South Yorkshire Police Federation1

11/06/2026

Absolutely devastating news as Northumbria Police announce the on duty death of PC Jess Turnbull.

She was 19.

Thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Jess joined the Force in September last year and worked on the response policing team in Northumberland.

Jess was injured while responding to a collision which occurred on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at about 11.10pm on Monday.

While at the scene, she was outside of a marked police vehicle when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC which was unconnected to the original incident.

Jess was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones, she sadly died.

09/06/2026

A Northumbria Police officer was left in a critical condition after being injured in a collision on the A189 at Cramlington, Northumberland, on Monday night.

Wishing our colleague well

Drivers are being urged to avoid the A189 Spine Road in Northumberland after two crashes, one involving a police car

05/06/2026

“Until we have a proper conversation about police remuneration, cops are going to keep struggling to balance their household budgets and afford to put decent food on the table.”

That was the response of South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent, after the latest Police Family Finance Index Report was published by Police Friendly. It found that 46% of respondents had considered opting out of their pension in the past 12 months, with 7% going on to stop contributions altogether. Shockingly, the report, based on over 13,500 responses, found that 15% of police officers were missing meals due to lack of money.

Police Friendly said the findings pointed to a growing trend driven by the cost-of-living crisis, with rising housing costs, inflation and stagnant real-term pay forcing many officers to make difficult short-term financial decisions – often at the expense of their future.

Officers aged under 35 were significantly more likely to both consider and act on pension opt-outs, highlighting a potential long-term generational impact on retirement outcomes.

Nearly four in 10 officers said they were in significant debt when their housing costs were included. Over two thirds (68%) reported financial concerns, and over half (56%) said their financial situation had worsened over the past year.

When asked what steps they would take to improve their personal financial situation over the next 12 months, 54% of officers planned to do more overtime to make ends meet, 16% are considering doing a second job, and 32% are thinking of changing their job and leaving the police.

Steve said: “The survey results don’t surprise me, sadly. We had a food bank a couple of years ago, and it was used quite a lot. It is something we would consider again if we thought there was a real need for it.

“When you’ve got spiralling rental costs, fuel costs and everything else, it’s inevitable that we’re going to get this, and the only way we’re going to deal with it is to sort out police pay. Until we have a proper conversation about police remuneration, cops are going to keep struggling to balance their household budgets and afford to put decent food on the table.”

Steve said the high number of officers considering leaving the service was due to the whole policing package, not just pay: “It’s also the pressure that they’re under, and the amount of rest days that they can’t take. Cops are exhausted, and they’re not being paid enough for that pressure.

“Particularly when you look at our inspecting ranks, they’re working some of the longest hours in policing. And yes, they earn more, but they don’t get any overtime. It actually works out that they can earn less than PCs and sergeants who are on overtime – that just can’t be right. The whole system needs a radical overhaul.”

See the full Police Family Finance Index Report here: https://www.metfriendly.org.uk/metfriendly-police-family-finance-index-report-spring-2026/

29/05/2026

Sarah Carr is a serving police officer bravely battling stage 4 cancer so she can try to fulfil her dream of seeing her daughters grow up.

See more about her inspirational story here.

If you are able, please donate to Sarah's Go Fund Me to raise money for the cost of her lifesaving treatment: https://gofund.me/93b06870a

29/05/2026

Outstanding work from all involved in this investigation. From the officers who attended and did their very best in what would have been very difficult circumstances all the way through to the detectives and investigators who have been working tirelessly to get to this position.

RIP Shanice, our thoughts remain with your friends and family at this very difficult time.

UPDATE: Two charged following fatal West Street shooting

Two people have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Shanice Brookes in Sheffield city centre.

Shortly before 2.45am on Monday (25 May), we received reports that 30-year-old Shanice had been shot outside of One Four One bar, following an altercation in the street, to which she was an innocent bystander. Despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, Shanice sadly died a short time later in hospital.

Late yesterday evening (28 May), a man and a woman who were previously arrested in Stockport were charged in connection with this incident.

