Response officers celebrated across the country
Dorset Police is joining police forces across the country to highlight the work of response police officers and the fundamental role they play in policing.
Starting today, Monday 24 June 2024, a week of action begins to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication and bravery of response officers, who respond to calls from the public and confront criminals day and night.
This week of action is an initiative started by the National Police Chiefs’ Council back in 2022.
Every day across Dorset a wide variety of 999 calls are received. Response officers are the officers who attend these calls for assistance and for most members of the public, are the officers that come to mind when they think of the police.
Response officers must be prepared to deal with anything. From being the first at the scene of what will become a complex investigation or a life-endangering emergency, to diffusing confrontational situations or showing the utmost compassion in upsetting circumstances. Response officers never know what situations they will face and every call is different.
The response policing role can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and there are a range of wellbeing initiatives specially designed to support these officers in their role.
Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “Response officers are a crucial part of protecting and serving the communities of Dorset and the many visitors we get to our beautiful county.
“Response officers never know what calls they’ll be faced with when they come into work each day and no two days are ever the same. They have to be prepared to deal with a wide range of incidents, including complex and sometimes confrontational situations.
“There is a lot of satisfaction from the role of a response officer, but it is also a very demanding job that can often feel unappreciated, which can take a toll on the person wearing the uniform. While this week is about celebrating our officers, we must also make sure they know how and where to seek support when it is needed.”
“Finally, I want to express my thanks to all our response officers across the country for the critical work they do and let them know that we appreciate them and their efforts each and every day.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Our Response Policing teams are at the very forefront of tackling crime in Dorset, working tirelessly to keep our residents and visitors safe.
“I have previously been out with response officers and was impressed by the team's professionalism and dedication when they are often the first on the scene at incidents and never know what their next call will be.
“I'd like to thank all the response police officers who work relentlessly to make a difference in our communities in Dorset.”
Policing is a career like no other. Our police officers show courage, teamwork and compassion on a daily basis to make a real difference to our communities. If you are interested in becoming a police officer for Dorset Police you can apply now.
To start your application and find out more about the benefits of a career in the police, visit: Recruitment:- DC Police and Dorset Police - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership (recruitment-dcp-dp.org)
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