A serving Hampshire police officer who spent nearly two decades on the force has died whilst on bail after being arrested for allegedly sending sensitive information from her work email to her personal account.
PC Claire Browne, 44, was found dead at a property in Netley Abbey, Hampshire, on the morning of 7 July after colleagues raised concerns for her welfare. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the mother-of-two could not be saved at the scene.
The veteran officer, who had served with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary since 2006, had been under investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Department. Before her death, PC Browne had been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation examining her “honesty and integrity” following allegations she had sent sensitive police information from her work email account to her personal email.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that 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,” a force spokesperson said.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner. The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard practice when an officer dies whilst under investigation.
Second Death Under Investigation
PC Browne’s death marks the second serving Hampshire officer to die whilst under investigation by the Professional Standards Department within five months. In February 2024, PC Alex Hazlett-Beard, a member of Southampton’s 999 Response Team, died whilst the force was carrying out a misconduct investigation.
This is heartbreaking and devastating news. Alex was a dedicated officer who served the force diligently for a number of years. He was a well-loved and respected colleague and friend,” said Spencer Wragg, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation, speaking about PC Hazlett-Beard’s death.
The consecutive deaths have prompted serious questions about the force’s handling of internal investigations and the support provided to officers under investigation.
Family Pays Tribute
PC Browne’s family released a touching tribute through the force, 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.”
The statement continued: “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 Southampton-based officer had built a career spanning multiple departments within the constabulary over her 18 years of service.
Independent Review Ordered
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has ordered an independent review of Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department in response to the deaths. Jones, who was re-elected as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner in 2024, acknowledged the concerns raised by recent events.
“Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations,” Commissioner Jones said in a statement.
She emphasised that whilst the force had appropriately referred the matter to the IOPC, she believed it necessary to examine more broadly how the Professional Standards Department operates. This review will particularly focus on the support provided to officers under investigation and the culture of those investigations,” Jones explained.
The Commissioner stressed that the review would not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but would help both the force and her office “better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate, and supportive.”
Force Leadership Responds
Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya paid tribute to PC Browne, describing her as a “well loved and respected officer” who had worked in many different departments throughout her policing career.
“Everyone is extremely shocked and saddened by Claire’s death and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues,” the Acting Chief Constable said. “She will be missed by us all.”
De Reya confirmed she had issued a video message to staff across the force outlining where officers and staff could access support services.
Wider Concerns About Officer Welfare
The deaths have reignited discussions about mental health support and welfare provisions for police officers, particularly those facing disciplinary proceedings. Social media tributes to PC Hazlett-Beard reflected both sorrow and calls for change, with one colleague writing: “Nobody truly knows what’s going on behind the ‘smiles,’ but acts of kindness, positivity and humanity could make a huge difference to someone’s day.”
The phrase “more needs to be done” has resonated throughout the emergency services community, who have long spoken about the immense pressures of the job and the need for stronger mental health support for officers.
IOPC Investigation Process
The Independent Office for Police Conduct, which describes itself as “the police complaints watchdog for England and Wales,” investigates the most serious complaints and conduct matters involving the police. The organisation is completely independent of the police and sets standards for how forces should handle complaints.
When the IOPC receives a referral, its specialist assessment unit evaluates whether an investigation is necessary, with no two referrals being exactly the same. In cases involving officer deaths during ongoing investigations, the IOPC’s involvement is mandatory under current regulations.
Statistical Context
According to IOPC data from 2022/23, the organisation completed 308 investigations, of which 162 were conduct matters involving 330 police officers and staff. Of these officers and staff, 157 were determined to have a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct, representing 48 per cent of those investigated.
The statistics highlight the significant number of officers who face internal investigations each year, underlining the importance of appropriate support systems during what can be lengthy and stressful processes.
Looking Ahead
The independent review of Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department is expected to examine several key areas, including the timeliness of investigations, communication with officers under investigation, and the availability of welfare support throughout the process.
Commissioner Jones has not announced a timeline for the review but has indicated that recommendations will be made public to ensure transparency and help restore confidence in the system.
As the force awaits the outcomes of both the IOPC investigation and the independent review, questions remain about how police forces across the country handle internal investigations and support officers facing disciplinary proceedings.
The tragic loss of two serving officers in such circumstances has cast a spotlight on an often-overlooked aspect of policing – the welfare of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others, particularly when they find themselves under investigation.
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