Workforce prioritisation guidance: Suicide prevention and postvention

What it is 

Suicide prevention and postvention are vital responsibilities for all police forces. Prevention means recognising risk early, providing timely and tailored support, and building a culture where mental health is taken seriously and stigma is actively challenged. Postvention means responding with compassion, coordination, and care when a suicide does occur - supporting those affected and learning from the experience to reduce future risk. 

This work must be underpinned by strong governance, visible leadership, and clear accountability. Forces need policies and protocols that enable swift, supportive responses and embed learning into future practice. 

The National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) provides a full suite of tools and guidance to help forces deliver local strategies. These align with the national suicide action plan, providing a consistent approach while allowing space for local context and need. 

Why it matters 

Suicide has a devastating impact - on families, friends, colleagues, and the wider organisation. Beyond the immediate loss, it can erode confidence, cause long-term emotional harm, and leave unanswered questions. That’s why it demands a whole-system response that combines prevention, support, and learning. 

Prevention is about compassionate leadership, early identification of risk, and clear referral pathways. Postvention is about supporting people in the aftermath - with empathy and structure - while also enabling organisational learning to reduce the risk of future tragedies. 

Forces have a duty of care to their people. Failure to meet this duty can lead to serious legal and reputational consequences, including inquests and Prevention of Future Deaths reports (Regulation 28). These carry clear expectations for action and accountability. The legal case studies section includes examples of where this has occurred.