08/02/2010

Bereaved Police Families Supported

Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are to get financial support through a new government-funded scheme, it was announced today.

The Police Survivor Support Scheme will see up to £20,000 given to families left struggling financially after officers have been killed while keeping the streets of the country safe.

The cash is aimed at partners of dead officers who have formed a new relationship, which means they are no longer eligible for the survivor pension.

Now the one-off payment of up to £20,000 will be handed out to give added financial support after the end of the pension entitlement.

Policing Minister David Hanson said: "Our brave police officers put their lives on the line on a regular basis to help keep the rest of us safe.

"This scheme will give financial support to families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation."

The Home Office-funded initiative will be run by the Police Dependants’ Trust (PDT), which has been providing financial support to the families of officers killed on duty for over 40 years.

PDT Chief Executive David French said all those eligible for the scheme should have been already registered with the trust.

"I hope that many more will be able to access the assistance that the Trust may be able to offer."

The Home Office worked closely with the PDT and drew on its experience of supporting former officers and their dependants to develop the scheme.

(PR/BMcc)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
20 October 2015
Met Combine All Ongoing Historical Child Abuse Investigations
The Metropolitan Police has combined all ongoing investigations into historical child abuse, to be led by a newly formed investigation team under Detective Superintendent Ang Scott. The force said that is has decided to combine Operations Midland and Fairbank following the discovery of a number of people and locations common to both enquiries.
13 March 2009
Fewer Homeless Young People In 'Bed And Breakfast'
National figures just released have show that the number of vulnerable young 16 and 17-year-olds being housed in 'bed and breakfast' accommodation has fallen by 40% over the last year.
02 May 2008
Man killed in Street Clash
A man has died following a street fight in Reading. Another man was seriously injured during the incident that took place in the St Mary’s Butts area of the town at around 4am this morning. Police believe two gangs were involved in the fight. Two men were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where one man later died of his injuries.