Telford suicide police officer given 'significant' support
A police officer who committed suicide after suffering work-related stress had been offered 'significant' support from colleagues, it is claimed.
Inspector Derek Holland had served 25 years with the force before he was found hanged at his home in Telford on September 21.
An inquest held in Wellington earlier this week heard that the 50-year-old had suffered stress and anxiety and had taken periods of sick leave since April last year.
Chief Superintendent Charles Hill, from West Mercia Police, said an independent investigation had ruled out any wrongdoing within the force.
It comes as West Mercia Police Federation has said there have been examples of where the force has been good at dealing with staff suffering from stress but there was room to improve.
Chief Superintendent Hill said friends and colleagues of Inspector Holland had been "devastated" after hearing about his death.
He said: "Our thoughts remain with Derek's family and we will continue to provide them with support at this difficult time.
"We always endeavour to support our officers and staff and continually review our processes to ensure we are providing the best support available.
"Following Derek's death, we can confirm an independent internal review was undertaken which identified he had been offered significant welfare support from his line managers and colleagues during his illness.
"No specific link was found to indicate that his death was attributable to West Mercia Police."
West Mercia Police Federation's Chairman Russ Yeomans said there was now an increased awareness about stress but more could be done.
He said: "They will always look at a certain situation and see how things can improve.
"I think there has been increased awareness into stress but I do think there's a long way to go. We need to get a better understanding of it."
The inquest was told that Inspector Holland had been found hanging at his home by his father.
His death came less than two hours before he had been due to meet with his line manager following periods of sick leave.
His widow, Nerys Holland, had told the inquest he had experienced low moods, stress and anxiety over his job.
She said he went above and beyond to try to battle his anxieties but became distressed and fearful of being dismissed.
John Ellery, coroner for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, concluded Inspector Holland had committed suicide.
