Gwent celebrates the return of Response Policing Week of Action

This week, we’re joining police forces across the country in highlighting the vital part our response officers play in protecting and reassuring our communities.

We’re joining forces across the country this week in celebrating and recognising the hard work, dedication, and bravery of those who respond to calls from the public and confront criminals daily.

The role of a response officer is a dynamic, varied and demanding one, with them attending a wide variety of emergency 999 calls during their shifts.

For most, response officers are what come to mind when they think of the police – someone to call upon, and rely on, in times of need.

Throughout Response Policing Week of Action, we’re shining a light on our officers’ work, while highlighting a range of wellbeing and support services they can access to support and boost their wellbeing.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said:

“Day in, day out, our response teams play a vital role in safeguarding our communities, often putting themselves at risk to ensure the safety of others.

“I’m incredibly proud to have served in a number of frontline operational roles during my career, including as a response officer in Barry during my time with South Wales Police, and know just how demanding and rewarding the role can be.

“Commonly, response officers will be the first and only contact most residents have with the police, so our professionalism and dedication is paramount in ensuring the public have confidence in our commitment and ability to protect them.

“Our face may be the first they see in a moment of need, our voice the only thing they hear when in shock, so response officers play such an important role in supporting people when they are at their most vulnerable.”

The response role can be physically and mentally draining, and can sometimes take an emotional toll, which is why, as DCC Hobrough adds, it’s important to recognise this and continue to offer wellbeing initiatives designed for the specific needs of officers.

“Our officers should feel supported in their work,” he said, “and the aim of this week of action is for the work of response officers to be recognised and for them to know that their wellbeing is important and support is there when they need it.

“Access to a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives, some of which come from Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, will be on offer throughout the week, where officers will be able to attend webinars and training that provide tips on building resilience, managing stress, sleeping well, and overcoming fatigue.”

Later this week, follow @gwentpolice on social media to hear more from DCC Hobrough as he joins Cwmbran response officers on a tour of duty.