Dead bodies and mental health calls take their toll on stressed police officer
30.03.2022 - 03:03
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A stressed police response officer who has seen five dead bodies in the past four weeks has spoken out about the grim reality of the job - after an application for two days off "for a break from it all" was rejected.
The officer, who is based in the North West of England, said it was "no wonder police officers are leaving the job, breaking down mentally and physically". Taking to Twitter to "rant" to his 12,300 followers, @northwestcop said: "I've seen 5 dead bodies in four weeks.
"Talked a 19 year old down who had already cut her neck. Attended a male on male rape. First on scene to a bad stabbing, and dozens of mental health calls. I've just asked for two days off for a break from it all and my annual leave was rejected.
"No wonder police officers are leaving the job, breaking down mentally and physically. This will be happening to police officers every day up & down the country.
"Compare somebody who has my service on the same pay, but works 9-5 in an office. Who is the idiot for being frontline?"
The tweet was "liked" more than 4,000 times in the first 12 hours after it was posted - and the officer received hundreds of comments of support. Responding to one, the officer said: "I'll be fine, just ranting to 11 thousand people in my phone to get it out. Loads of anti police stuff again at present, showing that this is what the good ones who turn up every day are putting up with. 20,000 extra cops they say...."
Sharing the tweet Lee Broadbent, chair of the Greater Manchester Police federation, said: "Venting is a red flag for me. It’s how people respond when they feel no one is listening.
"Don’t know where you’re based, but reach out and speak to a local rep. If you don’t feel comfortable/confident to stay local DM