The Police Federation says the high stress level of the job is causing several officers to consider suicide.
A number of ‘vulnerable and at risk’ officers have been identified by the Welfare Support Programme, which was set up by the Police Firearms Officers’ Association and the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
Currently, out of 230 people registered on the scheme, a staggering 148 are being carefully monitored for their own health and wellbeing.
“Obviously, these are the most serious cases, but we are seeing a definite increase in the number of police officers suffering from severe mental health issues. There are now more than 230 people on our programme, from a starting point of just two last summer. Each month we are seeing an increase in calls and referrals and there now 32 forces with officers registered plus the Ministry of Defence Police,” said Che Donald, PFEW’s mental health lead.
“The scheme is literally a lifeline for those who are down, feeling isolated and considered at risk, having been through a traumatic episode or some other reason. We have been involved with officers who have gone missing and were considered high suicide risks. In other cases, we have been able to step in when there was no force welfare support or the NHS was unable to help."
The statistics were released after mental health charity Mind revealed that an online poll of emergency service personnel showed there was a high incidence of suicidal thoughts among ‘Blue Light’ staff and volunteers in England and Wales.
Jim Mallen, chairman of Bedfordshire Police Federation, said: “ It is no surprise that since the cuts have come in more and more officers are suffering from mental health illnesses.
“Our officers are working in highly stressful, fast-moving environments and are exposed to horrific situations which take their toll. Add that to a reduction of 17,000 officers since 2010, a demand that has not decreased and increases in crime, the pressure and stressors placed on our police officers are unprecedented today.”
The Mind survey also revealed that:
- Five per cent of the staff and volunteers from police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services polled had made an actual attempt to take their own lives
- 41 per cent had been prescribed medication
- More than 92 per cent suffered from stress, low mood and mental health issues at some point
- And this made nearly two thirds of them think about leaving their jobs.
Che said: “… more needs to be spent to support the increasing numbers of emergency service workers who devote their lives to helping the public – and end up being signed off sick as a result. Police forces have a duty of care to their officers, however, with their budgets severely slashed, the bill for mental health care provision too often ends up unpaid.”
If you feel you need support, please contact the Bedfordshire Police Federation office or your workforce representatives.
