Why Caricatures Have Always Been the Go-To Gift in the UK Police Service
Stephanie SmithShare
If you’ve ever spent time in a British police station (on the right side of the custody desk, we hope!), you’ll know there are a few traditions that never change. Tea breaks. Custard creams. And, of course, caricatures as leaving, retirement, birthday and promotional gifts.
At Steph’s Sketches, we’ve had the honour of drawing countless bobbies, sergeants, inspectors and chief supers over the years, and there’s one thing we can safely say: the UK Police Service absolutely loves a caricature. But why? Grab your notebook and we’ll take a closer look…
1. A Caricature Captures the Banter
Let’s be honest – police banter is legendary. There’s always “that one officer” who can never find their notebook, the tea-maker who insists on putting the milk in first, or the detective whose moustache deserves its own warrant card.
A police caricature gift from Steph’s Sketches is the perfect way to capture all those in-jokes and quirks that make working in the force unforgettable. No generic retirement clock can do that.
2. A Proud Tradition in the Police Service
For decades, caricatures have been a staple at UK police leaving dos and retirement parties. It’s practically in the Police Manual: “Section 4.1 – All retiring officers must be presented with a caricature (preferably with a pint, a police car, and the station dog in the background).”
At Steph’s Sketches, we’ve drawn everything from traffic cops with their favourite squad car to CID detectives surrounded by their mountain of paperwork. It’s a tradition, and we’re proud to keep it alive.
3. They’re Perfect for All Occasions
It’s not just retirements. Caricatures in the UK Police Service are gifted for birthdays, promotions, long-service awards – even as motivational wall art in offices (because who doesn’t want to see their Inspector immortalised in cartoon form every morning?).
With Steph’s Sketches, the possibilities are endless – uniforms, props, backgrounds, even cheeky nods to someone’s favourite biscuit tin.
4. They Show Real Thoughtfulness
Yes, you could buy another “World’s Best Sergeant” mug from Amazon. But caricatures show you’ve put in effort – you’ve noticed the details. That’s why caricatures from Steph’s Sketches make such brilliant police gifts: they’re personal, thoughtful, and guaranteed to get a laugh at the station.
5. They Keep the Memories Alive
When an officer retires, they leave behind years of service, stories and friendships. A caricature is more than just a funny drawing – it’s a snapshot of their career, full of memories and pride. And when it’s drawn by Steph’s Sketches, you can bet it’s going to be treasured for years to come.
Ready to Book Yours?
If you’ve got a colleague heading off on retirement, celebrating a birthday, or just deserving of a brilliant gift, head over to Steph’s Sketches and order a personalised police caricature. Whether it’s bobbies on the beat, PCSOs with radios in hand, or inspectors in their favourite office chair – we’ll capture it all with a smile.
Because in the UK Police Service, nothing says thank you quite like a caricature.