​​At the outbreak of the war, nationally the Police in the UK numbered around 60,000. With younger men being called up to join the armed forces, the force numbers would fall and recruitment needed. 

​The Police forces were not solely men, a small proportion of females served within the ranks during this period. It is estimated that there were around 300 women. 

​With the war came the threat of enemy action over the UK and during the blitz many officers would be killed in the course of duty by enemy action. 

​Not only were the Police required to conduct day to day policing, other duties included enforcing blackouts and assisting the Fire Service in search and rescue. 

​The memorial contains a Roll of Honour which can be viewed through the glass window. This is turned daily in keeping with the date. It records a small amount of information on the circumstances of death. Many of these who were killed between 1940-1945 were through enemy action due to air raids on the capital and other cities and towns within the UK.​