other duties such as administration, clerical or similar duties and travelling to or from duty.

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