Stress, anxiety and depression affecting country’s cops

THOUSANDS of police officers are taking time off sick for stress, anxiety and depression – with harsh cuts to the service’s budget being blamed.

Figures show the number taking time off for these illnesses has increased over the past three years with staff associations warning officers could end up “burning out” because of huge workloads.

Results of a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association showed 3,589 officers from 26 forces in England and Wales took time off for the three conditions in 2012.

And the proportion rose from 3.1% in 2010 with 3,062 officers, to 3.2% in 2011 with 3,092, and then to 3.9% in 2012.

South Yorkshire Police were one of the forces that provided data.

Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said people taking time off for these illnesses was “on the rise” in the force.

He said that 11,000 official days were lost in the force in the last three years with police officers and staff taking time off for stress, anxiety and depression.

Mr Bowles added: “The solution is pretty hard to see. All we can say is it is getting worse… with lower officers and staff numbers but the same workload – or actually an increasing workload.”

Steve Williams Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, described the national figures as “very worrying.”

He added: “While the service is not at breaking point, officers are really feeling the pinch and the figures reveal the seriousness of what is happening on the ground. We need to take stock of that.

“It’s a sad indictment and reflection on the current situation in policing in this country. The cuts are having an effect.”

The number of officers working for the 26 forces that responded to the Press Association request fell from 98,801 in 2010 to 92,616 in 2012.

Tim Jackson, deputy secretary of the Police Superintendents’ Association, said the bulk of the cutbacks due to budget cuts were made between 2010 and 2012.

And the organisation, which represents superintendents and chief superintendents, has seen member numbers fall from 1,666 in 2010 to 1,280 now.

“I think we’re going to see people burning out more frequently,” Mr Jackson said. “I think we will see potentially mistakes being made.”

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Policing can be dangerous and stressful, so it is important Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables ensure officers absent through sickness get the appropriate support.

“Officers do a vital job and policing remains an attractive and well-paid career, with a pension that is among the best available. This is reflected by the fact that fewer officers leave their job compared to both public and private sector.”