NEWS
officers to resign appears to be an increasingly common response to investigations. Andy’s approach stands in stark contrast. He empowers officers, ensures they are properly represented, and upholds the principles of justice and support that the Federation exists to provide. Andy restored that trust, not through false reassurance, but through honesty, integrity and a holistic understanding of my situation. He considered the full context, not just the alleged conduct and its consequences.
I strongly believe that access to a
Federation representative from outside one’s own force is invaluable. It removes potential bias and prevents assumptions
from being made. This option should be clearly communicated and actively promoted. As paying members, officers should be empowered to make this choice without challenge.
Andy Swift exemplifies the very best of Federation representation. His professionalism, compassion, and integrity had a profound impact on my wellbeing and my career. Representation is a privilege, and officers often seek support at their lowest points. One conversation, handled with empathy, knowledge, and impartiality, can change the course of an officer’s future. Andy did exactly that for me. Paula Dobbs, Metropolitan Police Federation chair, said: “Andy truly
embodies what it means to be a Federation representative. He is someone officers know they can rely on in difficult moments, taking the time to listen, understand individual needs, and offer genuine support when it matters most. Balancing this alongside his operational duties, Andy goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service to members. “The dedication and commitment shown by Federation representatives like Andy often happens quietly and without recognition, but the impact of that support on officers’ wellbeing and confidence cannot be overstated. I would like to personally thank Andy for his continued dedication, professionalism and genuine care he shows to our members.”
THE SILENT CRISIS: OVER 100 SUICIDES SINCE 2022
PFEW finds misconduct probes and welfare gaps fuelling a tragic toll on our police officers
In the shadowed corridors of UK policing, a devastating “silent crisis” unfolds: more than 100 officers and staff have died by suicide since 2022, with shocking new Police Federation data revealing systemic welfare failures, particularly during misconduct investigations. The Police Federation of England and
Wales (PFEW) has established a shocking link between suicide and the police misconduct regime, a damning indication of the lack of welfare support from forces to officers at the most vulnerable point in their career. Forty-seven of the 70 suicides and 173 of
236 attempted suicides are attributable to officers involved in misconduct or criminal investigations against them. In 2025 the link was even stronger, with 12 of 13 police officer suicides that we know about involving officers under investigation. Police forces are not required to record suicide or attempted suicide, meaning the Federation’s data is likely to significantly undercount the real figures. The lack of recording means that policing is not currently regarded by the Office for National Statistics as an “occupation at risk”. This crisis stems from the unique
08 | POLICE | FEBRUARY | 2026
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