Norfolk police officers deployed across London and Sandringham after Queen's death say it's been an 'honour' to be part of historic occasion
More than 90 Norfolk police officers took part in the biggest policing operation the country has ever seen supporting events culminating in the Queen's state funeral yesterday.
The historic day was also memorable for 16 of Norfolk's student police officers, who were deployed to Sandringham after joining the force in April.
They swore their allegiance to the Queen in their attestation ceremony and will then serve His Majesty King Charles III when they 'pass out' from their training tomorrow.
Some officers were sent to London on mutual aid carrying out roles alongside the Metropolitan Police, while others have been deployed at Sandringham since the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death.
The estate saw a record number of visitors over the last couple of weeks, with more than 60,000 people believed to have visited the estate this weekend to pay their respects and lay floral tributes.
Traffic management measures were put in place on the evening of the Queen’s death in anticipation of a high number of well-wishers wanting to visit the area.
The force has also worked closely with partner agencies across Norfolk, including county and district councils and other local resilience partners, to support local events and follow national protocols.
Deputy Chief Constable Simon Megicks thanked the public for their support during this period of national mourning. He also thanked officers and staff who have worked on the national operation, known as London Bridge, and for those who have continued with the day-to-day policing issues.
“Yesterday, the country said goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and I’m exceptionally proud of the role policing has played in making this extraordinary state occasion so flawless and memorable," he said.
“We have a long and proud history here in Norfolk of serving the Royal Family at Sandringham and we’ve always taken our role within Operation Bridges seriously and have planned and prepared for this eventually for many years.
“Sandringham has been in the national and international spotlight, with the Prince and Princess of Wales visiting last Thursday to view the floral tributes and to speak with members of the public.
“Since the sad news of the late Queen’s death was announced, officers, supported by colleagues from the Special Constabulary and student officers, have been at Sandringham helping guide people to pay their tribute.
“Thousands of people have visited the area and flowers completely cover the ground outside the iconic Norwich Gates and spread along the grass verge.
“No amount of planning can cover for every eventuality; however, the efforts of the police family and partners has I believe, been exemplary over the last 11 days and I’m proud of the role we’ve played here in Norfolk.”
A group of Norfolk officers deployed to London helped with the security of the Queen’s lying-in-state, carrying out thousands of people and bag searches, during which the team met David Beckham and the speaker of the house Lyndsay Hoyle.
Search officers also carried out counter-terrorism searches around the front of Buckingham Palace, Victoria Memorial, The Mall, Parliament Square and Horseguards Parade.
PC Daniel Brock said: “While there’s been lots of early starts and short turnarounds, it’s been a privilege and an honour to be able to be involved in this historic occasion alongside the Metropolitan Police and officers from other forces.
“We dealt with several challenging issues and a personal highlight for the team was walking down Whitehall at 4.30am on the day of the funeral to be met by thousands of people clapping, cheering and thanking all the officers for their work.”
The officers involved in these searches were PC Daniel Brock, PC Kerry Robertson, Temporary Sgt Stu Barnard, PC Dave Nickerson, PC Claire Collins, PC Sam Smerdon and led by Sgt Kevin Howell.
