Suffolk police face mental health delays
Police federation in county wants it can be upto 12 weeks
Police officers in Suffolk can wait up to 12 weeks for specialist mental health support after traumatic incidents, according to the county's Police Federation.
Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said officers are assessed quickly following traumatic events, but warned delays can occur when referrals are made for further support.
Mr Harris said, "It can be eight to 12 weeks before you even get a response out of the force medical department and that's too long."
"They shouldn't wait"
The Federation represents rank-and-file officers and staff and says demand for wellbeing services has increased significantly in recent years.
Mr Harris praised the support structures currently available within Suffolk Police but said existing provision was struggling to keep up with demand.
"We are fortunate in Suffolk that we do have a good provision for mental health," he said.
"It's sadly oversubscribed. Waiting times are long. So there needs to be more investment in that."
He explained that officers involved in traumatic incidents are initially assessed through a process known as TRIM, which helps identify those who may require further support.
However, he said the delay often comes after that initial assessment has taken place.
"The referral is too long to get," he said.
"It can be eight to 12 weeks before you even get a response."
Asked whether officers should be waiting that length of time for support, Mr Harris replied: "Absolutely not. They shouldn't wait."
"They shouldn't have to go into primary care for what is an occupational issue"
The Federation believes demand is being driven by both current pressures within policing and the legacy of years in which wellbeing support was less widely available.
Mr Harris said: "The demand is just too much."
He added that newer recruits have benefited from support services that many longer-serving officers did not have access to earlier in their careers.
The Federation also highlighted concerns about capacity within occupational health services, noting that Suffolk and Norfolk Police share a force doctor and that specialist psychological support is delivered by a small number of practitioners.
Mr Harris said officers dealing with work-related trauma should not have to rely on already stretched NHS services.
"You could argue that they shouldn't have to go into primary care for what is an occupational issue," he said.
Suffolk Police has been approached for comment regarding waiting times and the provision of mental health support for officers.