Forces Told To Record Officer Suicides

15 April 2026

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

It follows the inquest into the death of our colleague Ben Websdale.

Senior coroner, Penelope Schofield, published a prevention of further deaths report in February calling on all police forces to record officer suicides and ensure staff are given suicide trauma education training.

And the National Police Chiefs’ Council has said there should now be a mandatory requirement for forces to record officer suicides.

Sussex Police Federation Chair Raffaele Cioffi said: “This decision is definitely a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with the Chief Constable to make sure that accurate recording of any officer suicides happens as soon as is practicable.

“At Sussex Police Federation we will continue to support our members through hard times and we would ask anyone to reach out to us if they or a colleague need our help.”

The NPCC statement said: “Our sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of Benjamin Websdale. Following the related prevention of future deaths report, the NPCC has responded to the coroner outlining the action already taken to address the two matters of concern raised.

“While data returns are voluntary, 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.

#STEP

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