Paul Cooper, Founder of It Stops Now and Pocket Sergeant, expresses concerns about these figures, stating they raise questions about support systems in place for officers in psychological distress. That concern — in addition to a personal loss — was the impetus for establishing It Stops Now.

The campaign’s website states, “It Stops Now unites serving and former officers, bereaved families, academics, mental health professionals, campaigners and others with lived experience under one umbrella, working collectively to influence positive, evidence-led change across policing.” 

Cooper describes how the death of a fellow officer was his turning point, prompting him to act. 

Cooper explains, “Officers spend years dealing with things most people will never have to witness. They attend deaths, serious injuries, violence and some of the most traumatic situations imaginable.

“Then there are those who suffer injuries, are moved from specialist roles they’ve worked their entire careers towards, or find themselves treated very differently by the organisation they have dedicated their lives to.

“For many officers, policing isn’t simply what they do. It’s who they are. When that identity is taken away, whether through ill health, disciplinary proceedings, organisational decisions or leaving the service, the psychological impact can be devastating.

“We need to start asking whether the organisations responsible for protecting officers are sometimes contributing to the harm they experience.” 

Find more information on this campaign here.