Some British police cars carry a teddy bear to console children after an accident.
British Police Cars Carry Teddy Bears for Child Victims
When British police officers respond to a road traffic collision involving children, they arrive with more than just first aid kits and incident reports. Tucked inside their patrol cars are soft, handmade teddy bears—small companions designed to provide comfort when words fall short.
The practice, known as the "Trauma Teddy" initiative, has become standard across multiple police forces in the United Kingdom. Kent Police's specialist roads policing units, Police Scotland, and Lancashire Constabulary all equip their vehicles with these cuddly bears specifically for young accident victims.
Why Teddy Bears?
PC Darren Chapman, who helped pioneer the Kent Police program, explained the simple logic: young children involved in collisions often can't understand what's happening around them. They don't need detailed explanations about insurance claims or traffic laws—they need comfort.
A teddy bear provides something tangible to hold onto during chaos. It's a distraction from flashing lights, a source of comfort amid strangers in uniforms, and a soft presence when everything feels scary and overwhelming.
Handmade with Care
These aren't mass-produced toys pulled from a store shelf. The trauma teddies are typically hand-knitted by community volunteers, including members of local Women's Institutes and charity groups. In Bracknell, the Chavey Down Women's Institute crafted bears specifically for Thames Valley Police officers.
Police Scotland maintains strict guidelines for donations: bears must be hand-knitted (not sewn), follow specific patterns, and contain no buttons, zips, or removable parts that could pose choking hazards. Safety standards matter, even for comfort items.
Still Going Strong
As recently as September 2024, Preston Police received a fresh donation of trauma teddies from their local community, confirming this practice remains active and valued. Officers continue carrying these bears in patrol cars across England and Scotland.
It's a small gesture that costs little but means everything to a frightened child. Sometimes the most effective emergency response isn't about advanced technology or specialized training—it's about a simple teddy bear in the right hands at the right moment.