Appropriate way to thank a police officer?

[Saythankstoapc]

Dd has been through something awful recently, details aren't really relevant here.

One particular police officer made sure he saw things through from start to finish, sat for hours with her helping her, talking to her about his personal experience with a similar thing, just really went out of his way to help her. He went over and above imo.

I have obviously thanked him in person, but is it appropriate to send him a card or a small gift, is there some way I can email his superiors and tell them that dd and I are so grateful? I'm not sure what's appropriate or not here.

TIA

Absolutely appropriate to send a card, better yet write to the chief constable.

write to him AND his senior AND chief constable

absolutely NO gift . he will not be able to accept under any circumstances

I'd write to the senior officer at his station, maybe a Superintendent or Chief Superintendent or DCI if he's CID with copy to Chief Constable. It means a lot.

Go on the particular forces website, you will see a list of all local officers and their direct line supervisor, as well as their contact details

Email the officer in question, copying in their supervisor.

Gifts are problematic as the officer must declare them and fill in forms about it, and they aren't always allowed to keep them. A box of chocolates maybe, cash or gift cards, I doubt it.

Another of forces also have a "Thank you" section on their websites, you could look there also.

I'd write to the inspector. Far enough up the food chain to be noticed but not far enough far end up in the PAs paperwork tray.
If you'd like to thank him personally then some cakes for him and the shift when they are on duty would be appropriate.

Just to add avoid personal gifts, they count as gratuities and cause paperwork!

Yes going over above to help a DC should be recognised. Email your thanks, copy in his superior officers.

Email bosses as stated. In our force we have an electronic HR system which records positive feedback.

if you want to give a gift, buy a box or tub of chocolates, donuts, cakes etc for the department. Always appreciated- I know one particular officer made an impact but it is often a team effort, even stuff such as the rest of the team picking up the other jobs/doing the paperwork so he could devote his time. Stuff like this tends to be enabled by a good departmental ethos/leadership.

Yes, I agree. Our force has this.

I'd email or write to his/her Sergeant & Inspector and also the Chief Inspector of their Division.

Also find out next time his/her team are on back or night shift and organise donuts or cakes for the team. I personally love homemade but cops are understandably wary of homemade items so Krispy Kreme or similar would be great. I also agree that this officer was enabled to make this difference to you with the support of their wider team/sergeant.

I'm so pleased your DD had this experience.

Bona fide, unsolicited and inexpensive gifts of thanks from members of the public or victims of crime may be offered to individual staff, officers or teams in genuine appreciation of outstanding levels of service.
Offers of such gifts should be courteously refused in a manner that should not cause offence or embarrassment to the organisation or individual making the offer. A record of the offer shall be made.

so no. to chocolates, biscuits etc. or indeed anything

I am in this world (although not a police officer) . Without doubt the very best thing you can do is to write to his Inspector but MORE importantly write to his chief constable. THAT will do him a world of good.

PC here - I agree with others regarding writing to seniors - the officer can also then use this in a review for a promotion etc should they wish to seek one in the future :)

Fantastic, thank you all, I'll definitely email him, and see if I can find the email for his superiors as well.

He made a really shit situation so much easier, and made dd feel so much better about what she had been through.

I know chocolates or something just for him is a no, would it be a no to sending some sweets for the whole station as well?

they won’t be able to accept.

see my previous post

Thank you, a glowing email of thanks it is ☺️

Absolutely ! A glowing email to the chief constable as well as him would be perfect !

I think it's all been covered. I had some items returned from our car being broken into by a detective, who attended our garage being burgled - a different crime a year later.

He asked if we had anything missing from a car and I described our satnav and dash cam, which he returned.

I emailed to praise him and told him to show it to his supervisor, he replied to say thanks and he had.

It's moments like these that really restore your faith in humanity, you know? I've been through some rough patches myself, so I can totally relate to the importance of having someone there to lend a helping hand.
As for showing your appreciation, a thank-you card would definitely be a thoughtful gesture. Maybe even include a small gift to show your gratitude. And reaching out to his superiors? That's a solid move, too. Letting them know how much his support meant to you and your daughter could really make his day.
But hey, while you're spreading that gratitude, I've been on my own journey, exploring the best US theme parks. It's all about finding joy and excitement wherever life takes you, right?