Female police officer dies after arrest for sending sensitive information
Pc Claire Browne, 44, was found dead by colleagues after they responded to a 'concern for welfare' call at a house in Netley Abbey, Hampshire, at 11am on Monday July 7.
Along with her arrest, she had also been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her honesty and integrity, and for allegedly using a police account for non-work purposes.
She had worked for Hampshire Constabulary since 2006 and was based in Southampton.
In a statement, her family said: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our much-loved Claire. She was a dedicated officer who served the force and the community diligently and compassionately for 19 years.
'Claire will be sorely missed by her many friends and colleagues. Our family is devastated and we ask for understanding, kindness and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.'
She was arrested as part of an investigation into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account.
It is understood that one issue surrounded claims that she had a campervan under her name to avoid any issues with child maintenance payments.
Concerns over internal investigations
PC Browne is the second serving police officer to die while under investigation by the force's Professional Standards Department, following the death of Pc Alex Hazlett-Beard, a response officer, in February.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department.
She said: 'Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations.
'While the force has appropriately referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), I believe it is also necessary to examine more broadly how the Professional Standards Department operates, particularly in terms of support provided to officers under investigation and the culture of those investigations.
'To ensure transparency and fairness, I will be commissioning an independent review, led by a qualified individual from outside policing with relevant experience in assessing organisational practices and wellbeing.'
Death 'not suspicious'
In a statement, the force's acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: 'Everyone is extremely shocked and saddened by Claire's death, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues.
'Claire was a well-loved and respected officer and colleague who had worked in many different departments and teams throughout her policing career. She will be missed by us all.'
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed it had referred itself to the IOPC.
A spokesman for the force added that Pc Browne's death was 'not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner'.
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