A former police officer has spoken about the lasting trauma of attending tragic incidents, saying many officers have experiences that stay with them "forever". Linzi McLaren was speaking as new statistics show that more than 60% of police officers in Northern Ireland, who took long-term sick leave in the past year, cited mental health reasons. Figures obtained from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) via a Freedom of Information request, have also revealed that the number of officers who have taken leave over anxiety, depression and PTSD has risen in the past five years. The Police Federation of Northern Ireland said colleagues were "suffering" because of a lack of resources. Ms McLaren, a councillor who served in the PSNI for 18 years, said most officers "all have one or two incidents that they will remember forever". "I remember attending a suicide 20 years ago. Even now, driving home at night in the dark, if I'm in the car on my own and I look through the rear-view mirror, I can see him on the back seat," she said. "I remember one colleague who worked with the murder team for 30 years, and it never fazed him, every time he went to a scene no matter how graphic. "It was only when his own children became the ages of those victims that all of a sudden it had a huge impact on him." Ms McLaren said mental health had always been a major problem within the service, but attitudes towards support have only recently changed. "In days gone by, especially during the Troubles, you didn't go off sick with mental health," she said. "You maybe got a day [off] and your mates got you a bottle of whiskey." Ms McLaren said some colleagues have held back on admitting the extent of their struggles for fear of how it would affect their career. The PSNI defines long-term absence as officers who have been absent from work for 29 days or more, in one period. More than 1,700 officers took such an absence in 2024-25, more than 27% of the total police workforce. Of that number, 1,032 are on psychological sick leave. There has been a notable increase in the number of officers who took at least one day off work due to various mental health reasons. The number of officers who have left the PSNI directly after taking psychological sick leave has also risen. Figures also show that 218 officers left the organisation after a period of psychological sick leave in the latest financial year, compared to 74 in 2021-22. Ms McLaren said that these days PSNI officers were more willing to engage in discussions around mental health, but occupational health services were not able to keep up with demand. "Our occupational health is not an emergency service, and they remind us of that all the time," she said. "They [officers] have nightmares, they can't sleep, they've got anxiety or depression – and they go to occupational health services but maybe can't get an appointment for six months." Ms McLaren said more and more people were turning to private health care, but some felt it was not a sufficient option for them because the experience of dealing with various forms of trauma while working as an officer is so unique. "You are also tied to data protection, so you can't go and discuss the murder or suicide you just attended," she added. "You can't go home and discuss it with your partner or your children. "So there really is no other avenue or outlet to talk about what you've witnessed, apart from your colleagues." Early counselling is something Ms McLaren has been calling for. "For those officers that attend traumatic incidents, give them counselling at that time in a bid to stop them from deteriorating to the point that they can no longer work," she explained. The chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland, Liam Kelly, said the latest figures were "not in the least bit surprising". "[Officers] are doing more with less and without adequate resources from the devolved executive, these pressures will inevitably intensify," he said. "Colleagues with a number of conditions - some complex and long-term - are suffering because of both a lack of resources and a limited cadre of overburdened professionals capable of supporting and assisting them. "The situation is immensely challenging and this federation has been voicing serious concern at the lack of tangible and speedy progress." Clare Duffield, the PSNI's assistant chief officer for people and organisational development, said: "The rise in employee absence for mental health reasons is an issue affecting many employers and sectors. "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is no exception to this." She added the PSNI recognised that officers faced "considerable and unique challenges" in their careers and the organisation was "committed to continuously improving the range of health and wellbeing services and support" it offers.
