Ex-Thames Valley Police chief's mental health support warning

July 30, 2026 - 02:49

A former chief of Thames Valley Police has raised concerns about the state of mental health support within the force, following a surge in officers taking time off due to psychological distress. The warning comes after internal data revealed that hundreds of police personnel have been absent from duty with mental health-related conditions in recent months.

The retired chief, who served for over three decades, described the situation as a "crisis point" that demands immediate attention. He emphasized that frontline officers are increasingly exposed to traumatic incidents, from fatal road accidents to violent domestic disputes, without adequate follow-up care. "We are asking these men and women to deal with the worst of humanity, and then we send them back out the next day as if nothing happened," he said.

The comments highlight a broader trend across UK policing, where stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder have become leading causes of long-term sick leave. The former chief argued that while the force has introduced wellness programs, they often lack the depth needed for serious cases. "A mindfulness app is not going to help an officer who has just pulled a child from a river," he added.

He called for a mandatory, confidential counseling system and a reduction in shift pressures to allow recovery time. Without such changes, he warned, the force risks losing experienced officers to burnout. The Thames Valley Police has acknowledged the issue and stated it is reviewing its mental health provisions, though no new policies have been announced yet.