Forces to introduce mandatory recording of Police Officer suicides

15 April 2026

Chief Constables have announced that forces will introduce mandatory recording of Police Officer suicides.

National Police Chiefs' Council Statement: "We have now secured approval from Chief Constables to introduce a mandatory, consistent reporting requirement through the Chief Medical Officer for policing."

The NPCC added that it is also developing a national trauma support system, including tracking, annual psychological assessments and mandatory training.

Spencer Wragg, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation, is running the Suicide Prevention #STEP campaign.

He said: "What we need to know is when is this coming in to place. PFEW figures show that 13 officers died by suicide in 2025. So far in 2026 officer and staff suicide numbers are believed to be around 10. How is it that since Ben’s death a further 22 people within policing have died by suicide but we are still relying on our best guess?

"Suicide within policing has been described as a crisis but the truth is we don’t actually know the extent of the problem, as recording is still not enforced. The figures we see are just the tip of the iceberg.

"I welcome the work that Dr John Harrison is introducing to better understand the causes of suicide within policing, although it is clear that those under misconduct are of a much higher risk.

"Deaths continue across the country and we need action now... action on both recording but also more importantly prevention."

If police officers and staff are struggling they can contact the Mental Health Crisis Line (call 0300 131 2789) and Samaritans (116 123).