How many sick days did Met Police officers take for mental health reasons?

Metropolitan Police officers took over 133,000 sick days due to mental health issues.

What causes poor mental health among Met Police officers?

High workloads, poor work-life balance, and exposure to trauma are cited as primary causes for declining mental health among Met Police officers.

What is the trend in police mental health absences across the UK?

Across the UK, police mental health absences have risen significantly, with a 22% increase in 2024-25 and a 182% rise over the past 12 years.

Home / Crime and Justice / Met Police Officers: Mental Health Crisis Revealed

Met Police Officers: Mental Health Crisis Revealed

3 Feb

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Summary

Over 133,000 sick days taken by Met Police officers for mental health.
Workloads and trauma are blamed by staff for declining mental health.
Ex-officer sues for £1 million, citing trauma from child abuse cases.

Met Police Officers: Mental Health Crisis Revealed

Metropolitan Police officers have accumulated over 133,000 mental health-related sick days, averaging more than two months per officer. Many absences lasted longer than 28 days, with stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma being significant contributors. This situation has led to an ex-officer suing for £1 million, claiming a phobia of police stations developed after repeated exposure to traumatic child abuse scenes.

The Metropolitan Police Federation Chair stated that current support provisions are inadequate for the average of 400-600 traumatic events officers encounter. Concerns were raised about the lack of regular screening, trauma training, and sufficient support, leading to officers considering suicide and leaving the force, which in turn increases the workload for remaining staff.