Watchdog makes recommendations following Leeds Trinity policing student’s death

A police watchdog has made recommendations following the death of a Leeds Trinity University policing student.

Anugrah Abraham, 21, originally from Bury, Greater Manchester, died by suicide in March 2023 during his three-year apprenticeship degree.

The independent investigation, which concluded on October 29th 2024, examined whether PC Abraham faced racial discrimination and if adequate support was provided to him during his time as an officer.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, IPOC investigators did not find evidence to support allegations that PC Abraham, known as Anu to friends and family, was bullied at work, nor was he treated less favourably because of his race.

Throughout the investigation, the IOPC examined extensive evidence and gathered statements from numerous officers, including fellow students from PC Abraham’s cohort.

The inquest uncovered broader issues impacting team morale and several challenges faced by PC Abraham at work. These challenges were “not helped by the quality of training provided” to the staff managing student officers, according to the investigation.

Support initiatives were introduced to help PC Abraham improve his work performance. He was assigned a development plan and evidence showed he made some progress following this intervention.

The report continued: “However, other factors undermined some of these efforts, such as a reported breakdown in communication between West Yorkshire Police and PC Abraham’s university, as well as the fact support for his dyslexia – which the force had acknowledged was needed – did not materialise.

“We also found evidence that PC Abraham, and others, were offered support when dealing with distressing incidents. On two occasions when he was subjected to racial abuse by members of the public, this was properly dealt with and the individuals responsible were prosecuted.”

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Despite evidence showing PC Abraham did not experience bullying at work, the IPOC identified a few instances where it advised those involved to reflect on how others might perceive their behaviour.

One officer faced an investigation into potential misconduct following their interactions with PC Abraham. The IOPC recommended this individual would “benefit from reflection on their management style” rather than face disciplinary action.

IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: “I would like to once again share my condolences with Anu’s family and loved ones, who have suffered an unimaginable loss.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, and I know this has also been a difficult time for those who worked with Anu.

“We carried out a detailed investigation into a series of allegations relating to the way Anu was treated by colleagues and the support provided to him by West Yorkshire Police. This included whether he was treated any differently because of his race.

“We found evidence that recruitment and training procedures at that time, during the Covid-19 pandemic, were sub-standard. I am reassured that changes since lockdowns ended mean new recruits receive a greater level of support.”

Feature image via Facebook