Bullying and Racism at West Yorkshire Police: Inquest into Trainee's Death

In the UK, Anugrah Abraham, a 21-year-old trainee police officer from Bury, tragically took his own life on March 4, 2023. His father revealed during an inquest that Anugrah faced significant bullying and racism while working as a trainee with West Yorkshire Police (WYP). He struggled to balance the demands of his job and his university degree apprenticeship, leading to immense pressure and feelings of isolation. Anugrah expressed to his father that he felt overwhelmed and lacked support, stating, 'I can’t take it, so much pressure on me.' The inquest highlighted that Anugrah had been unhappy for six months prior to his death, particularly after being posted to Halifax. His father noted that Anugrah felt criticized and unsupported, often mentioning that he never received positive reinforcement from his colleagues. Despite being placed on a development plan intended to assist him, Anugrah perceived it as a threat to his job security. Before his death, he had taken a short break to Amsterdam with friends, but upon returning, he was still under significant stress. His father advised him to consider leaving the police force, indicating the severity of his distress. Tragically, Anugrah was found dead in nearby woodland the day after he applied for other jobs. The inquest raised questions about the support systems in place for trainees and the impact of workplace bullying and racism on mental health, emphasizing the need for better resources and understanding within the police force.