Jemele Rhone, aged 30, of Outram Road, Sheffield, has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm and possession of criminal property.

Deiryen Dyce, aged 32, of Ellesmere Road North, Sheffield, has been charged with assisting an offender, possession of ammunition, possession of drugs with intent to supply, possession of drugs and possession of criminal property.

Both have been remanded into custody ahead of appearing at Sheffield Magistrates' Court later today (29 May).

A 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder here in Sheffield on Monday has now been released and is no longer being treated as a suspect.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: "Shanice was an entirely innocent bystander who should’ve been able to enjoy a night out in our city without the fear that she wouldn’t come home safely.

“Shanice's family, including her young son, now face the harrowing reality that they will never get to see her again.

"They are having to grieve the unimaginable loss of their beloved daughter, friend and mother in the most tragic of circumstances. Our thoughts remain with them.

"From the outset of this investigation our priority has been clear - to provide answers for Shanice's loved ones - and today's development is a significant step in our commitment to do so.

"Monday's incident has shown how gun crime destroys families and brings devastation to our communities. We need your help to ensure other families never have to experience the unthinkable pain and loss Shanice's loved ones are currently having to come to terms with.

"We still are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and speak to us. This awful incident happened on a busy Bank Holiday weekend where there were loads of people in the area.

“Anyone who has any information which may assist us to urged to come forward, either by contacting South Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.”

If you have information to share directly with us, please call 101 quoting incident number 135 of 25 May 2026 or report online via our Major Incident Public Portal: https://orlo.uk/yweYW

We understand that some people may not want to deal directly with the police. If this is you, you can report information completely anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website. No details are collected during their confidential reporting service and no one will know you have contacted them.

Further information about the support available for witnesses can also be found on our website: https://orlo.uk/joDvz

28/05/2026

A recently retired detective inspector has received the Federation Representative of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards at the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards 2026.

Mark Cockayne started his career in South Yorkshire Police in 1996, moving from uniform to detective roles, including a period in the Professional Standards Department. In 2022 he was promoted to detective inspector. For the past few years, he has also worked tirelessly as a Federation Rep.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “Mark is, without doubt, universally admired and respected for his caring nature, and I think that is what led him to become a Fed Rep in recent years.

“Mark genuinely cares about looking after people and supporting our officers, and he's done that with such dignity and worked at it so hard. He retired this year after 30 years’ service, but even last year he received a South Yorkshire Emergency Services Award for Police Officer of the Year, which really does sum up his character.

“Even though Mark is now retired, he still contacts me wanting to support officers who he knows are still in the force, and he wants to make sure that they're getting looked after by us.

“He's an absolute credit to South Yorkshire Police, he was a credit to us as a Fed Rep, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Well done Mark, this is a richly deserved award.”

Mark attended the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards 2026 on Thursday 21 May.

The South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards were in association with the National Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards were Uniform Mortgages, Philip Williams, Niche, Police Mortgages, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Police Friendly, Irwin Mitchell, Accord, Far and Wide Mortgages, No1 CopperPot, Taylor Law and the South Yorkshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.

27/05/2026

A detective inspector who goes above and beyond to support her colleagues, especially female officers facing challenges in their careers, has won the Inspiration in Policing Award at the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards.

DI Carly Booth, a highly talented and respected detective inspector in the force, leads South Yorkshire Police’s Women’s Network.

She talks openly about having paused her own career in the past in order to care for her children, and recognises that this can impact on career progression for women. She now helps other mothers in the force navigate the challenges of issues such as flexible working processes.

She is also a keen collaborator with the force’s Men’s Forum, recognising that it should not be an ‘us and them’ approach; she sees that people have different challenges and barriers, and we should all work together to overcome these.

Carly has been instrumental in launching the force’s VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Peer Support Group, which builds on South Yorkshire Police Federation’s existing work to support all victims of crime and misconduct at the hands of colleagues.

She is also a Welfare Support Officer, offering support to colleagues who are subject to misconduct investigations, which can be a time of extreme stress and anxiety. Carly’s kind and proactive approach to this role is hugely beneficial to officers.

