Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has welcomed a further substantial reduction in the level of staff sickness absence across the Isle of Man Constabulary.
Figures for 2013-14 show a 16% drop in the number of days lost per officer, compared with the previous policing year.
Absence resulting from stress-related illness, accidents and assaults decreased significantly during the reporting period (1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014), according to the statistics contained in the Chief Constable’s Annual Report.
A total of 1,426 working days were lost to sickness absence, which equates to 2.72% - down from 1,695.5 (3.33%) during 2012-13.
Long-term sickness accounts for 59% of the overall figure, virtually identical to the previous 12 months, while only 0.2% of absence is attributable to accidents and assaults on duty, compared with 7.4% in 2012-13.
Minister Watterson said:
‘The latest figures are very encouraging and counter the myths and misconceptions that police officers are frequently off sick. In reality, sickness levels across the Constabulary are at a very low level indeed. This is commendable and in practical terms the continued improvement equates to greater efficiencies and cost savings.’
He added:
‘The 16% decrease achieved in 2013-14 is particularly impressive in that it occurred against a backdrop of reducing police numbers, as the Constabulary continued its reorganisation in line with budget challenges. Changes have recently been introduced which are aimed at making the police even more effective in their efforts to safeguard the local community and protect vulnerable people.’
The Chief Constable’s annual report also highlights a reduction in the number of complaints against the police, from 23 in 2012-13 to 18 in 2013-14.
Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘
At a conservative estimate, police officers in the Island have between 250,000 and 300,000 interactions with members of the public on an annual basis. The fact that less than 0.01% of that contact leads to a formal complaint is noteworthy. Officers here have high personal and professional standards and care deeply about the communities they serve.’
