Latest news with #AileenOConnor
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hundreds of Thames Valley Police off sick with mental health issues
Mental health issues resulted in 627 Thames Valley Police officers being signed off work last year. A Freedom of Information request found the officers were absent due to stress, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Aileen O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said she was not shocked by the figures, adding: "These numbers will continue to rise if forces don't properly address this."A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the force was "committed to providing the right support at the right time". Figures collated from across the UK found more than 17,700 police officers were signed off for mental health reasons in the financial year of 2024-25. The federation explained this was up 22% from the previous year after gathering figures from 45 those, 33 reported an increased number of officers being signed off for mental ill O'Connor said the federation was in the process of reviewing Thames Valley Police's welfare and wellbeing services."I believe we do have gaps in this arena which I'm keen to work with the force to address," she said. 'Staff support networks' However, she said she was encouraged by the introduction of a new mental health crisis line for police officers and staff. In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it recognised that policing was a "demanding and often emotionally challenging profession". "Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our officers is a priority, and we are committed to providing the right support at the right time," a spokesperson said."Officers have access to a wide range of services, including occupational health, post-incident trauma support, staff support networks, mentoring, line manager and tutor support, and our multi-faith chaplaincy. "We continue to invest in these resources to ensure they meet the needs of our workforce."The Home Office has also been approached for comment. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Police officers 'struggling', Thames Valley federation says
The chair of a regional police federation has said officers are "struggling financially" after a Freedom of Information request revealed thousands of officers across the country were working second data showed more than 4,000 officers were approved for secondary employment in 2024, double the number recorded in O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said officers "need to be remunerated properly" for their Valley Police said the wellbeing of its officers was a "top priority". The force added that it "recognises the concern among officers regarding pay".The federation said police pay has fallen by 21% in real terms since 2010, leaving many officers "feeling they have no choice but to seek additional income".Thames Valley Police said it was unable to provide figures for how many officers had taken on extra work. 'Under more scrutiny' Ms O'Connor said the data showed "how significantly officers are struggling financially at a time when the service is already at breaking point"."Officers' workloads are increasing, performance targets are high, and officers are under more scrutiny now than before," she warned that public safety "could be affected if officers are not properly paid and rested"."Officers attend more traumatic incidents now more than ever, the demand on the frontline is increasing by the day," she said."This rest time allows them to look after their wellbeing, which is key for their long-term mental health."Brian Booth, the acting deputy chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), which requested the job figures, said police officers were "overworked, underpaid and under threat"."They should not have to finish a shift protecting the public and then work a second job just to pay their bills," he added. In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it offered a "range of financial wellbeing services and information to support our colleagues".It said this included access to financial assistance and education."Officers and staff are allowed to generate additional income, as long as it does not present a conflict of interests or impact their health, wellbeing or performance," the force Home Office declined a BBC request to comment. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
