Hundreds of police off sick with mental health issues

The Police Federation said it was working Thames Valley Police to review welfare services

Mental health issues resulted in 627 Thames Valley Police officers being signed off work last year.

A Freedom of Information request found the officers were absent due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Aileen O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said she was not shocked by the figures, adding: "These numbers will continue to rise if forces don't properly address this."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the force was "committed to providing the right support at the right time".

Figures collated from across the UK found more than 17,700 police officers were signed off for mental health reasons in the financial year of 2024-25.

The federation explained this was up 22% from the previous year after gathering figures from 45 forces.

Aileen O'Connor is chair of the Thames Valley Police Federation

Of those, 33 reported an increased number of officers being signed off for mental ill health.

Ms O'Connor said the federation was in the process of reviewing Thames Valley Police's welfare and wellbeing services.

"I believe we do have gaps in this arena which I'm keen to work with the force to address," she said.

'Staff support networks'

However, she said she was encouraged by the introduction of a new mental health crisis line for police officers and staff.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it recognised that policing was a "demanding and often emotionally challenging profession".

"Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our officers is a priority, and we are committed to providing the right support at the right time," a spokesperson said.

"Officers have access to a wide range of services, including occupational health, post-incident trauma support, staff support networks, mentoring, line manager and tutor support, and our multi-faith chaplaincy.

"We continue to invest in these resources to ensure they meet the needs of our workforce."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of all our police and are working closely with police leaders and staff associations, including the Police Federation, to support this.

"The launch of the new mental health crisis support line by the National Police Wellbeing Service is a vital step forward, ensuring officers and staff have access to immediate, confidential help when they need it most."