Police officer suicide data to be improved amid ‘deep concern’, MSPs told

Police Scotland officials have said data gathering around officer suicides will be improved, as “deep concern” was expressed at the rate of officers taking their own lives.

Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee discussed the responses to suicides among officers and staff on Wednesday.

However there appeared to be uncertainty on how many officers have died this way, with committee convener Audrey Nicoll initially saying there are around four each year.

Giving evidence to MSPs, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said Police Scotland’s current figures do not align with this – saying there have been five deaths from suicide in the past three years.

Committee member Russell Findlay said he is personally aware of there being more cases than this.

Earlier, Mr Ritchie said deaths of officers by suicide are “keenly felt” across the force.

Discussing how they are recorded, he told the committee: “This is something we are keenly aware of and are working towards, about how we actually collect and record and maintain that data.”

He said he is unsure if there are “strong definitions” on this type of death across public sector institutions, something which Police Scotland is seeking to “address appropriately”.

Every officer entering Police Scotland receives trauma training, he said, with welfare support available to those who are serving.

Mr Ritchie said: “Following the event itself, obviously the tragic circumstances are felt across the organisation but we need to make sure the investigation we undertake is professional and substantial.”

Katy Miller, Police Scotland’s director of people, said the nature of policing increases stress on individuals.

She said that in future, the force will carry out retrospective manual exercises to examine data from colleagues who have died while in service.

Such cases are often not “black and white” on whether deaths were related to personal or work issues, she said.

Fiona McQueen of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said a number of areas need to be improved on police officers’ welfare.

She said: “I think there is deep concern in the authority about the level of suicide.

She said the SPA wants to see evidence of improved mental health and reduced harm among officers and staff.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation which represents officers, said many feel the force’s employee assistance programme is “not fit for purpose”.

Written evidence from the SPF said there is still stigma around seeking help.

It said: “Many officers view asking for help as a sign of weakness or that if they acknowledge they have a problem with mental health then something is ‘wrong’ with them.

“Additionally, many fear that talking about their struggles will result in stigma from other officers and career setbacks.

“Other officers spoke about the potential embarrassment of raising issues through the line management structure.”

Dr David Hall, suicide prevention lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, responded to some of the comments made during the committee meeting.

He said: “It has long been the case that people who have highly stressful jobs such as those who work in emergency services are at risk from suffering poor mental health.

“Responding to emergencies can bring high levels of stress which may lead to low mood, and there should be interventions to support police officers who need help due to the challenging nature of the job.”

– Anyone who needs support can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website.