Stress blamed as 260 police officers signed off

Hundreds of Humberside Police officers have been signed off work due to mental health issues over the past year, according to statistics.

Data released under a freedom of information request showed 260 had taken time off because of stress, depression, anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Humberside Police Federation, which represents officers, said the demands on those in some departments were "overwhelming" and "at times cannot be sustained".

Humberside Police said staff had access to dedicated support teams, advice and services such as health screenings and wellbeing dogs.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: "It is of utmost importance we do everything we can to support wellbeing, physically, mentally, personally, and professionally.

"It remains our priority to help prevent and reduce stress and mental ill health in staff wherever we can and deliver effective services to protect our communities.

"Good mental health is embedded within our organisational culture."

The federation said the statistics had "not come as a shock" and said the demands of the job were putting pressure on front-line officers.

Lee Sims, who chairs the federation, said: "Mental health issues for serving police officers are a real concern.

"The recent pay and morale survey showed 53% of respondents find their job very or extremely stressful and 68% said their workload has been too high.

"Officers witness and deal with horrific incidents on a daily basis, and the demand on them is always increasing.

"They will constantly rise to the challenges they face, however like anyone else they can only take so much, and everyone has their breaking point."

The federation claimed it had asked the force to conduct mental health screenings for officers moving into jobs which involve "high emotional and psychological trauma".

Mr Marshall said Humberside Police had occupational and psychological health teams, regular visits from a "wellbeing wagon", and qualified trauma risk management practitioners, "who undertake assessments following traumatic incidents".

According to the statistics, gathered under the Freedom of Information Act from 43 forces across the country, the number of officers taking leave was 14,500 in the 2023-24 financial year, up by 9% on the previous 12 months and by 130% since the survey was first conducted 11 years ago.

Andy Rhodes, the wellbeing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said officers faced "incredibly challenging and hostile situations".

He added: "Stressful, fast-paced situations and repeat exposure to trauma can affect officers and many police staff in a number of ways, which is why we are committed to supporting the psychological wellbeing of our people."

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