Support After a Line-of-Duty Death
Where police families can turn after an officer dies on or as a result of duty in the UK — the survivor charities, memorials, and the welfare and pension support that exists.
The death of an officer on duty is devastating, and families do not have to face it alone. This is a signposting guide to the organisations and support that exist for UK police families — it is not a substitute for advice from the force, the Federation, or a solicitor on your specific circumstances.
Immediate support
Most forces appoint a dedicated liaison contact for the bereaved family and provide welfare support through their occupational health and chaplaincy services. The local Police Federation (or Superintendents' Association / Chief Police Officers' Staff Association, as relevant) can also provide representation and practical help.
Care of Police Survivors (COPS) is the leading charity supporting families bereaved by a line-of-duty death, offering peer support, events and long-term connection with other survivor families.
Remembrance
The Police Roll of Honour Trust maintains the national record of officers who have died on duty, and National Police Memorial Day each year provides a formal act of remembrance that families are invited to attend. The UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum is a permanent place of tribute.
Financial and pension matters
Death-in-service and survivor benefits depend on the officer's pension scheme and service. These are administered through the force's pension provider, and the Federation or your force pensions team can explain what applies. Because the rules are detailed, it is worth asking for a written explanation of the specific benefits payable in your case.
Where to get help
- Care of Police Survivors (COPS)
Support for families bereaved by a line-of-duty death
- Police Care UK
Support for police families affected by injury and trauma
- Police Roll of Honour Trust
National record and remembrance of officers who died on duty
Common questions
Is there a charity specifically for bereaved police families?
Yes — Care of Police Survivors (COPS) exists specifically to help families rebuild their lives after an officer dies on duty, including long-term peer support. Police Care UK also supports families affected by serious injury and trauma.
Who explains the pension and financial side?
Your force's pensions team administers survivor and death-in-service benefits, and the Police Federation can help you understand and access them. Ask for the specific figures and entitlements in writing.
Signposting guide for police families, not legal or financial advice. Organisations listed are independent; links checked 2026-08-10. For your specific circumstances, speak to your force welfare team, the Police Federation, or a qualified adviser. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with any UK policing body.