A former Cleveland Police officer has launched a national campaign demanding action on police suicides and the pressures officers face.
Paul Cooper, from Wynyard, has launched It Stops Now in partnership with bereaved families, serving and former officers, academics and mental health professionals.
The campaign calls for closer scrutiny of police suicides and better support for officers facing trauma, investigations, injuries or the loss of their careers and policing identity.
Paul, founder of policing reference app Pocket Sergeant, said: "We need action today. We cannot afford to wait for another review of police accountability, another White Paper or recommendations that could take years to implement. We are losing police officers now.
"Reviews and White Papers may help shape the future of policing, but they cannot protect someone who is in crisis today."
Former Cleveland Police officer Paul Cooper, founder of It Stops Now. (Image: Cleveland Police)
Police Federation of England and Wales figures published in January 2026 recorded more than 100 suicides among officers and staff between 2022 and 2025.
Of the 70 recorded police officer suicides, 47 involved officers under investigation.
The Federation also reported 236 suicide attempts, 173 involving officers under investigation.
While the figures do not establish a link between the investigations and the deaths or attempts, Paul believes greater attention must be paid to the wider pressures officers face.
He said: "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."
Former Cleveland Police officer Paul Cooper, founder of It Stops Now. (Image: Cleveland Police)
Paul was inspired to launch the campaign following the death of a fellow officer and close friend.
"I couldn't bring myself to attend his funeral. I knew it would have broken me," Paul said.
"Instead, I sat at home alone, trying to make sense of what had happened. That was when I started mapping out what has now become this campaign.
"When an officer reaches crisis point, we often hear about the support they were offered. But we also need to examine what brought them to that point."
Former Cleveland Police officer Paul Cooper, founder of It Stops Now. (Image: Cleveland Police)
The campaign’s centrepiece is a national Wall of Remembrance for officers and staff who died by suicide, created with bereaved families.
The wall features photographs, biographies and tributes, while visitors can leave messages and light virtual candles.
"These officers were not just collar numbers or statistics," Paul said. "They were husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends.
"Families deserve to be heard, and their loved ones deserve to be remembered. But remembrance alone isn't enough. We need to prevent further tragedies."
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Kensington Palace responded after Paul wrote to the Prince of Wales raising his concerns and outlining the campaign's aims.
In a response dated October 12, the palace acknowledged the work of It Stops Now, and said it would pass the letter to the Royal Foundation, which coordinates the National Suicide Prevention Network.
Paul said: "We cannot change what has happened to those we have already lost. But we can change what happens next. And that change needs to start now."
It Stops Now officially launches on Monday (October 19).