Policing at ‘breaking point’ as mental health absences soar by 50%
The number of working days lost to mental ill-health in Police Scotland has soared by more than 50 per cent over the past five years.
The crisis has contributed to a dire warning from the head of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) that “policing in Scotland is at a breaking point”.
Since 2019, officers and staff have taken a total of 440,630 days off due to psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress, according to new figures published in 1919 Magazine on Thursday (January 9).
The findings come amid growing concerns over rising levels of burnout, driven by falling numbers and increasing demands.
The number of days taken off by police officers and staff suffering mental ill-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.
Police Scotland said it is investing £17 million in a welfare package, including a 24/7 employee assistance programme.
And Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the force is receiving record funding to boost the front line.
Writing for 1919 Magazine, SPF general secretary David Kennedy said: “Mental health is a crisis that remains grossly under-addressed.
“Officers are routinely exposed to traumatic incidents, yet the support infrastructure to help them cope remains inadequate.
“Record numbers of officers have taken time off due to stress, anxiety, and PTSD. This is a stark warning sign.
“It is not enough to acknowledge the problem; we need real, tangible investment in mental health services for our officers.
“Peer support programs, access to counselling, and proactive measures must become priorities, not afterthoughts.”
He added: “The reality is that policing in Scotland is at a breaking point.
“Our officers are dedicated professionals who want to do their jobs and serve their communities, but they cannot do so without the tools, resources, and support they need.
“If action is not taken to address these issues, the consequences will be felt not just by the police service but by every community in Scotland.
“It is time for those in power to step up and make policing the priority it needs to be.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrats, who obtained the new statistics through a freedom of information request, urged ministers to do more to support officers and staff.
Lib Dem justice spokesperson Liam McArthur said: “This is a sad reflection of the many police officers and staff who feel overwhelmed and stretched dangerously thin.
“If ministers continue deprioritising provision for things like mental health, we could see many more officers and staff heading for the door.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Police officers and staff do an outstanding job and deserve all the support they need.
“Despite the previous UK Government’s financial settlement to the Scottish government, we invested record police funding of £1.55 billion this year – an increase of £92.7 million. Scotland continues to have more police officers per capita than England and Wales.
“Official statistics show that there were 16,427 officers at September 30 and the chief constable stated that she expected numbers to reach 16,600 in November.
“I welcome the chief constable’s commitment to workforce wellbeing and that police officers and staff can access a range of services to care for their psychological and physical needs through Police Scotland’s ‘Your Wellbeing Matters’ programme.”
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The chief constable has prioritised the health and wellbeing of our officers and staff, whose feedback was integral in agreeing a £17 million investment in enhanced welfare provisions.
“These include a new 24/7 employee assistance programme, direct access to occupational health services to support officers and staff on their journey back to health and work, and a greater focus on mental health.”