THE FAMILY of a ‘gentle giant’ police officer who took his own life last year have welcomed mandatory recording of police suicides and attempted suicides at West Mercia.
Dane Roleston-Lowe, who had served as a police officer in and around Worcester for nearly three decades, took his own life in February 2025 leaving his family ‘heartbroken’.
His sister, Nena Hodges, has welcomed a national campaign for the mandatory recording of police suicides and attempted suicides, after it was agreed by chief constables.
She said the absence of mandatory, consistent data leaves forces unable to properly understand the scale of the issue or the factors that place officers at risk.
Nena Hodges added: “If these events are not recorded, the police service cannot accurately identify patterns, trends, or risk factors.
“Without this data, forces cannot meaningfully assess what actually contributes to these incidents or develop effective, evidence-based prevention strategies.
“Some people are very good at masking their pain, and no one would ever know.
“This would all come too late for Dane, but anything that can help reduce or stop police suicides has to be welcomed.
“There have been so many since Dane passed away, and knowing the absolute devastation it causes makes me feel so strongly about this.
“Mandatory recording has the potential to prevent others feeling so desperate.”
Dane Roleston-Lowe served with West Mercia Police for 28 years based at Hindlip, but in 2009 attempted suicide three times.
Nena Hodges skydived today (April 25), the day before Dane’s birthday, and raised more than £3,000 to support men’s mental health initiatives.
Stu Bott, temporary secretary for West Mercia Police Federation said: “We are extremely grateful to Nena, for getting behind our calls to make the recording of suicides and attempted suicides in policing mandatory.
“Every case is a tragedy that sends shockwaves through families, forces, and communities – and Dane’s was no exception.
“We are proud to be already working hard with West Mercia Police Force, to put essential processes and systems in place to record suicide and attempted suicide. It’s vital that we do this, so we can really understand the scale of the issue and what needs to change.
“Nena’s strength and determination in raising funds and awareness are incredible and stand as a powerful tribute to Dane.
“On behalf of the branch, I wish her all the best for her upcoming skydive.”
West Mercia Police has been approached for comment.
If you need help there are people you can speak to:
The Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline is available to anyone needing urgent mental health support.
It’s free to call and open 24 hours a day to people of all ages – 0808 196 9127.
