Police chiefs have agreed to introduce mandatory recording of officer suicides following campaigning by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
Forces will now be required to collect consistent data after an agreement by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
The move has been welcomed by South Wales Police Federation chair Phil Walker, who said it was essential to improving officer wellbeing and preventing future tragedies.
Phil said: “This is something the Federation has been calling for because you cannot tackle a problem you don’t properly measure.
“For too long, conversations about wellbeing have taken place without reliable data and evidence. Mandatory recording hopefully brings clarity and accountability.
“I recently joined my colleagues from the Welsh Police Federations in taking our campaign message to Westminster and to our local MPs.
“So, I’m delighted to see that the campaign and our collective voices have been heard and that vital changes are being made.”
PFEW has been calling for the mandatory recording of police suicides and attempted suicides after figures revealed that between 2022 and 2025, at least 70 serving officers are known to have died by suicide.
Inquest
Calls for reform intensified after the death of Sergeant Ben Websdale. The coroner at his inquest, Penelope Schofield, published a report calling on forces to record officer suicides.
Now the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has agreed to make recording of suicides mandatory and to introduce a trauma support system, annual psychological assessments, and training, according to a report in the Mirror.
Phil said: “Our members have a job like no other. They routinely deal with traumatic situations, are attacked for the uniform they wear, and face relentless public scrutiny.
“They deal with all of this while seeing their workloads increase, their pay packets decrease, and their working conditions eroded.
“The emotional toll builds over time, and that cumulative stress has real consequences.”
Suicide risk
Federation research has highlighted links between suicide risk and lengthy misconduct investigations,
The research found that 47 of the 70 suicides involved officers under misconduct or criminal investigation, with 173 of 236 attempted suicides also linked to officers under investigation.
It has led the Federation to strengthen its calls for a 12-month limit on disciplinary investigations.
Phil said: “No one disputes the importance of accountability for officers.
“But investigations that stretch on indefinitely create uncertainty and strain for officers and their families.
Welfare support
“The link between investigations and officer suicides and attempted suicides is irresistible, which is why we’re calling for a limit on how long they last.
“Fairness, timely processes and proper welfare support must go hand in hand.”
Phil said that mandatory recording should be viewed as the beginning rather than the end of reform.
“This shows what can be achieved when our voices come together,” he said. “We need to build a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength. If we get this right, lives will be saved.”
For urgent mental health help or immediate support, please contact:
Samaritans: 116 123
Oscar Kilo’s Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 131 2789
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