Plans to build a new memorial to police officers a the National Memorial Arboretum have been given royal backing.
A campaign has been launched to develop the UK Police Memorial in Alrewas.
The Duke of Cambridge is among those to have given his support to the project.
He said: “The United Kingdom is recognised around the world as the home of modern policing but, as recent events have reminded us, that rich heritage is interwoven with a history of sacrifice.
“More than 1,400 police officers and staff have died in the line of duty, and it is high time a Police Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum existed to act as a focal point for remembrance and gratitude.
“Since 2001, the National Memorial Arboretum has been a place of solemn remembrance and quiet reflection. It is therefore a fitting place in which to pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of the policemen and women who have given up their lives, and the commitment and courage of all those who continue to serve.”
Around £1.5million needs to be raised in order to fund the project.
The Duke of Cambridge continued: “This campaign aims to fund a physical memorial and a digital experience, as well as a living memorial that will help to support the families of the fallen. The money committed so far by the Government, as well as Chief Constables, Police and Crime Commissioners, staff associations and companies and business is testament to the significance of this project, and I have no doubt that people across the UK will be eager to raise the rest of the funds needed.
“I am delighted to lend my support to this campaign to raise funds to honour the memory of the hundreds of fallen officers by erecting a UK Police Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum.”
For more details about donating visit the UK Police Memorial website.
Find out more by visiting www.staffordshire.police.uk/ukmemorial where the is a video showing the plans and location.
