ALMOST £50,000 -- that’s how much it cost Thames Valley Police to give all its staff and volunteers a commemorative coronavirus coin thanking them for their service during the pandemic.

Those working for or alongside the service have been posting their mementoes alongside signed letters from Thames Valley Police chief John Campbell in recent weeks.

The letters thank friends of the force for their efforts during the pandemic and read: “Following the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions, we can now enjoy more of the freedoms that have been missing for so long.

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“However, whilst the future looks brighter, there can be no doubt about the impact of the last 18 months, both personally and professionally, with sad losses for so many.

“During this time, more has been asked of policing than ever before and we each have been required to think and act differently in the way we perform our duties.

 

Commemorative coins were sent to Thames Valley Police staff and volunteers. Images via online forum user.

Commemorative coins were sent to Thames Valley Police staff and volunteers. Images via online forum user.

 

“I recognise that everyone’s personal experiences have been different, however despite the challenges, your collective efforts have helped to keep our communities safe whilst supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone at Thames Valley Police.

“It has been difficult to work out how we mark and recognise such endeavour and the collective effort of you all. We concluded that a commemorative coin would perhaps best symbolise the value of your work in keeping the Thames Valley safe through such adversity.”

A Freedom of Information request sent by a WhatDoTheyKnow.com user revealed Thames Valley Police spent nearly £50,000 on the coins.

Of this amount, £44,840 was spent on purchasing the coins and a further £3,075.96 was spent on envelopes and stamps to distribute them.

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In total, the service spent £47,915.96 on the coins.

A Thames Valley Police to the FOI request justified the spending.

It read: “Throughout the pandemic more has been asked of policing than ever before.

“Thames Valley Police wanted to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our people, any of which were unable to work from home, thereby increasing risk to themselves and their families.

 

Commemorative coins were sent to Thames Valley Police staff and volunteers. Images via online forum user.

Commemorative coins were sent to Thames Valley Police staff and volunteers. Images via online forum user.

 

“They have provided reassurance at a time of uncertainty, helped to save lives by ensuring compliance with COVID-19 regulations and have ensured we were able to continue to deliver policing services to our communities.

“In order to recognise the collective endeavour, the Chief Constable sent a letter of thanks, containing a commemorative coin, to all our officers, staff, volunteers and contractors (including our cleaning staff), outlining the value of their work in keeping the Thames Valley safe through such adversity.

This type of recognition is widespread with many other companies and other public sector organisations providing various types of rewards to their employees, including financial reward.”

Recipients of the coins appeared divided on social media.

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One praised the service’s leadership for sending out the coins.

An anonymous Reddit user who received the coin posted: “[It was] a nice gesture. It was a bit c*** out there dealing with some [things].

“Think of it this way, [the] price of a[n] expensive coffee to say thanks for our service.

“I’m happy with the coin. A nice random gesture from our employer.”

Another anonymous Reddit user who claims to be a police officer, commenting on a thread about the coins, said: “I don't mean to come across as grumpy or ungrateful - and I recognise there are plenty who like all this stuff and are motivated by it - but it doesn't really do anything for me.

“I'd rather have no praise, no warm words on an email, no framed bits of paper - no snazzy coins I'll put in a drawer and forget about - I'd rather just get the pay rise - I feel that's worth more.

“Equally, I'd rather get a course I was keen to get booked onto, or a nice torch that actually works - or a fleece that's actually warm - little things really!”