FEARS have been raised over the impact of stress on police as an increasing number of officers buckle under the increasing pressure.

Figures show that 370 Thames Valley Police officers took time off work last year as a result of post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or other mental health issues.

Meanwhile, the number of officers across the country taking time off as a result of mental health issues has increased by 55 per cent over the past six years.

Officers working in the Thames Valley have linked the figures to cuts to resources and officer numbers coupled with rising levels of crime.

Chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation Craig O'Leary has said more and more officers are suffering as a result of the pressures of austerity.

He said: “There are fewer of us out there on the streets now and yet demand has increased, it’s placing a strain.

“And unfortunately, and not surprisingly, some officers are buckling under that strain – it’s a perfect storm of the consequences of austerity – police forces are having to tighten their belts and maybe things like officer welfare gets looked at as part of budget cuts.”

The force has seen a reduction of 300 officers in the past eight years and continues to face problems with retaining officers.

Meanwhile, most forms of crime continues to rise.

Overall crime levels reported to TVP increased by 8.7 per cent in 2017/18, with 149.875 reported crimes.

During the same period, TVP answered more than 290,000 emergency (999) calls and 980,000 non-emergency (101) calls.

More than 31,000 people were arrested by the force, of which 11,000 were charged.

Based on the latest available figures, this compares to a national increase of 15 per cent.

PC O'Leary is determined that officers who are struggling under the weight of their duties won’t be left behind.

He said that it was something everyone in the service had to consider and take responsibility for - offering a network of support for those officers experiencing problems.

He said: “It’s all of our responsibility. We all, the Federation, the force, other staff associations, need to look after these officers.

“For the officers too – they need to know that doing nothing is not an option, seek help as there are options out there.”

There is a wide range of support available to officers struggling with mental health issues, in addition to services available to the general public.

Support available for officers working in the Thames Valley includes The Employee Assistance Programme and, for Federation group insurance members, Red Arc counselling services.

For more information about assistance available through the federation see tvpfed.org/