Police announces £2.4 million investment in support services

22 October 2026

People outside of policing can only imagine the physical and psychological effects of police work – especially for those on the frontline, the policing minister told the opening day of the Police Federation’s annual national conference yesterday.

And Sarah Jones said that when police officers needed help it must be accessible and it must be of the highest quality, explaining that the Government would over the next year be putting £2.4 million into expanding support services including improved trauma support, expanded psychological risk assessments to identify those at risk earlier and round the clock access to confidential mental health support when it is needed the most.

“I have also asked His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to look at this issue to understand where further improvements may be needed,” the minister added.

Tribute

She began her video recorded speech by paying tribute to fallen officers, telling delegates: “Any death in the line of duty is the most painful reminder of the risks you and your colleagues face to keep us all safe.”

And the minister added: “Policing is a public service like no other. It wouldn’t function without its rank and file, day after day you are there on the frontline attending emergencies, arresting suspects, supporting victims, reassuring communities.

“I know you do what you do out of duty and a commitment to a calling that is much more than a job but when people go above and beyond performing extraordinary acts of bravery and skill it is right that they are given the recognition that they deserve which is why attending the Police Bravery Awards in the summer was such a humbling experience.

“I am also keenly aware of the good that can and does come from everyday acts of policing which don’t result in accolades or public acclaim which could not matter more.”

Evolving crime

The MP went on to outline the Government’s commitment to keeping people safe, pointing to reductions in knife crime and the rebuilding of neighbourhood policing.

Crime was evolving rapidly but the system in which policing was working was not keeping up leading to the Government’s police reform plans which would, she said, redesign the national infrastructure, increase police visibility, introduce better technology and kit, bring an increase in officers in neighbourhood policing and free up officers to do the job they joined to do.

The minister concluded by thanking officers for their service and sacrifice, adding: “Our country and our communities are safer as a result.”