A new report on policing during the coronavirus pandemic has found more than three quarters of officers have experienced mental health or wellbeing difficulties in the last year.
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) report, which follows a survey of 12,471 rank and file police officers, shines a light on how the extra pressures created by the pandemic took a heavy emotional toll on members.
It found 69 per cent of all respondents linked “work-related difficulties” to their distress. Of these respondents, 58 per cent experienced work-related mental health and wellbeing difficulties and cited heavy workloads as a factor.
The survey also highlighted a gap between officers who sought help and those who chose not to, with just one in five respondents saying they asked for help.
A perceived stigma around declaring mental health or wellbeing issues within policing was also evident, with 41 per cent of those who had received help admitting they didn’t share this information with their line manager because they didn’t want to be treated differently in the workplace.
More positively, the results showed the police service was playing an increasing role in combating mental health issues and that proactive support services were having a constructive impact.
It found 71 per cent of those who sought help for mental health and wellbeing had disclosed this information to line managers, with 67 per cent claiming they were “adequately” supported by the police service after doing so.
A total of 74 per cent indicated they were aware of force provided support services, such as resilience training, mindfulness workshops, and mental health awareness programmes.
Officers who responded to the survey were asked about their awareness of national support initiatives within policing, with the Blue Light Programme by Mind, Oscar Kilo, and the Federation’s Welfare Support Programme the most recognisable.
Staffordshire Police Federation chair Phil Jones, who is also the branch wellbeing lead, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our members has always been our top priority. This survey has highlighted the impact policing the pandemic has had on frontline officers who have continued to show dedication, courage and professionalism throughout this unprecedented period.
“They should know there is no stigma attached to reaching out for help when they need it and that there is a wide range of support services open to them.
“These brave men and women are not alone and there is no need for any of them to struggle in silence.”
John Apter, national Federation chair, said: “The pandemic has put pressure on policing like never before. But while the negative impact on the mental health of police officers comes as no surprise, it should sound alarm bells.
“Police officers often feel as though their concerns are irrelevant. Policing and Government therefore must do much more to make sure they can more easily access the support they deserve.
“On a positive note, there is more mental health and wellbeing support available than ever before - and it’s clear from the evidence more officers are seeking support. But we need to remove the stigma around these issues. We have to ensure every officer knows where they can reach out and get support no matter what time of day or night they need it.
“The Police Covenant, which is currently going through Parliament, is the perfect opportunity to ensure that help and support is provided to officers. That’s why it is essential that what the covenant delivers is both tangible and meaningful.”
Read the report (External PDF)
