Winterthur police blame management for two suicides

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Police officers in Winterthur are blaming bad management and a toxic working culture for two suicides within the police force in the space of year.

The latest death was last week, colleagues say he suffered a burnout.

The previous death was in July last year. The man went for a hike and never returned. He was found dead in the mountains. He had also taken his own life. 

The officers’ association has written a letter to the management and to the city councillor with responsibility for the police – Katrin Cometta. She expresses her sympathy, and that she will examine the complaints, but it’s important not to jump to conclusions. 

The current head of the force is on vacation and says he will not return early, but he’s due to retire in May anyway. His deputy will then take over, but officers say the deputy is part of the problem. 

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