National Police Memorial Day

When was it established?

National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) was founded by Sergeant Joe Holness QPM, a serving officer with Kent Police, after a fellow Kent officer, Constable Jon Odell, was brutally killed in December 2000.

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has given his support to NPMD by becoming the patron of the event. He consented to the role in time for the 2006 memorial service, which was held at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

More than 4,000 police officers have been killed since modern policing began more than 177 years ago. NPMD aims to demonstrate that the courage and ultimate sacrifice, which makes the British police service the best in the world, will never be forgotten.

What is it for?

NPMD aims to honour police officers throughout the UK who have been killed or died in the line of duty. NPMD is an official annual national day and is a UK registered charity.

The National Police Memorial Day aims to:

  • remember police officers who have been killed or died on duty
  • demonstrate to the relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers that their sacrifice is not forgotten
  • recognise annually the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers.

A dignified and sensitive service is held in all four countries of the UK in rotation, on the nearest Sunday to the 29 September, which is St Michael’s Day. St Michael is the Patron Saint of police officers.