Policy for dealing with officers with suicidal thoughts
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.041491
I note you seek access to the following information:
- Please provide a copy of your policy for dealing with officers who say they have suicidal thoughts.
The senior coroner for Greater Manchester North, (Redacted)has recently commented on the treatment of a West Yorkshire student officer, (Redacted), who killed himself:
(Redacted) also said the triaging of (Redacted) ’s case was flawed after he had disclosed the suicidal thoughts and that he should have been offered an urgent face-to-face appointment with the force’s occupational health unit.
(Link Removed) - Please provide the number of staff in your occupational health unit (FTE).
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full. Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Q1 - Please provide a copy of your policy for dealing with officers who say they have suicidal thoughts.
There is no specific policy on managing officers with suicidal ideation.
Whist we do not have a specific policy on managing officers with suicidal ideation, there is plenty of guidance and support for such instances as highlighted below.
The MPS have guidance provided to all line managers (LM) on crisis management and suicide awareness including a clear checklist for managers and colleagues to complete if they have concerns. Along with a clear process for LM to complete a suicide risk form for submission to Occupational Health for further clinical support to be established, including especially if an individual is identified as high risk.
Additionally, all officers in high risk roles also receive bi-annual/annual psychological screening to ensure we identify early any risk indicators and are meeting our duty of care with regard to their welfare.
Q2 - Please provide the number of staff in your occupational health unit (FTE).
There are 3 individuals in the internal OH Team, along with the 150 contracted Optima staff.