This suicide prevention and postvention plan is about recognising that suicide in policing is an issue that deserves attention, and that we need to do more to support forces in reducing suicides.
The plan, produced by the National Police Wellbeing Service is endorsed by the NPCC, Police Federation, Police Superintendents Association and Unison. It aims to educate and support the workforce, reduce stress and improve data recording.
In addition, it is intended that will help create a culture that supports mental health, tackles stigma and ensures that everyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts is able to access appropriate and timely support.
Chief Medical Officer for Policing, Professor John Harrison said;
“The death of any member of the policing family is a tragedy. And every death by suicide produces ripples across the service, affecting close families, friends and colleagues.
“The causes of suicide are complex, and we don’t always know why someone chooses to end their life. Not all suicides are linked to long term or diagnosed mental health issues, many suicides happen in periods of crisis and extreme stress.
“This action plan is designed to address suicide as a key priority area and to coalesce ideas and action across policing in England and Wales. It follows on from the suicide consensus statement, and suicide postvention toolkit and we hope it will act as a catalyst for the development of future work to support police officers and staff in alignment with the commitment of the Police Covenant.”
Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, Andy Rhodes said;
“Everything we do to support our people’s mental health contributes in some way to reducing suicide, but we recognise there is continuous work required to drive change, raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve data recording.
“As the National Police Wellbeing Service, we will continue to not only provide strategic support and guidance for forces, but also direct, tangible support for officers and staff when they need it the most – such as the mental health crisis line.”
College of Policing CEO, CC Sir Andy Marsh said;
“I’m especially proud the College of Policing’s National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo, will be delivering a National Suicide Action Plan for all forces.
“Policing is immensely challenging, and we must look after our people, so they are best able to look after the public.
“We will continue to prioritise and promote a culture which supports the physical and mental health of those working in policing. This Plan is an important step forward, so those who are impacted by suicide can get the specialist support they fully deserve and require.”
Mental health crisis line
Police forces across the North East have formed the first region to have access to a brand new 24/7/365 mental health crisis line specifically developed to support police officers and staff.
The confidential and independent line has been created to provide a source of support for officers and staff who are experiencing a mental health crisis or are having suicidal thoughts.
This is such a critical and important service, so we have to properly assess the need and demand. Therefore, the line is being tested initially with a limited number of forces so we can suitably understand the use of the line to be sure we’re providing the most effective service.
The line was made live in the pilot region in June this year which includes Northumbria, Cleveland, Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and Durham constabularies. At this moment in time while in proof-of-concept phase, the line is only accessible for these force areas.
How it works
- It is a totally confidential and independent 24/7/365 service which is available to police officers and staff, initially within the pilot region.
- It has been developed specifically to support police officers and staff in crisis.
- It is a self-referral service for officers and staff in mental health crisis that provides in-the-moment support to keep them safe and stable.
- When someone rings, their call will be answered by a qualified counsellor trained in suicide prevention and experienced in helping people who work in the emergency services.
- The counsellors are also supported by a team of experienced, expert clinicians who can provide additional support if needed.
Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, Andy Rhodes said;
"Policing is a unique and rewarding but sometimes very challenging job. It is a profession associated with high levels of stress, fatigue and trauma exposure. This can take its toll on your mental health.
“But things can get really tough for lots of different reasons – it’s not always about the job. Our officers and staff deserve to have access to reliable mental health support when they are in crisis – no matter the cause.
“This line is about saving lives. It’s about providing people with an independent, confidential and safe place to go when they are in crisis and feel they have nowhere else to turn.”