217 police officers off with mental health illnesses last year

POLICING is in a ‘desperate’ state says South Yorkshire Police Federation as figures reveal 217 officers in the constabulary took time off with mental health illnesses last year.

Nationally there’s been a 55% rise in officers taking time away from their duties due to stress, PTSD, depression or anxiety over the last six years. “It illustrates the desperate position we are in,” said South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Zuleika Payne.

One way to ease the situation, she believes, would be to ensure that other services are properly resourced in order to pick up duties currently being placed on officers’ shoulders.

“Officers are having to take on so much and austerity has impacted not only on us but also on how some of our partners and other services operate.

“The announcement has been made that the NHS will receive a cash boost – and rightly so. What we need to see is serious investment all our partners, in order to improve service delivery. The success of partnership working relies on each one bringing something to the table with their specific areas of expertise. For example, those with mental ill health issues being dealt with by medical professionals who are appropriately placed to do so. Rather than Police officers trying to do so to good effect but without the training and suitable resources.

“Doing what we do at the moment is just piling the pressure on officers and they are under considerable strain already.”

She says given the extra demands officers are expected to meet it’s no wonder that the stress and anxiety figures are so alarmingly high.

“It’s no surprise unfortunately,” she said, “but we just can’t afford officers to break, it’s not in anyone’s interest.

“There are lots of initiatives designed to help and support them, MIND and the Blue Light Campaign for example and also the force’s own Wellbeing initiative with its own champions.

“Ultimately the message to officers has to be, don’t be afraid to speak up if you have concerns or symptoms, not just about yourself but your colleagues too,” she added.

“Times have changed, feel confident coming forward and speaking out, you will be listened to and supported.”