In this special Policing TV film, we look at the story, purpose and emotional impact of the UK Police Unity Tour. The video begins with John Fordham, whose father Detective Constable John Fordham was killed in the line of duty, before exploring how the Tour grew from its origins in the United States into a major UK policing event supporting Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
Across the film, riders, police leaders, support crews and survivor families explain why the Tour matters so much. From memorial bracelets and the final ride into the National Memorial Arboretum to the long-term support COPS provides for bereaved families, the message is consistent: remembrance does not stop after the funeral. The Tour exists to honour fallen officers, support those left behind and make sure their names and stories are never forgotten.
Key takeaways
- The Police Unity Tour began in the United States and inspired the creation of the UK version.
- The UK Tour started with around 30 riders and has grown to hundreds of participants from across policing.
- Riders wear memorial bracelets carrying the names of officers who died in service.
- The Tour raises vital funds for Care of Police Survivors and the families it supports.
- Survivor families say the event helps keep the memory of their loved ones alive.
- COPS provides long-term peer support, events and practical help for families years after a loss.
- Senior police leaders describe the Tour as one of the most important events in the policing calendar.
- The wider aim is to encourage every force to take part and help more families through remembrance, fundraising and support.
Chapters
00:00 – Why the Unity Tour matters
01:23 – How the UK Police Unity Tour began
03:45 – The link with the US Unity Tour
05:00 – Remembering fallen officers
06:10 – Why survivor families keep coming back
13:01 – Setting off on the 2026 Unity Tour
18:45 – Chief constables explain why they ride
22:02 – The story behind the memorial bracelets
24:08 – Support crews, survivor families and Chester Bear
28:21 – What COPS actually does for families
30:32 – Why every force should take part
32:51 – A survivor’s perspective
37:19 – The legacy of Care of Police Survivors
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