3 days ago4 min read

Coroner raises multiple concerns with West Yorkshire Police, College of Policing and National Police Chiefs Council after death of PC Anugrah Abraham

The Senior Coroner for Manchester North has today made a report raising her concerns arising from the death of PC Anugrah (‘Anu’) Abraham.

On the 24th September 2022 Anu was referred to Occupational Health ("ODU") the waiting time to be seen was three months. He was not seen until the 15th December 2022. The referral had been for a back injury but also his mental health. There was an inadequate assessment of his mental health and a lack of consideration of any adjustments required given his mental health issues were linked to his work and the PCDA.
On the 13th January 2023 Anu made direct contact with the OHU where it was acknowledged he appeared to be in "intense mental distress." Whilst he was spoken to again later that day, there was no plan documented that he would be seen or re-contacted by OHU, this appeared to be because Anu had made direct contact and it had not been a referral from a senior manager. Anu should have been offered a face to face appointment.
On the 23rd January following further concerns about Anu's work he had a meeting with a District Sgt and was advised he was being placed on a further development plan. A subsequent email was sent to Anu by his Sgt setting out his development. During the course of this meeting Anu indicated he felt suicidal. An urgent referral was made to OHU. The subsequent email to Anu in no way was reflective of a caring approach to an individual who was expressing suicidal thoughts.
Following this urgent referral to OHU an appointment was offered for April 2023. Anu should have been offered an urgent face to face appointment.

The court heard that most OHU referrals within police forces now relate to mental health issues as opposed to physical health issues. Despite this, there are no specialist Registered Mental Health nurses recruited into WYP OHU. Indeed, the court heard the situation within WYP may be indicative of the national picture.

Following Anu's death there was no investigation into the quality of care afforded to him by the OHU within WYP. Hence at the time of the Inquest, there had been no reflection by practitioners as to the quality of care provided and no learning in respect of processes and procedures. It was accepted that following the Inquest there were matters which would be considered. The lack of investigation meant learning from deaths in order to prevent future deaths was not addressed.

The court heard as to the increase in mental health issues amongst Police Officers nationally. Despite this, the question of what imminent adjustments should be made or considered once an officer discloses suicidal thoughts, was unclear. This is before an OHU appointment. In this case Anu's mental deterioration was reportedly directly linked to his role as a police officer. It is acknowledged that this is a difficult issue and there will be issues such as confidentiality to consider.

Whilst the court heard there are now different routes into policing and there is no longer a requirement to undertaken a degree. The court heard from a significant number of officers who had undertaken the PCDA. Many of the witnesses told the court of the impact this route into policing had on them at the time, including the levels of stress they incurred. The PCDA does continue to operate.

Ensuring there is a full understanding across Police forces as to the PCDA and the sharing of accurate information with all those involved in the management of student officers so there is clear documented records and understanding as to how a student officer is progressing and whether they are likely to become an efficient constable.

Consideration of the Regulation 13 process for PCDA students and how this works in practice across forces.