COPS' MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Force staff take 441,000 sick days over 5 years

- RUTH SUTER

POLICING in Scotland is at "breaking point" with a 50 per cent rise in officers taking sick leave due to mental health in the past five years.

New figures, published by justice magazine 1919, show officers and staff have taken nearly 441,000 days off due to psychological disorders including anxiety, stress, and depression.

The stats come amid growing concerns over rising levels of burnout among the workforce driven by falling numbers and increasing demands.

The number of days taken off by employees suffering poor mental health rose from 63,797 in 2019-20 to 96,509 in 2023-24 - an increase of 51.3 per cent. In 2024-25 so far, between April and September, 52,432 days have already been lost due to mental health issues.