A towering glass column reflects the London sky. This is the National Police Memorial. It stands as a poignant tribute to the thousands of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The National Police Memorial isn’t just a monument. It’s a story etched in glass and stone. A story of bravery courage and sacrifice.
Designed by Lord Norman Foster and Per Arnoldi the memorial opened in 2005. It honours approximately 4000 police officers. These officers died in the line of duty in the United Kingdom. The National Police Memorial sits at the corner of The Mall and Horse Guards Road. It stands directly outside the Old Admiralty Building. The site was once an air shaft for the London Underground.
The idea for the National Police Memorial came from film director Michael Winner. In 1984 after the tragic shooting of Yvonne Fletcher he established the Police Memorial Trust. Initially the trust focused on smaller memorials. These smaller monuments marked places where officers lost their lives. But Winner envisioned something larger. A single memorial to remember all. He believed memorials existed for soldiers sailors and airmen. Yet police fought a constant unseen war. This war had no beginning and no end.
Winner’s vision took over a decade to become reality. He personally contributed £500000. The remaining £2.3 million came from public donations. The Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled the memorial. Fifty-six officers formed a guard of honour. Each officer represented a UK police force. The Queen called the location appropriate. She hoped people passing would pause and reflect.
The National Police Memorial has two main parts. A black creeper-covered enclosure surrounds an air shaft. The northern face displays the police badge. It also bears the words The National Police Memorial Honouring Those Who Serve. A glass column stands nearby. This column is lit with a faint blue light. This symbolizes the blue lamps outside traditional police stations. Behind glass within the enclosure sits a Roll of Honour. The Roll of Honour lists the names of approximately 4000 officers. The earliest entry dates back to 1680.
Despite the memorial’s beauty and significance some criticism existed. Some families felt the cost was high. Others felt the Roll of Honour was too restrictive. It lists only officers killed during arrests or hazardous duties. It doesn’t include every officer lost. The Roll of Honour’s glass enclosure prevents close viewing. This fact is disappointing to families wishing to see their loved one’s names. Despite this the National Police Memorial remains a powerful and moving tribute. It is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice. It serves as an inspiration to all.