Marking Response Policing week of action
20.04.26 - Merseyside
No two days are ever the same for a response officer. The incidents they attend are often unpredictable, requiring them to provide an immediate response to situations that can be complex, confrontational and at times, traumatic. They are often the first to meet people in crisis, the first to protect people from danger and the constant, reassuring presence our victims and communities depend on day and night.
Their work goes far beyond attending incidents. It requires skill, emotional intelligence, the need to remain calm under pressure and humility, qualities they demonstrate every day. What they do is vital to develop trust and confidence in policing within the community. That occurs though every conversation they have, every crisis they respond to and by showing compassion and care to victims within a fast‑moving environment.
This week marks National Response Policing Week of Action, when police forces across the country come together to recognise the extraordinary work of response officers and the vital role they play in protecting the public and supporting our communities. The week is about recognising their dedication, resilience, adaptability, and bravery. Policing cannot function without them. They are the forefront of British policing, the frontline of safety, and a foundation of public trust.
Response policing is a role that places significant physical, mental and emotional demands on officers. Incidents can range from attending to help those with serious injuries and supporting people experiencing mental health crises, to helping those in distress or responding to reports of high‑risk missing persons. Officers are often the first to arrive, providing reassurance, decisive action and care at times of crisis.
This week across the force we’re also raising awareness of the wellbeing and resilience services available throughout the year, including occupational health checks, physio support, psychological support, peer support and many more. The Rapid Relief Team charity will also be taking their services to police stations across the country, providing advice and to show their support for the welfare and wellbeing of our officers.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins, Area Commander, Wirral BCU said: “The work of a response officer is varied and very dynamic. At the start of their shift they don’t know who they will meet, who they will help and who they will need to take action against for committing crime. They are often among the first to provide help in moments of crisis, providing a calm and reassuring presence for people when they need it most 24 hours of the day.
“What they bring is more than an immediate response. It is professionalism, sound judgement and compassion under pressure. Their ability to listen, support and act with confidence in fast‑moving situations makes a real difference. Much of this work happens quietly and without recognition, yet it plays an important role in protecting people from harm, preventing crime and increasing people’s trust in policing when it matters most.
“This week is an opportunity to recognise the officers who are at the heart of frontline policing and the role they play in keeping our communities safe. Their resilience, adaptability and commitment are vital, and I want them to know how valued and appreciated their work and support to the community is.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Response police officers arrive first, bring calm to chaos and support people at their most vulnerable, day and night. Their role is demanding, unpredictable and often emotionally challenging, yet they carry it out with professionalism and care every single day.
“Over the past year, Merseyside Police has gone through its most significant restructure in a decade. At the heart of these changes has been a commitment to faster response times, and the Chief Constable has strengthened response teams by putting an additional 80 officers into frontline response policing.
“Investing in more officers, better support and improved training is about backing those on the frontline and ensuring communities get the timely, effective service they rightly expect.
“National Response Policing Week gives us an opportunity to pause, to recognise their bravery, resilience, and contribution – the long shifts, tough decisions and emotional demands that most of us never see – and to say thank you. Merseyside is safer because of their dedication, and that’s why it’s crucial we highlight the vital work they do for our communities.”
Throughout the week, Merseyside Police will be sharing content across its social media channels, offering insight into the realities of response policing and the vital work officers do every day.