Warning of surge in police on mental health sick leave

Shock report reveals 52% rise in cases

- By News Reporter

THERE has been a warning of a “growing mental health crisis” among Scottish police officers.

The claim comes as new figures show the numbers taking time off because of psychological issues rose by more than 50% over the last three years.

Earlier this year it was reported that the number of days taken off by police officers and staff suffering from mental ill health rose from 63,797 in 2019/20 to 96,509 in 2023/24, a 51.3% rise

The figures, obtained by Scottish Labour via a Freedom of Information request, show the number of officers off work because of anxiety, depression, stress or post-traumatic stress rose from 814 in 2021 to 1,236 in 2024.

That’s an increase of 52%.

The figures also show the number of officers taking time off grew each year over the period, with 1,024 in 2022 and 1,102 in 2023.

The party said the figures showed officers are at “breaking point” and called on the government to address the “mounting pressures” facing officers.