Latest news with #ClaireBrowne
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Female police officer dies after arrest for sending sensitive information
A female police officer has died suddenly in the wake of her arrest for allegedly 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. 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.' 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'.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Hampshire officer's death sparks police misconduct review
The death of a police officer who was under investigation for gross misconduct has sparked a review of how a force deals with the Claire Browne, who had worked for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary since 2006, died at a property in Netley on 7 July. Her death was not thought to be suspicious, the force has 44-year-old was on bail after being arrested over allegations she sent sensitive police information from her work email account to her personal Jones, Hampshire and Isle of Wight's police and crime commissioner, said the independent review would take place after "questions and concerns among officers, staff and the wider public". Ms Browne was being investigated by the force over an allegation that she had used her police email account for non-work force has referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police comes after Hampshire police officer PC Alex Hazlett-Beard, who was also under investigation by the force, died in Jones said the review would be led by a "qualified individual from outside policing with relevant experience in assessing organisational practices and wellbeing."She added: "This review will not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but will help the force and me as commissioner to better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate and supportive."Ms Jones said while she was "committed to ensuring high standards of integrity within the force", it was critical officers and staff were "treated fairly and compassionately during difficult times". 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."Her family said she was a "dedicated officer who served the force and the community diligently and compassionately for 19 years."They added: "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." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
Female police officer dies after arrest for sending sensitive information
A female police officer has died suddenly in the wake of her arrest for allegedly 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'.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Police officer, 44, of nearly 20 years dies while on bail after being arrested for sending sensitive information
A POLICE officer who served in the force for almost 20 years has suddenly died while on bail after being arrested. PC Claire Browne, 44, had been arrested following a probe into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account. 3 The "much-loved" cop - who was based in Southampton and had worked for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary since 2006 - had also been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her "honesty and integrity". Claire was found by colleagues at a home in Netley Abbey, close to Southampton, after concerns for her welfare. Tragically, despite the best efforts of emergency crews, the cop's life could not be saved. Her death has since sparked an independent review of the force's Professional Standards Department. Claire's family released an emotional tribute, saying: "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." Claire is the second serving police officer to have died while under investigation by Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department. PC Alex Hazlett-Beard, who had been a part of the same police force, died last February while under investigation for misconduct. Moment hero cop tackles knife-wielding yob who yanks at her hair in frantic broad-daylight brawl on high street Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department which investigates officers' conduct. 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." Jones continued: "This review will not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but will help the force and me as commissioner to better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate, and supportive." 'WELL LOVED AND RESPECTED OFFICER' Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya also paid tribute to the "well loved and respected officer". She 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." The police boss also recorded a video message for staff across the force that outlined where support could be accessed. Hampshire Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), following the tragic death. A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers responded to a concern for welfare call at an address in Netley Abbey, at 11am, on Monday 7 July. "Upon arrival officers discovered a 44-year-old woman requiring medical attention. "Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the address. "The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Police officer, 44, with nearly 20 years on the force dies suddenly after being arrested for sending sensitive information
A police officer, who spent nearly two decades on the force, has suddenly died while on bail after being arrested for sending sensitive information. PC Claire Browne had previously been arrested following a probe into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account. Before her death, the 44-year-old mother had been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her 'honesty and integrity' She had worked for Hampshire and the Isle of WIght Constabulary since 2006 and was based in the city of Southampton. PC Browne was found by colleagues at a property in Netley Abbey, Hampshire on the morning of July 7 after concerns were raised for her welfare. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she could not be saved. Her death has since sparked an independent review of the force's Professional Standards Department. Her family have since released a touching tribute, saying: '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.' The 44-year-old is the second the second serving police officer to die whilst under investigation by Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department. Last February, PC Alex Hazlett-Beard who was a part of the same police force died while under investigation for misconduct. Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department which investigates officer's conduct. 'Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations,' the elected official said. '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.' She continued: 'This review will not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but will help the force and me as commissioner to better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate, and supportive.' Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya also paid tribute to the 'well loved and respected officer'. She 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.' The senior figure has also issued a video message to staff across the force outlining where to access support. Hampshire Constabulary have referred themselves to police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). A spokesperson said: 'Officers responded to a concern for welfare call at an address in Netley Abbey, at 11am, on Monday 7 July. 'Upon arrival officers discovered a 44-year-old woman requiring medical attention. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the address. 'The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
