Sussex Police Federation write to MPs highlighting the issue of police officer suicides

6 November 2023

"Between 2001 and 2020, 344 of our colleagues took their own lives...this number is rising, this issue is serious and real.”
 
Sussex Police Federation have written to MPs highlighting the issue of police officer suicides and attempted suicides and the urgent need for their recognition as work-related accidents, as per the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
 
Police officers often face severe stress and trauma as part of their daily duties, which can have a profound impact on their mental health. Tragically, the rates of suicide and attempted suicide among our ranks has been steadily rising, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis within our policing community.
 
The inclusion of police officer suicides and attempted suicides as work-related accidents under RIDDOR is a vital step towards acknowledging and addressing the mental and emotional toll that our officers endure in the line of duty.
 
Such recognition will not only provide a more accurate assessment of the scale of this issue but will also ensure the necessary support and resources are allocated to address the mental health challenges. Moreover, the change in reporting will push forces to fully investigate each in line with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.

Last month’s Police Federation of England and Wales Conference heard that from 2001 to 2020, 344 officers killed themselves.
 
“That is 17.2 a year, more than one a month – and the number is rising,” Paul Williams, PFEW Wellbeing Lead said. “This issue is serious and really needs real time and real investigation.”
 
Raff Cioffi, Deputy Chair of Sussex Police Federation, said: “It is with great sadness that I have to talk about suicide within our profession. Unfortunately it is a reality that some of our members have suffered and their families and colleagues have to live with.
 
“In order to support our members, I have sent a letter to all Sussex MP’s to educate them around this topic and also ask them to support our members in bringing legislative change to Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) under H&S legislation.
 
“The inclusion of police officer suicides and attempted suicides as work-related accidents under RIDDOR is a vital step towards acknowledging and addressing the mental and emotional toll that our officers endure in the line of duty.
 
“The recording of such incidents will allow for the true scale of the mental health challenges members find themselves in and allow true support to be provided. Having the H&S Executive as the investigating body will force constabularies to investigate under the HSE’s guidelines. Bringing true transparency to officers cause of death.”
 
“Recognising suicide and attempted suicide as a work related accident will be a step in the right direction to safeguard our members.”
 
Anyone affected by this post can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org