Medal for officers killed on duty moves a step closer

27 September 2022

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell says a campaign to honour police officers killed on duty with a posthumous medal is gathering momentum.

Luke was reacting to the news that 26 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are the latest to back a campaign led by Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, whose daughters PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone, who were murdered while serving Greater Manchester Police in 2012.

The PCCs have added their names to a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman endorsing the idea of a police version of the Elizabeth Cross which is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces who are killed in action.

Hertfordshire Police Federation has supported Bryn and Paul’s campaign for the creation of the Elizabeth Medal, which is also backed by the Police Superintendents’ Association.

Luke said: “It is great to see momentum building for this campaign and I hope the Home Secretary will help ensure it is a success.

“Police officers, just like military personnel, all too often lay down their lives while carrying out their duties and it is only right that this is recognised with a posthumous award which would show their families their sacrifice is not forgotten.”