Former Cleveland Police officer from Teesside launches national campaign demanding urgent action over police suicides

Paul Cooper, from Wynyard, is warning that officers are facing devastating psychological pressures while meaningful reforms remain years away.

He has launched new campaign, It Stops Now, to address pressures facing police officers, including exposure to trauma, disciplinary investigations, and organisational treatment.

It brings together bereaved families, serving and former officers, academics and mental health professionals in the call for change and greater protections for officers.

Paul, who also served with Lincolnshire Police, said: "These officers were not just collar numbers or statistics.

“They were husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends.

“We need to prevent further tragedies.”

Police Federation of England and Wales figures identified 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.

Paul, who is also the founder of app Pocket Sergeant, a digital policing reference tool, decided to start the campaign after the death of a fellow police officer had a profound impact on him.

He added: “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.

“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.”

It Stops Now is calling for independent scrutiny of police suicides, stronger safeguards for officers experiencing psychological distress, fairer disciplinary procedures and greater accountability..

It has attracted support from Members of Parliament and aims to work constructively with police leaders, Parliament and representative bodies.

A central feature of It Stops Now is a national Wall of Remembrance honouring police officers and staff who have died by suicide, sharing photographs, biographies and tributes online.

The campaign has also been brought to the attention of Kensington Palace after Paul wrote to the Prince of Wales.

A reply from the palace conveyed sincere condolences following the death of Paul's friend, and confirmed the correspondence would be shared with the Royal Foundation, which coordinates the National Suicide Prevention Network.