Rise in Police Officers Taking Time Off for Mental Ill Health

21 July 2025

The City of London Police has seen a four-fold increase in the number of officers signed off work due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

In the financial year 2024-25, 69 City of London Police officers were signed off work for mental health reasons, up from 13 officers the previous year.

Across the UK, over 17,700 police officers were signed off for mental health reasons in the financial year 2024-25, which is 22% up on last year and a huge 182% higher than when Police Oracle first ran the survey 12 years ago. Of the 45 forces that provided figures both this year and last year, 33 reported an increased number of officers being signed off for mental ill health.

Suzanne Ferris, Secretary of the City of London Police Federation, said: “We are not surprised, but extremely saddened to see the alarming increase in officers suffering from mental health issues.”

Paul Williams, Wellbeing Lead of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said that the national figures were “very worrying”. He said: “Behind each mental health condition, you've got an individual who's going through incredible trauma, which has a significant impact not just on them, but on their family, marriage and career. It can be devastating.”

Paul said it was “a demonstration of the complexities of policing, a demonstration of the budget cuts over the past 15 years, and the lack of increase in pay for police officers. All this has contributed to an extreme rise in mental ill health within the police, and it's only going to keep rising if there's no intervention”.

A new 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789 has been launched by The National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo. It is staffed by expert counsellors to support those working in policing who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. It is confidential and completely independent – no information will be shared with the force, Occupational Health departments or line management.

Suzanne said: “This new crisis line is a very welcome addition from Oscar Kilo, but should not be seen as a replacement for good welfare support by the forces.”

She urged any officers who were struggling with their mental health to seek help from the Federation, force or other support services such as the Mental Health Crisis Line.