In the world of policing, yesterday marked another somber day as the issue of suicide among police officers has reached a distressing and alarming level. It’s a deeply concerning fact that more police officers are taking their own lives than those who are tragically killed while on duty. This grim reality calls for immediate attention to the mental health of our law enforcement personnel.

The risk factors for police officers are exceptionally high, and the pressing need to address these issues often takes a back seat in the grand scheme of priorities. Calls for a national mental health strategy encompassing all members of the emergency services have resonated throughout the country, but the support provided to officers’ mental health is still far from what is urgently required.

Police officers confront firsthand trauma daily and bear witness to these harrowing events regularly. The ramifications of such experiences are profound and extend beyond the immediate moment, with the potential for long-term depressive effects stemming from the cumulative impact of these traumatic incidents (Barron, 2010).

Startling statistics from the Office of National Statistics reveal that between 2011 and 2019, 169 officers lost their lives to suicide in the UK, averaging at least 21 deaths each year. This is a staggering and deeply distressing figure.

Tragically, the number of police suicides increased in London yesterday, serving as a stark reminder that behind the uniform lies a human being, a person grappling with personal challenges, and yet they continue to step out each day, determined to serve and protect.

It has long been deemed ‘part of the job’ for police officers to respond to distressing calls that would deeply unsettle most members of the community. These brave individuals willingly took on this duty with the intent of making a positive difference and offering support during the most challenging times. However, the current demands placed on them have reached an untenable level. The pressure is immense and often unfathomable.

Criticism of police officers has become commonplace, particularly from those who possess little understanding of the complexities of policing. They remain oblivious to the challenges and the demands these officers face daily. The loudest voices in the debate are frequently those who would likely ‘bottle it’ if asked to assume an officer’s role for just a single day.

Statistics indicate that one in five officers suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with an increasing number grappling with complex PTSD. Many officers are unaware of the mental health issues they face and continue their duties despite not feeling themselves. Some eventually reach a breaking point and seek help, while tragically, others do not.

In addition to their primary responsibilities, police officers often assume multiple roles within their communities due to years of austerity measures that have eroded essential services. These cuts have led to a reduction in police numbers while increasing their workload. The trial by social media has become an anticipated aspect of their jobs.

The unrealistic pressures on our officers arise from various sources, with policing having transformed into a political pawn, leaving officers bearing the brunt of daily challenges.

In the words of one officer, “Yesterday, the thin blue line got thinner.”