Police Scotland has seen a significant loss of over one million working days due to staff absences since 2020, according to recent data. Out of the total 1,020,930 working days lost, a quarter of them were attributed to officers dealing with psychological disorders. This high rate of absences has put a strain on the remaining officers, leading to a cycle of increased stress and illness among the workforce.
Scottish Conservatives justice spokesperson Liam Kerr criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP) for failing to adequately support the police force, calling the figures “eye-watering.” He highlighted the impact of budget cuts on officers, stating that they are facing challenges due to lack of resources and support.
The decrease in police officer numbers in Scotland to the lowest level since 2007 has further exacerbated the situation. While there was a recent recruitment of 250 new officers, the overall trend is concerning. The Scottish Government defended its position, citing financial constraints but also acknowledging the need to address the well-being of police officers.
In response to the challenges faced by Police Scotland, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of officers and staff. Measures such as investing in enhanced welfare provisions, providing access to mental health services, and focusing on officer numbers have been put in place to improve the situation.
Despite the ongoing issues with staff absences and the overall decline in officer numbers, there is a commitment from Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to address these concerns. By investing in well-being initiatives and increasing officer recruitment, efforts are being made to support the police force and ensure they can effectively carry out their duties. The hope is to see improvements in staff well-being and officer numbers in the coming months.
