Police union boss calls for investigation after hundreds of officers take lives

09 December 2023 , 19:44

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Norfolk Police Federation Chair Andy Symonds

A police union boss wants forces to be investigated after hundreds of officers took their own lives.

Stress from attacks, demands of the job, and long misconduct investigations cause “enormous pressure”, a senior official warns. Some 344 officers died by suicide in 2001-2020, figures show, while 181 ranked sergeant and below died in 2011-2021.

They include Norfolk PC Martin Scott, 35, being investigated for alleged misconduct, who died in July. Bedfordshire Police Sgt Sean Duignan, 44, shot himself in 2021 after a drink-driving arrest. And South Yorks PC Billy Sampson, 27, died in 2020 awaiting trial for assault. The cases have concluded.

This March, West Yorkshire Police student officer Anugrah Abraham, 22, apparently took his own life while “stressed” and “under pressure”, his family say.

Andy Symonds, of Norfolk Police Federation, wants the Health and Safety Executive to probe forces, saying: “Often [suicide] is linked to the stress of the job... It is ruining lives.” Norfolk Police has referred its cases to the IOPC and is reviewing internal processes.

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The HSE said: “Suicide is not reportable to us under current regulations. A coroner can refer a case if they consider there is an ongoing risk to others.” The Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers were contacted for comment.

If you are struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.

Isaac Crowson