Last month saw a fitting tribute to fallen police officers as Hertfordshire Constabulary planted a Crimestoppers Rose in their memorial garden. [22 May 2012]

International Workers Memorial Day is marked around the world to remember those who have been killed, made ill or injured by their own or someone else’s work. In Hertfordshire this occasion, organized by UNISON, was remembered by current police officers and staff who gathered in the garden to plant the rose and offer a minute’s silence for fallen police officers and police dogs.

The living memorial has a blue police lamp as its centre piece and is surrounded by Crimestoppers Roses. The garden was made possible by representatives from the Constabulary, Police Authority, Police Federation, UNISON, the National Association of Retired Police Officers and the Great War Society.

Brenda Griffiths, a member of Hertfordshire Police Authority, explained why the planting of a Crimestoppers Rose in the police memorial garden was so unique: “Although Crimestoppers is an independent charity and takes information about crime 100% anonymously, that information is then passed onto police for action. Every day 23 people are arrested from information given to Crimestoppers. Police put their lives on the line day after day to protect the public and make Hertfordshire a safer place for all”.

Members of the public can also buy the hardwearing Crimestoppers Rose which will help to support the vital work that Crimestoppers is able to achieve. Over 1.3 million calls have been taken to date and in Hertfordshire last year nearly 900 calls were received leading to 60 criminals being taken off the street. Please go to the Hertfordshire pages of the Crimestoppers website for more details http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/in-your-area/east-of-england/hertfordshire

Sue Thompson, Chair of the Hertfordshire Crimestoppers Committee, explained why Crimestoppers is so important, “All calls to 0800 555 111 or information given via www.crimestoppers-uk.org are 100% anonymous. You are never asked for your name and no personal information is taken. Calls are not traced or recorded and IP addresses cannot be traced either. Those who give information do not have to give a statement to the Police or go to court. Crimestoppers understands that some people are uncomfortable with talking to the Police and that protecting their identity is important to them. For that reason Crimestoppers exists as a safe alternative and they have never broken their promise of anonymity”.