Merseyside's new Chief Constable - Mental Health support should be available to all officers
The new Chief Constable for Merseyside Police has told Radio City News that mental health support should be compulsory for all officers.
The new Chief Constable for Merseyside Police has told Radio City News that mental health support should be compulsory for all officers.
Andy Cooke is starting as the Force's top cop from today and takes over from Sir Jon Murphy - after six years in the job.
Chief Constable Cooke started his career with Merseyside Police in 1985. During the last 30 years he has worked his way up through the ranks and has served at every rank as a detective.
Speaking to Radio City ahead of his first day - Chief Constable Cooke said mental health is among his biggest priorities.
He said:
"We need to make sure they're properly looked after in the work place."
"We need to do all we can to ensure our workforce is in the right mind frame to do the job and that they're here because with less resource we need to make sure we have as many officers here as possible, we're very proud of our low sickness records and we need to maintain that."
"Being a police office it's a dangerous occupation and it can be stressful, you're dealing with people on the worst of times."
"We need to make sure they're properly looked after and fit to do the job."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy, said:
“Andy has wide experience of policing, is very well respected in the policing community and already holds a number of significant national roles including the Queen’s Police Medal."
"He clearly has the leadership qualities to take Merseyside Police forward and to continue to deliver the high quality of policing that people here on Merseyside expect and deserve."
“I look forward to working with Chief Constable Andy Cooke in the months and years ahead and wish him every success.”