Open Letter from Swindon Hub Superintendent Mike Vass to mark Response Policing Week

As we mark Response Policing Week of Action, I want to take a moment to speak directly to our communities and - importantly - our response officers, who serve Swindon with unwavering commitment. This week is an opportunity to shine a light on a part of policing that is often misunderstood, yet absolutely vital to public safety.

Response policing is, at its core, the frontline of our service. It is the unknown scenes at every incident. It is the rapid shift from calm to crisis, from reassurance to lifesaving intervention. Daily, our officers step into situations that most people will thankfully never have to witness, and they do so with professionalism, courage, and humanity.

Every day, response officers are the first to arrive when someone is in danger, distressed, or experiencing the worst moment of their life. They are called to violent incidents, serious collisions, missing persons, domestic abuse, mental health crises, and countless other emergencies. They make split‑second decisions under pressure that carry real consequences. They absorb trauma, conflict, and uncertainty, then move on to the next call because someone else needs them.

However, what the public rarely sees is the emotional weight that comes with this work. Officers may go from comforting a grieving family to dealing with a volatile confrontation minutes later. They may spend hours searching for a vulnerable missing child, then immediately respond to a high‑risk arrest. They do this shift after shift, often without pause, often without recognition.

They show extraordinary resilience. They support one another, they adapt, they learn, and they keep going because their priority is protecting the people of Swindon. It is crucial that we acknowledge the emotional impact such a difficult job can have on them, and our volunteers from the Special Constabulary who often support our teams. Wellbeing is a priority and our Force Wellbeing Van will be visiting our stations and policing points across Swindon this week to ensure easy access to specialist services for our response teams. The charity Rapid Relief Team (RRT) is also visiting stations nationwide to show their support to our response officers – their support is really valued and can make a big difference.

To our response officers, this week is to celebrate you. Your actions make a big difference to many lives. You face difficult, unpredictable, and often dangerous situations with a level of commitment that deserves a huge amount of respect. I also want to acknowledge the families and loved ones who our officers return home to after every shift.  Your support enables them to serve, and your sacrifices are hugely appreciated.

Thank you for everything you do, every day, to keep Swindon safe.

Mike Vass,

Swindon Hub Superintendent Mike Vass