Ok To Send Long Thank You Letter To The Police?

[Yeetthefrog]

I have a mental illness. The police saved my life by preventing suicide.

I wrote them a long letter thanking them, explaining that they truly saved my life, telling them I’ve experienced police violence (I’m American- the cops are horrible to the mentally ill here. Actually everyone is, that’s why I’m on a British site) and that it means a lot to be treated well, and outlining their actions so their superiors see it.

The letter is quirky, humorous, and not quite formal. And long.

Am I wrong to think that if it’s too long, they just don’t have to read it?

Is it acceptable to send a letter like this?

[jim360]

It depends if it's more important to you that the police read it, or that you've felt able to write it. I'd say send it, even if it gets overlooked then at least you've been able to say what you wanted to say, and you can look back with pride and gratitude.

[Mozz71]

Absolutely. I'd expect they will be happy to receive some positive and grateful feedback.

[shoota]

We, (I was a British Police Officer) are always appreciative of letters of thanks and they are often attached to the personnel files of individual officers if they can be identified.
However I would guard against 'rambling' if you suspect your letter may fall in to that category.
Accuracy, brevity and speed is what the Police like in communications.

[bhg481]

Certainly British police would be pleased to receive such a letter. Organisations are used to getting complaints; a compliment, which is what your letter is, is always welcome.

[AuntPollyGrey]

A simple short heartfelt thankyou would be much appreciated. Avoid rambling on, as the reader will soon lose interest. Have you thought about handing it in personally, with a big box of cookies or doughnuts?

[Peter Pedant]

You can write the letter
if you think they wont read it - then it is the same as writing and not sending

One side of sheet of paper is usually enough

of course you can write a much longer letter - keep it and re read it to remind yourself how thankful you are and ow good they are

[wolf63]

It is a good thing for you to thank the officers who helped you. They will not get many thank you letters. There are no rules covering such situations, send the letter and hope that it cheers someone up.

You are right about the Police in the USA, they have a poor reputation. Our Police Officers are not perfect but they can be very caring and helpful when they are needed.

I hope your mental health issues improve. Life can often feel overwhelming and frightening.

[Mozz71]

See Peter, you can right sensibly and intelligently if you put your mind to it! ;-)

[Mamyalynne]

What a great thing to want to do, if you feel it's too long then trim it down a little - I'm sure it will be well received.

Best wishes Yeetthefrog.

[Peter Pedant]

er Thank you mozz
and I note the emphasis on short and sweet

[eve1974]

I think writing a letter is a fantastic thing to do! It will be appreciated I revkon

[THECORBYLOON]

Think how you would prepare a report or analysis. There would be a summary with the main points (for those who want only the headlines) and the rest of the report would be the finer details for those who want to know it all.