Andy Hogg, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Carly is a kind, funny and compassionate individual, who brightens the lives of those she comes into contact with – with the exception of criminals!”

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “Carly is a massive supporter of the Federation, but she also does a great job in advocating for officers – she is a real role model and a fantastic force for change.”

DI Booth attended the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards 2026 on Thursday 21 May.

The South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards were in association with the National Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards were Uniform Mortgages, Philip Williams, Niche, Police Mortgages, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Police Friendly, Irwin Mitchell, Accord, Far and Wide Mortgages, No1 CopperPot, Taylor Law and the South Yorkshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.

26/05/2026

Sgt Mark Harratt was off duty and travelling home from a busy night shift when he single-handedly detained a violent drunk driver.

Last week he won a South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Award.

The South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards were in association with the National Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards were Uniform Mortgages, Philip Williams, Niche, Police Mortgages, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Police Friendly, Irwin Mitchell, Accord, Far and Wide Mortgages, No1 CopperPot, Taylor Law and the South Yorkshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.

25/05/2026

RIP Ryan- All of our continued support, thoughts and best wishes go to your family and friends on this day. 💙

IN MEMORY: Remembering PC Ryan Hunt on the 20th anniversary of his death in the line of duty🕯️

Twenty years ago today, PC Ryan Hunt sadly lost his life after being killed in a road traffic collision.

PC Hunt was a West Midlands Police officer working undercover on a major drugs operation in South Yorkshire when he was fatally hit by a lorry.

He was just 31 years old.

On this poignant anniversary, our forces come together to remember PC Hunt as we celebrate his life along with his dedication, bravery and commitment to policing and keeping our communities safe.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and everybody who knew him 🙏 💙

West Midlands Police

25/05/2026

An officer who was off-duty on a dog walk when he tackled a knife-wielding man in crisis has been named overall winner at the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards.

At around 6pm on 4 June 2025, PC James Robson was off-duty and walking with his partner when they came across a man in serious distress.

The man, who was tall and of a large build, was drenched in his own blood. He had deep lacerations to both of his wrists, which were bleeding profusely. He was still holding a Stanley knife and was very agitated, threatening to use this knife on PC Robson.

PC Robson said: “I asked my partner to call 999 and I tried to talk to the man, but he started waving the blade in my direction, telling me that he's going to stab me.

“He was heavily drenched in his own blood. He was bleeding profusely. And he was in possession of a Stanley blade. He's turned and threatened me with the blade. Telling me that he is going to ruin my day and going to cut me up.”

PC Robson kept trying to de-escalate the situation, but was faced with abuse and aggression, and the man put the blade to his wrists again.

He then tried to stand up, and PC Robson tackled him to the ground, grabbed the blade and threw it to one side. The man tried to go for him again, but PC Robson kept him down.

Fellow police officers arrived to assist and arrested the man, who was taken to hospital for treatment and received the mental health support he needed.

PC Robson thanked his partner: “I don't know what I'd have done had I been on my own. It probably wouldn't have gone that well, so I’ve got a lot to thank her for.”

When he heard he was receiving a Federation Bravery Award, he said: “I'm happy and I appreciate being acknowledged, but I think all cops would have done the same thing.”

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “James displayed immense bravery in tackling this agitated man, especially as he was off duty and didn’t have any PPE. If he and his partner had not intervened, the man probably would have taken his own life, and may have harmed other members of the public too.

“He is a worthy winner of our overall South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards amongst a very strong field of candidates. We are immensely proud of the work of all our colleagues.”

As the overall winner, PC Robson will now be the South Yorkshire Police representative at the National Police Bravery Awards in London in July.

PC Robson attended the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards 2026 on Thursday 21 May.

The South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards were in association with the National Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards were Uniform Mortgages, Philip Williams, Niche, Police Mortgages, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Police Friendly, Irwin Mitchell, Accord, Far and Wide Mortgages, No1 CopperPot, Taylor Law and the South Yorkshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.