Police said Tuesday that workplace harassment may have been a contributing factor in the suicide of a 44-year-old police officer who shot himself in the head inside a toilet at a police station in Tokyo's Ota Ward on Feb 15.

Investigators were quoted as saying that the officer suffered harassment at the hands of the station's 52 year-old assistant inspector, TV Asahi reported.

According to police, before the incident, the assistant inspector had called in a few of the station's officers to complain about poor results following police questioning of suspects. The inspector is said to have yelled "You all are worthless! I suggest you talk to your families about what you plan on doing to support them," implying that they would be fired if their work didn't improve.

The deceased officer left a note detailing his stress.

Police said the department has reprimanded the assistant inspector and cut his salary as punishment for his actions.

© (c) 2014 AFP