Former officer launches campaign over police suicides

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 00:32 · Archive

A former Cleveland Police officer has launched a national campaign demanding urgent action over police suicides.

Paul Cooper, a former Cleveland Police officer from Wynyard, has launched It Stops Now, a national campaign demanding urgent action over police suicides and the pressures officers face. The campaign brings together bereaved families, serving and former officers, academics and mental health professionals to address the wider pressures facing police officers.

The Police Federation of England and Wales published figures in January 2026 recording more than 100 suicides among police officers and staff between 2022 and 2025. Of the 70 police officer suicides recorded, 47 involved officers under investigation. The Federation also reported 236 attempted suicides, 173 involving officers under investigation. While these figures do not establish a direct link between investigations and the deaths or attempts, Cooper says greater attention must be paid to the wider pressures officers face.

Cooper, founder of policing reference app Pocket Sergeant, said: 'We need action today. We cannot afford to wait for another review of police accountability, another White Paper or recommendations that could take years to implement. We are losing police officers now.' He said officers spend years dealing with traumatic situations, and that for many, policing is not simply what they do but who they are.

How it is being reported

• Former Cleveland Police officer launches national campaign calling for urgent action over police suicidesPaul Cooper warns that officers are facing devastating psychological pressuresTeessideLive · 21 Oct, 00:01
• Former North East officer launches campaign demanding action over police suicidesPaul Cooper, a former Cleveland Police officer, has launched a campaign demanding urgent action over police suicides and the pressures that officers face.The Northern Echo · 20 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Paul Cooper · Cleveland Police · Police Federation of England and Wales · Wynyard · Pocket Sergeant · It Stops Now

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