An officer who demonstrated remarkable courage and quick thinking in a life-threatening situation whilst responding to a call regarding a distressed individual contemplating suicide has been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2024.

On 28 April 2023, police received a call from a member of the public saying he was concerned about his friend, who had left a letter at his home saying he was going to take his own life.

Cambridgeshire Police officers were dispatched and started looking for the male, and enquiries were made by other officers. It was identified the male may have gone to a well-known bridge in Peterborough after enquiries were made with a local taxi firm.

Sergeant Jamie Cooper, who was single crewed, attended this location and the vicinity of the bridge in search of the male who there was significant concern for by this time.

PS Cooper scoured the area and found the man in an upset and distressed state stood on the bridge, 20 feet above a fast flowing, deep, wide river.

The male was holding a ligature and was attempting to climb over the railing.

PS Cooper immediately ran towards the man, confronting him face on. He could also see as he got closer the male was holding large samurai sword.

Springing into action, PS Cooper grappled with the man, who was significantly larger, and successfully prised the sword from the male’s grasp, restraining him from self-harm, before cutting the ligature around his neck.

PS Cooper then called for assistance from his colleagues and had to restrain the male for several minutes until his backup arrived.

PS Cooper has also been nominated for a Royal Humane Society award and Chief Constable Commendation for his brave actions.

Cambridgeshire Police Federation Chair Liz Groom said: “We are incredibly proud of Jamie. He selfishly ran towards a male holding a samurai sword who was attempting to take his own life.

“Without Jamie’s intervention the male would have inevitably lost his life or been seriously injured. The actions of Jamie are replicated in policing every day, and we are humbled by his, and all the other nominees’, dedication to duty and bravery. He is an example to us all.”

Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Nick Dean said: “It is always a privilege to hear about how Cambridgeshire officers are going above and beyond the call of duty to keep our residents safe. PS Cooper showed true bravery and quick thinking to ensure the safety of a man who was in crisis, for which I am very grateful.”