Police sick days due to psychological issues doubled

Figures released today reveal the growing problem of absence caused by issues relating to mental health.

Last year more than 7,000 sick days were taken by police officers in the West Mercia force due to psychological issues.

That compares to less than 3,500 sick days taken in 2010/11 – when there were around 200 extra officers on the streets of the region.

The number of sick days taken by police officers through physical illness or injury also rose by more than 1,000 days in the same time period.

Long term sickness through mental health issues doubled and those off sick for more than a month through physical illness rose by a third.

The figures, from a Freedom of Information request, come as one senior detective in the West Midlands claimed some officers were being pushed to suicide because of workload.

The number of full-time officers in West Mercia has dropped from 2,232 in 2010.11 to 2,055 in 2016/17. Detective Inspector Warren Hines, of neighbouring West Midlands Police, claimed cuts in numbers was putting a huge strain on staff across the region.

West Mercia Police Chief Superintendent Charles Hill, said: "We are firmly committed to supporting our officers, staff and volunteers, both mentally and physically in their demanding jobs and we have put in place a number of initiatives to better support our workforce.

“We have improved our occupational health services to further support staff with health problems and have set up a range of support services and staff networks. Members of our workforce now have access to a confidential 24/7 helpline and this work is all carried out alongside our ongoing collaboration with the Mind charity Blue Light Campaign Pledge.

“In addition to this we encourage people to take part in different activities to promote their mental and physical health and to help give them the skills to recognise when they, or one of their colleagues, might need help.”