Brian Bennett

Died

:

12 December 2001

Age

:

40

Rank

:

Detective Sergeant

Force

:

Kent County Constabulary

Cause

:

Suicide

Duty Status

:

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Died after falling from the roof of Folkestone Police Station while experiencing significant work related pressures.

DS Bennett was born in Scotland and later served with Kent Police, where he was regarded by colleagues as a capable and conscientious officer. He was a married father of two and lived in Hythe, Kent.

In the period leading up to his death, DS Bennett had been involved in Operation Moonstone, the Kent Police investigation into the shooting of an unarmed man by Sussex Police. Following the conclusion of that enquiry, he found it difficult to return to his usual policing duties. Around the same time he had also been unsuccessful in an inspector’s examination, something which colleagues and family later said had affected him deeply.

In an effort to broaden his experience, he later transferred to Special Branch at Bouverie House Police Station in Folkestone. The move proved challenging and DS Bennett struggled to adapt to the new role and its systems. Despite these difficulties, he remained committed to his work and was reluctant to take time away from duty.

Colleagues later recalled that he had been working late at the station on the evening before his death, concerned that he had made an error in his work and wanting to correct it. On the morning of 12 December 2001 he climbed from a window onto the roof of Folkestone Police Station and fell from the building, sustaining fatal injuries.

An inquest later heard that DS Bennett had been experiencing increasing pressures connected with his work and had found it difficult to cope. Kent Coroner recorded that he had been a dedicated officer who set himself exceptionally high standards. Senior officers and colleagues described him as a highly motivated professional who was well respected and valued within the service.

Detective Sergeant Bennett’s death was a profound loss to his family, friends and colleagues. He is remembered for his dedication to policing and his commitment to the role he served.