Hampshire Police bosses say officers under investigation need to be treated with "compassion"
It's after two officers died this year whilst being investigated
Last updated 5th Sep 2025
Hampshire Police bosses say officers under investigation need to be treated with "compassion".
The call comes after two officers died this year whilst under investigation.
Across the country, new figures between 2022 and 2024, show 55 officers took their own lives across 35 police forces, with 32 of whom being under investigation.
Spencer Wragg, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation and Head of the Suicide Trauma Education Prevention (STEP) campaign, in a statement, said: "The Federation has been supporting both families of the officers who have died, and continue to support them.
"We are also supporting our police colleagues, as the impact of these deaths has hit them hard."
Mr Wragg's calling for people to treat the officers under investigation with "compassion".
In a statement, he added: "We have to work within Police Regulations, which can be somewhat archaic at times.
"As a Federation, we look for investigations to be dealt with compassionately and as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"I think the proportionality of some investigations also needs to be considered."
Hampshire Police's new Chief Constable, Alexis Boon, has called for more safeguarding for police officers under investigation and said the support system needs a drastic change.
The Police and Crime Commissioner's office is also conducting an independent review of Hampshire Constabulary.
Hampshire's PCC, Donna Jones, said she had "serious concerns" about how officers and staff are treated while under investigation.
Mr Wragg spoke about how officers can sometimes feel when under investigation.
He said: "They sometimes feel isolated and even ostracised from their friends and colleagues within the organisation, and that's something that needs to be addressed urgently.
"We recognise that this isn't an issue specific to Hampshire; it's replicated up and down the country, in every force, with officers who are under investigation.
"So there needs to be a change nationally."
He gave his advice to officers going through an investigation.
Mr Wragg said: "My advice to colleagues who are currently under investigation is to talk to your friends, family, colleagues or the Federation about how you're feeling, what you need, and what support you need to access.
"Reach out for support with your mental health and don't suffer in silence.
"When you're under investigation, you're often told that you can't talk about the allegation itself, but you don't need to talk about that.
"Forces should help officers understand what they can and can't talk about, because trying to deal with all of these things on your own is not helping anyone."
How to get help
The Mental Health Crisis Line: call 0300 131 2789 and Samaritans: call 116 123
Officers can also access the support offered by charities and organisations including Flint House, Police Treatment Centres, The Ben Fund and Oscar Kilo and Grassroots Suicide Prevention.