Chamber and committees

That is helpful. I will put this question to David Threadgold and ACC Gary Ritchie. It is on the same theme. We have heard before about the relentless nature of policing and that, because of your budgetary pressures, officers get their leave cancelled at the last minute—I cannot imagine what the reaction to that would be in most professions—to provide a front-line service to keep people safe.

I will perhaps put this to David Threadgold. On the day-and-daily stuff, when someone has perhaps not reached the level of feeling that they have a mental health problem, should there be earlier interventions to address officers perhaps not coping with the pressures on shift patterns?

Likewise, Collette.

The committee acknowledges the severe pressures but, as David Threadgold said, the issue is the relentless nature of the job, which is unlike most jobs. Police officers are on the front line and were especially so during the pandemic, resources are stretched and police are the call of last resort. I am very alive to that.

We have heard evidence from officers in specialist and undercover units. One officer said that he was well past period—I think that it is five years but do not quote me on that—and did not realise that he was not coping. Perhaps Fiona McQueen could answer. I am just being general about the matter and making the same point. We urgently need to take a systematic approach. That officer had never had an automated intervention and did not realise until he had served seven years under cover that he needed some mental health support.

Okay—but do you think that is a fair question to ask somebody who could answer it?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. You might not be able to answer this, but, if the political parties in Northern Ireland and the Scottish Government have some issues with the way in which the legislation is framed—albeit there has been some change—what is the driving force behind the bill, if not the parties in Northern Ireland? Has it come purely from the UK Government? It seems odd. Usually, there would be a campaign somewhere behind such a measure that had been pushing the Government to do something.

I agree with that. On the new offence that will cover Scotland on encouraging or assisting serious self-harm, I do not know the background to that particular clause, but there was a very concerning case about self-harm on social media. Would that be an example of something that we would want to address?

Oh, sorry—have I?

Yes.

I am confused, because I was expecting to see Maree Todd speak to the item. I am sorry.

So, that concern is still there.