In 2024, from January to September, 38 police personnel in Tamil Nadu have tragically lost their lives due to cardiac arrest. This statistic highlights the serious health challenges faced by police officers, who are often subjected to continuous work, night shifts, and stressful working conditions. Addressing these issues requires an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to both physical and mental health problems in the police force.
Challenges in the Police Department
The Tamil Nadu Police Department consists of 978 DSPs (Deputy Superintendents of Police), 3,361 Inspectors, and 11,375 Sub-Inspectors, along with a total of 133,892 personnel. These officers work tirelessly, often under challenging circumstances, to ensure public safety. However, they face various issues, including manpower shortages, continuous security duties, irregular work hours, and high levels of stress. Such conditions lead to severe physical and mental health challenges not only for the officers but also for their families.
Impact on Physical Health
Due to the demanding nature of their jobs, police officers are often exposed to extreme physical strain, leading to health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. Many officers, especially those over the age of 40, experience a significant decline in their health. Although the government conducts regular health check-ups, including ‘Master Health Checkups,’ to monitor and address these concerns, the problem persists, indicating that stress remains a significant contributing factor.
Mortality Statistics
From January to September 2024 alone, 38 officers have died due to heart attacks. In addition, 34 more have died by suicide during the same period. These deaths point to the severe stress that police officers experience, exacerbated by work conditions, family issues, long hours, and insufficient health monitoring.
Looking at the past data, 337 police personnel died in 2020, 414 in 2021, and 283 in 2022. In 2023, 313 officers lost their lives. This shows that, on average, more than 20 deaths were recorded each month over the years, highlighting an ongoing issue within the department.
Heart Attacks – Causes and Solutions
Heart attacks are often caused by factors such as high stress, poor diet, and lack of adequate rest. Due to their continuous duty schedules, police personnel may not follow a healthy diet and often skip meals or rely on fast food. Additionally, irregular hours mean they don’t get enough rest or engage in regular physical exercise, leading to issues like obesity, hypertension, and heart disease.
Suicide, Health Issues, and Cancer
There has been an increase in suicides within the police force, prompting the government to implement various programs aimed at improving mental health, such as ‘Anandam’ and happiness initiatives. Despite these efforts, there has been a limited impact because the root cause—the demanding nature of police work—remains largely unchanged. With 34 suicides recorded this year, it is evident that immediate and effective solutions are essential to addressing the underlying issues.
In September 2024 alone, 28 police officers died. Specifically, 3 died of cardiac arrest, 3 in accidents, 5 by suicide, 5 from cancer, and 12 due to other health complications. Although the number of deaths decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since increased post-pandemic, suggesting the return of chronic stress-related issues.
Necessary Precautions for the Future
To improve the overall well-being of police officers, structural changes in the organization and personalized health care programs are necessary. Introducing stress-relief measures during working hours, implementing regulated work shifts, and ensuring mandatory weekly rest could significantly help reduce stress. Additionally, promoting healthier eating habits, physical exercises, and regular health check-ups should be made a part of their routine.
Efforts to improve the welfare of police officers will not only enhance their physical and mental well-being but will also positively impact the safety and security of the community. Supporting the health of those who dedicate their lives to public safety is crucial to ensuring a strong and effective police force.
