I am writing in response to the recent article (News Shopper, January 23) in which concern was expressed at the sickness levels among police officers and civil servants employed by Bromley Police, particularly the number of days sickness in September and October 2001.

Detailed below is a breakdown of sickness levels for both police officers and civilian staff during the period September 2001 to January 2002:

September 2001 862 days

October 2001 1,010 days

November 2001 885 days

December 2001 713 days

January 2002 701 days

As can be seen, there has been a significant reduction in sickness levels since October. Comparing the sickness levels for police officers during this period (September 2001 to January 2002) against the same period 12 months earlier (September 2000 to January 2001), the number of days has reduced from 3,660 to 2,989, a reduction of 671 days.

Of the 2,989 days, 813 days have been as a result of injuries sustained on duty, which represents 27 per cent.

I assure you attendance management is an important issue by Bromley Borough Police and a framework has been established for managers sickness absence effectively.

David Dillnutt

Chief Superintendent

Borough Commander