Growing mental health crisis among Scottish police officers, Labour warns

Labour has warned of a “growing mental health crisis” among Scottish police officers, as figures show the number of officers taking time off because of psychological issues rose by more than 50% over the last three years.

The figures, obtained by the party 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, 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.

Scottish Labour Justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said: “It’s clear police in Scotland are at breaking point after years of SNP mismanagement and neglect.

“We owe it to police officers to ensure they have the support they need while they work to keep our communities safe, but it’s clear that is not the case under the SNP.

“The SNP has let police officer numbers collapse over the last five years, piling pressure on remaining officers and threatening to undermine public safety.

“The SNP must wake up to this growing mental health crisis and work with Police Scotland to support officers struggling with stress, trauma or poor mental health.

“Dealing with this crisis is vital to keeping police officers in work and on duty at a time when we need visible officers in communities.

“Police officers cannot keep bearing the brunt of SNP failure – more must be done to support police and the vital work they do.”

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

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The health and welfare of our officers and staff remains one of Police Scotland’s highest priorities with enhanced provisions from both our Employee Assistance and Your Wellbeing Matters programmes.

“This will be further enhanced through the implementation of our new HR structure with increased resource within our Health and Wellbeing team.

“We also have a range of mechanisms in place to support our employees who are absent from work for any reason.

“We continue to work with our occupational health provider to support police officers and staff in their journey back to health and, subsequently, to work.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Police officers and staff do a challenging job and we have welcomed the Chief Constable’s commitment to workforce wellbeing.

“Staff and officers can access a range of services to support their physical and mental wellbeing.

“This includes access to a 24/7 employee assistance programme, and direct access to occupational health services.

“We are investing a record £1.64bn for policing in 2025-26, an increase of £90m on 2024-25, and Police Scotland took on more recruits in 2024-25 than at any time since 2013, with more intakes planned this year.”