Full Breakdown
Campaign for Recognition of Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt's Bravery
12/16/2025, 9:44:31 PM
The Murder of Ross Hunt
Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt was murdered in June 1983 while attempting to apprehend a violent knife criminal in a South Lanarkshire housing estate. During the incident, Hunt was attacked by three members of the same family, who pinned him to the ground and assaulted him with poles and knives. Despite his efforts to protect his junior colleagues by urging them to retreat, Hunt was fatally injured. He was taken to the hospital but was believed to be dead on arrival. At the time of his death, Hunt was just nine months away from retirement, having served nearly 30 years in the police force.
Family's Ongoing Campaign for Recognition
In the years following Hunt's murder, his family sought to have him honored posthumously with a bravery award. They have requested either the George Medal, the King's Commendation for Bravery, or the King's Gallantry Medal. However, their applications have been repeatedly denied due to a five-year time bar established by the UK government's Cabinet Office, which does not consider incidents that occurred more than five years prior. Adrian Hunt, Ross's son, who was an 18-year-old police cadet at the time of his father's murder, described the situation as "bureaucracy gone mad," expressing frustration over the lack of recognition for his father's sacrifice.
Historical Context and Family Struggles
Initially, the Hunt family did not pursue a posthumous honor, as they were still coping with the trauma of the murder. Adrian Hunt later recounted that police senior management had informed them that his father's death did not merit a bravery award. It was only after the death of their mother, Marjory, in 2013 that the family began to actively campaign for recognition. Their efforts have included letters to various government officials and a joint campaign with the family of George Taylor, another officer murdered in the line of duty.
In 2023, Police Scotland awarded DS Hunt a Chief Constable's Bravery Award, which was accepted by Adrian and his brother. This award acknowledged Hunt's selfless actions during the attack, which ultimately saved the lives of his fellow officers.
Criticism of Government Policy
The Hunt family's campaign has garnered support from the Lanarkshire Police Historical Society, which advocates for the recognition of Hunt's bravery. Adrian Hunt has criticized the outdated UK government policy that prevents the consideration of awards for incidents that occurred more than five years ago, arguing that it fails to honor the sacrifices made by officers like his father. He stated, "It just takes someone to grab this by the scruff of the neck and deal with this in the manner that it should be."
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts by the Hunt family highlight the challenges faced in recognizing the bravery of fallen officers. While they continue to seek formal recognition from the UK government, they find solace in the acknowledgment from Police Scotland and the support of the community. The legacy of Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
