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.

Essex Police did not respond to the request.

However Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “We know that officers are taking off because they are burned out. Essex Police stress related sickness is going through the roof.

“Stress is going up because of the workload faced by frontline officers, a lack of officers and not being able to take annual leave or time office.

“We are chasing the force’s occupational health department for the exact figures on stress related illness.”

He added: “There is sadly no quick fix. We need to speak to officers who are going off with stress and try to find out the causes. And as we have said before, perhaps we need to stop doing certain things to bring officer workloads down.

“Other agencies need to pick up their workload, rather than passing it on to us.”

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.”