Care Of Police Survivors (COPS)

When was it established?

Care of Police Survivors (COPS) was founded in March 2003 by Jim McNulty and Christine Fulton. Jim was a retired police officer from Strathclyde Police. Christine is the widow of PC Lewis Fulton who was murdered on duty in Glasgow in 1994. All our survivors have experience of tragedy, which gives them a unique understanding of the overwhelming grief and confusion that is encountered by new survivors. COPS makes contact with the survivors of every new death on duty, explaining what COPS does and inviting survivors to make contact when they are ready for such support.

Who is it for?

COPS is a UK registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives on duty, to rebuild their lives. It aims to ensure that surviving family members have the help they need to cope with such a tragedy, and that they are able to access the peer support that COPS offers, which is based on the belief that only another survivor can truly understand what new survivors endure. COPS also works to ensure that survivors remain part of the police family.

COPS aims to build a network of survivors throughout the UK. The extent of help provided will be controlled by the new survivor. Sometimes an understanding listener is needed. Sometimes more practical help is required. Whatever the need, COPS will be able to put survivors in touch with those who truly understand.