Quality Polis

A 'respected and well loved' police officer of nearly 20 years' experience has died suddenly while on bail having been arrested.  PC Claire Browne had served at Southampton Central Police Station and in parts of the surrounding area including in Romsey since 2006. The 44-year-old mum was found dead at a property in Netley Abbey after her colleagues responded to a concern for her welfare. A family statement 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 is the second serving police officer to have died while under investigation by the force's Professional Standards Department following the death of Southampton-based response officer PC Alex Hazlett-Beard in February.  Her death has sparked an independent review - ordered by the police and crimecommissioner Donna Jones - of the Professional Standards Department in Hampshire. PC Browne was arrested amid an investigation into sending sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account. She was on bail when she died at 11am on Monday, July 7.  The arrested came after she had been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her honesty and integrity, and using a police account for non-work purposes. The Echo understands it relates to claims she had a campervan under her name to avoid any issues with child maintenance payments Police and crime commissioner Ms Jones confirmed to the Echo she has commissioned the review. 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.” “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.” “I have discussed this with acting chief constable Sam de Reya and the incoming chief constable Alexis Boon, and they both endorse this approach.” “I remain committed to ensuring high standards of integrity within the force, but also to ensuring that officers and staff are treated fairly and compassionately during difficult times.” “Further details about the scope and terms of the review will be shared in due course." Acting chief constable Sam de Reya has issued a video message to officers and staff across Hampshire police outlining where her teams can access support, it's understood.  In a statement she told the Echo: “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 has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police watchdog.  Asked about the circumstances of PC Browne's death, a Hampshire police spokesman said: "Officers responded to a concern for welfare call at an address in Netley Abbey, at 11am, on Monday 7 July. Continued…