West Midlands detective says 'officers contemplating suicide' over pressure on police forces
A senior detective at West Midlands Police today claimed an increasing number of police officers are contemplating suicide because of the strain being put on forces across the UK.
Detective Inspector Warren Hines made the remarks as the West Midlands Police's chief constable hit out over cuts to police budgets nationally.
A series of major incidents to hit the country in recent weeks has laid bare the strains faced by forces under financial pressure, raising the risk of a breakdown akin to that which hit the prison service in 2016, Dave Thompson said.
The chief constable is the National Police Chiefs Council lead for finance has called on the Government to increase police funding.
WATCH: Det Insp Hines on impact of police cuts in the West Midlands
Detective Inspector, speaking to Sky News, said police forces cannot cope with the work they are being asked to do because they are not properly resourced.
He said: "We really are at a point now where we can't cope with what we're expected to deal with. Sickness and mental health problems amongst my colleagues are rife.
"We've got examples of police officers who have been conveyed to hospital from work because they've had a meltdown.
"I'm aware of incidents where sergeants in our public protection units are allocating work on the basis of who is the least tearful that morning when they get to work."
Det Insp Hines, who heads up one of six murder squads in the West Midlands, says officers are contemplating suicide due to overwork.
He added: "In the last 15 months alone, around 80 officers in the West Midlands force have been referred to the National Police Federation Welfare Support Programme," he said.
"Those are people who are undergoing a significant mental health crisis.
"They're experiencing suicidal thoughts and tendencies and they are at risk of doing something really serious to hurt themselves, and this is only as a result of the pressures that they are being put under."
His comments come as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and Chief Constable Dave Thompson today hold a joint briefing for MPs to outline the financial challenge facing the force.
Speaking ahead of the meeting Mr Jamieson said: "West Midlands Police has faced cuts of £140 million in real terms since 2010 and is receiving less money from the government each year. We are dealing with ever more complex threats and challenges.
"The independent policing inspectorate HMIC has rated West Midlands Police as outstandingly efficient - meaning that resources are going to the frontline and been used to the best effect. Despite that, we have got 1,746 fewer officers than we did in 2010.
"I am looking forward to outlining the challenges we face to MPs and I trust that they will do all they can in parliament to help get the force a fairer deal."
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "The events in Manchester, the London Bridge attack and the terror attack on those coming from prayers at Finsbury Mosque in London have shocked the nation and saw the force act through Operation Decisive. Everyone in West Midlands Police wants to prevent an attack in our region.
"Officers and staff have stepped up to offer the protection the public have needed. This has been a huge strain and there is also a sustained and determined threat that is not going away anytime soon. We are and must remain in a heightened state of readiness.
"With the Police and Crime Commissioner I will be explaining the threats we face, West Midlands Police's response and the implications that has for West Midlands Police's resources.
"I look forward to discussing these matters with MPs and hope they will take a strong message on our behalf to Westminster."
