27 January 2024 , 20:45
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Police officers are being driven to drink and drugs by the stresses of the job, experts warn.
A third are classed as heavy drinkers while at least one a month loses their job due to drug-taking. The problem is so bad that from this week addicts get free support in a Police Federation partnership with rehab sites Help 4 Addiction and Rehubs. Officers will be able to join an online rehab programme of video courses.
Help 4 Addiction’s founder Nicholas Conn is a former officer who quit in 2009 over a cocaine habit. He told us: “It’s stressful at the best of times. You face harrowing and very difficult challenges. And there is a real fear in saying, ‘I have a problem’. So it has been great to offer something of use and confidential, which is now available to every officer in the country. They just need the app and to get in touch with the Police Federation.”
Serving and ex-officers blame Government cuts for making things harder. Former Met detective Peter Bleksley said: “Front-line officers face more stress and challenges than ever. Part of that is due to cuts, low officer numbers and greater demand as a result of decisions made by the Government. Police officers have the same flaws as anybody. Addiction and issues around alcohol, drugs and gam-bling will mean they are no different.”
The Police Federation said: “Policing is a demanding profession. It is no surprise some as a result may struggle with addiction.” Last March, the Met axed a drunk detective found asleep at his desk 10 times the “fit for duty” limit.
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In December, Merseyside Police sacked PC Laura Bailey for turning up “smelling of alcohol”. The same month, Met PC Bryson Kisten was sacked after crashing an unmarked car while over the drink-drive limit. The Home Office said: “We understand policing is a demanding role, which is why we introduced the Police Covenant. We also continue to fund the National Police Wellbeing Service and will provide additional funding to establish a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line.”