Policing is getting better at supporting officers at risk of suicide, but more needs to be done and colleagues must look out for each other, the Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.<\/p>\n
Steve Kent was speaking ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. It is estimated that around 20 UK police officers have died by suicide this year alone.<\/p>\n
Steve said: \u201cThe number of suicides in policing is nothing short of a scandal. I’m aware there have been suicides in our force since I’ve been in the Federation and I’m not necessarily saying we could have prevented them, but the culture within policing does not spot the signs for it early enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first step, which I think we’re getting better at, is that people need to talk, so it doesn’t get to a tipping point where it’s too late.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is support available through the Federation, there’s support through our Group Insurance, including in-person counselling and online counselling. The force offers online counselling as well, which is confidential.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest step is getting into that position where you will access that support. We need to keep our eyes on each other and we need to talk to our colleagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially around misconduct procedures, we need to do better at keeping our eye on officers. There needs to be more resources for the professional standards departments so they can carry out investigations quicker. We need to hold the IOPC accountable for their timescales too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officers who are struggling should know that they are not alone, and that they can seek help.<\/p>\n
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Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 131 2789<\/p>\n
The Thin Blue Line: www.thinbluelineuk.org.uk<\/p>\n
Samaritans: 116 123<\/p>\n