NI police 'need support to deal with lasting trauma'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Concerns Rise Over Mental Health Support for Northern Ireland Police Officers"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Linzi McLaren, a former police officer and current councillor, has highlighted the significant and lasting trauma experienced by many police officers in Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to tragic incidents they have encountered during their service. Recent statistics reveal that over 60% of officers who took long-term sick leave in the past year cited mental health issues as the primary reason. This alarming trend includes a notable increase in absences related to anxiety, depression, and PTSD over the past five years. McLaren shared her personal experiences, emphasizing that many officers carry memories of distressing events throughout their careers. She recounted attending a suicide two decades ago, explaining how the trauma still affects her today. The statistics indicate that more than 1,700 officers were on long-term sick leave in 2024-25, with over 1,000 of those cases attributed to psychological issues, underscoring the urgent need for better mental health support within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The Police Federation of Northern Ireland has voiced concerns about the lack of resources available to support officers grappling with mental health challenges. Historically, there has been a stigma associated with taking time off for mental health reasons, with officers often feeling compelled to downplay their struggles for fear of career repercussions. McLaren noted that the PSNI's occupational health services are overwhelmed, unable to meet the rising demand for mental health support, often leaving officers waiting months for appointments. As a result, many officers are turning to private healthcare, which may not adequately address their unique experiences with trauma. McLaren advocates for early counseling for officers following traumatic incidents to prevent long-term psychological harm. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for increased resources and support for officers facing complex and long-term mental health conditions. Clare Duffield, assistant chief officer for people and organizational development at the PSNI, acknowledged the broader issue of mental health affecting various sectors and reiterated the organization's commitment to improving health and wellbeing support for its officers.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the ongoing mental health challenges faced by police officers in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues for the wellbeing of the officers and the communities they serve. By featuring personal accounts and statistics, the piece seeks to raise awareness about the psychological toll of police work, particularly in the context of traumatic experiences.
Purpose of the News Release
The primary intention behind this news release is to shed light on the mental health crisis within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). By presenting firsthand accounts from former officers, such as Linzi McLaren, the article aims to humanize the struggles faced by police personnel while advocating for better support systems and resources. This aligns with a broader societal shift towards recognizing mental health as a critical issue, particularly in high-stress professions.
Public Perception
The narrative constructed in the article may evoke sympathy and concern for police officers, potentially fostering a greater public understanding of their challenges. It prompts readers to consider the psychological impact of policing on individuals, which could lead to increased support for mental health initiatives and resources within the police force. The piece might also stimulate discussions about the need for systemic changes in how mental health is approached in law enforcement.
Omissions and Hidden Agendas
While the article highlights the struggles of officers, it does not delve deeply into broader systemic issues within the PSNI or the societal factors contributing to mental health crises among police. There may be an attempt to draw attention away from potential shortcomings in police practices or the need for comprehensive reform. This could indicate an underlying agenda to focus solely on individual officer experiences while neglecting institutional responsibilities.
Trustworthiness of the News
The article appears to be grounded in factual reporting, supported by statistics from the PSNI and personal testimonies. However, the selection of quotes and data may present a one-sided view, emphasizing the negative aspects of police work without acknowledging any potential positive developments or support systems that may already be in place. The manipulative potential lies in the emotional weight of the narratives presented, which could influence public opinion disproportionately.
Community Impact
The article could catalyze movements advocating for increased funding and resources for mental health support within the police force. This might result in policy changes at the governmental level and generate discussions about mental health in the broader community. Economically, a healthier police force could lead to a more stable environment, potentially benefiting local businesses and community trust.
Audience Engagement
The narrative primarily engages individuals and groups concerned about mental health issues, public safety, and the welfare of first responders. It may resonate more with communities that have experienced the impacts of policing firsthand and advocate for reform in law enforcement practices.
Potential Market Reactions
While this article may not directly influence stock markets or specific investments, it might impact companies involved in mental health services, support programs, and policing technologies. Investors and stakeholders may look for opportunities in sectors that provide solutions for mental health challenges in high-stress occupations.
Global Relevance
The discussion around police mental health is increasingly relevant in global contexts, especially in light of recent movements advocating for police reform and mental health awareness. The article fits into a larger narrative regarding the need for systemic change in how societies support their law enforcement personnel.
Use of AI in Writing
It is plausible that AI tools were employed to draft or refine the article, particularly in structuring the information and ensuring clarity. However, the emotional depth and personal anecdotes suggest that human input was crucial in conveying the gravity of the subject matter. If AI was involved, it may have influenced the tone to be more empathetic and engaging, aligning with the overall message of the piece.
Manipulative Aspects
There exists a degree of emotional manipulation within the article, primarily through the presentation of personal stories and the stark statistics on mental health. By focusing on the distressing experiences of officers, the article may inadvertently create a narrative that oversimplifies complex issues surrounding policing and mental health. This could lead to a skewed perception of the realities faced by law enforcement.
In conclusion, while the article provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by police officers in Northern Ireland, it is essential to approach it critically, considering the potential biases and omissions in the narrative.