West Midlands Police officers take 41,000 days off in one year due to mental illness
Police officers have taken more than 40,000 calendar days off due to mental health issues last year, it has been revealed.
Figures from a Freedom of Information request showed 628 West Midlands Police officers took a combined 41,704 days off in 2018/2019 due to psychological issues - roughly 66 days per officer and 114 years in total.
It comes as campaigners called for more investment into mental health services for the emergency service, branding the figures a “mental health emergency”.
A total of 15,906 days were taken off due to anxiety, 4,624 for depression, 499 for other mental disorders, 19,275 for stress, and 1,400 for post-traumatic stress.
Police bosses say supportive measures have been introduced in a bid to help officers do the challenging work.
Chris Thurley, assistant director of business partnering, said: “West Midlands Police has a committed workforce and we know the majority of officers, PCSOs, and police staff have excellent levels of attendance and continue to work to the highest standards.
“Our officers and PCSOs hold inherently challenging roles many of which carry considerable risk and over the last 12 months over a third of our workforce has had no absence.
“Various supportive measures are in place including counselling support for those dealing with traumatic incidents, a physiotherapy service, general health checks and a 24/7 wellbeing service.
“The force also has a robust approach to dealing with cases of absence - as well as appropriate interventions and support where necessary - and we will continue to work with our staff to resolve any issues."
Liberal Democrat campaigners in Wolverhampton, who released the data, say budget cuts have led to the issue, with 253 officers taking a combined 15,461 days off back in 2010.
Campaigner Nick Machnik-Foster said: “The boys and girls in blue put their lives on the line every day to keep the public safe. It is time we repay that debt and invest more money in mental health services for our cops.
"As police number and budgets have been squeezed we have seen over a colossal rise in sick days. We have a mental health emergency in the police.
"As they run towards danger as many of us run the other way they have no idea what they will face. The toll it must put on them and their families must be extraordinary.
“It is crucial to ensure that all those who protect us, front-line officers and PCSOs, every day receive the ongoing and proper support they need."
