Orgreave: The Service Speaks

Welcome to the project page of this AHRC-funded study, which explores the experiences of police officers present at Orgreave in 1984. Here, you will find key information about the project, including who is involved, how to participate, and how to contact our research team. 

About the Study

This project aims to gather first-hand accounts from police officers who were on duty during the 1984 conflict at Orgreave. Through the use of oral history methods, we will capture and preserve their memories, reflections, and experiences. Oral history offers a unique way to document personal perspectives on historical events. 

While we recognise that Orgreave remains a subject of ongoing debate, our focus is not on evaluating the event's 'rights or wrongs' or determining an absolute 'truth'. Instead, our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of police officers on the ground in 1984 and how their views may have changed over the past four decades. It is important to note that the views expressed in each interview reflect only the perspectives of the individual participants and are not intended to represent the views of all officers present at Orgreave.

The collected oral histories will be archived in the British Library's 'National Life Stories' collection, one of the world's largest and most diverse oral history repositories. This collection includes voices from artists, politicians, refugees, Holocaust survivors, and many others. This project will be the first to document the experiences of police officers involved in Orgreave.

Get Involved in the Study

If you decide to take part in the research, you will be interviewed by a member of our team, typically in your own home or at a location convenient to you. With your permission, the interview will be recorded. Afterward, you will be asked to sign an Oral History Recording Agreement to formalise how your interview can be used by the research team and archived at the British Library. This usage will be guided by what you are comfortable with, and made available at a timescale in line with your agreement. 

In addition, we will provide you with a QR code linked to a website where you can upload an image of an object that symbolises your experience of Orgreave. You may also include a narrative of up to 250 words to explain the object's significance and why it holds meaning for you. 

The Research Team

The project is led by:

• Professor Kate Moss - Professor of Applied Criminology, University of Derby
• Dr Emily Gray - Assistant Professor of Criminology, University of Warwick
• Tom Andrews and Jenny Richards - Policing Researchers, University of Derby

Contact Us

If you would like more information or wish to speak with one of our team members, please email us at: orgreave@derby.ac.uk 

Advisory Committee

Our Advisory Committee, which supports the development of this project, includes representatives from the British Library, legal experts, academic researchers, archive specialists, ethics advisors and professionals with expertise in policing, history and law. 

Events

We will host events toward the conclusion of the project in 2026. Please check back for updates.