Mental health-related sick days in Police Scotland have surged, raising alarms about officer wellbeing and service capacity
Edinburgh: The situation in Police Scotland is getting pretty serious. Sick days due to mental health issues have jumped over 50% in just five years. That’s a lot of time off for officers dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Since 2019, nearly 441,000 days have been lost to these issues. The numbers are alarming, especially with the growing demands on the police and fewer officers to handle them. It’s like a perfect storm brewing.
To put it in perspective, the days off for mental health went from about 63,800 in 2019/20 to nearly 96,500 in 2023/24. And this year alone, over 52,000 days have already been taken off. It’s a clear sign that something needs to change.
David Kennedy, the head of the Scottish Police Federation, has raised the alarm, saying policing in Scotland is at a breaking point. He pointed out that officers face traumatic situations regularly, but the support they get just isn’t enough.
He stressed that it’s not just about recognizing the problem; real investment in mental health services is crucial. Things like peer support programs and counseling need to be priorities, not just afterthoughts.
David also mentioned that if nothing changes, the impact will be felt across all communities in Scotland. Officers want to do their jobs well, but they need the right tools and support to make that happen.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling for more support for the police. Liam McArthur, their justice spokesperson, highlighted how many officers feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. If the government doesn’t step up, we might see even more officers leaving.
On a positive note, the police force is investing £17 million in a welfare package, which includes a 24/7 employee assistance program. Justice Secretary Angela Constance mentioned that they’re boosting funding for the police, which is a step in the right direction.
She pointed out that Scotland has more police officers per capita than England and Wales, and the numbers are expected to rise. The Chief Constable is committed to ensuring officers have access to services that support their wellbeing.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs added that the health and wellbeing of officers is a top priority. They’re focusing on mental health and have invested in enhanced welfare provisions to help officers get back on track.
It’s clear that while there are challenges, there’s also a push for better support for those who serve and protect our communities.
