Leonard T. Koonce 
A stressed police response officer who witnessed five dead bodies in four weeks has spoken of the grim reality of the job – after his request for two days off ‘for a break from everything’ was denied.
The officer, who is based in the North West of England, said it was ‘no wonder the police are leaving their jobs, collapsing mentally and physically’. Taking to Twitter to ‘rant’ to his 12,300 followers, @northwestcop said: ‘I’ve seen 5 dead bodies in four weeks.
“I spoke to a 19-year-old who had already cut her neck. I witnessed a rape in a man’s home. First on the scene for a bad stabbing and dozens of mental health calls I just requested two days off to take a break from everything and my annual leave was denied.
“No wonder police officers are quitting their jobs, breaking down mentally and physically. It will happen to police officers every day across the country.
“Compare someone who has my service with the same salary, but who works from 9am to 5pm in an office. Who is the fool to be on the front line?”
The tweet was “liked over 4,000 times in the first 12 hours after it was posted – and the officer received hundreds of supportive comments”. Responding to one, the officer said: “I’ll be fine, I’m just ranting to 11,000 people into my phone to get it out. Loads of anti-cop stuff still right now, showing that’s what the good guys who show up every 20,000 extra cops they say…”
Sharing the Lee tweet Broadbent, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “Ventilation is a red flag for me. It’s the way people react when they feel no one is listening.
“I don’t know where you are based, but reach out and speak to a local rep. If you don’t feel comfortable/confident staying local, reach out to me. I’ve followed your path. I have scars. I’ll do my best to help you.”
And @CopWellbeing, a Twitter account for “daily discussions on all things policing” that is “passionate about the mental well-being of our emergency service workers”, urged the stressed officer to take some time off. to be sick if necessary. “Hope you are well, please speak to someone, internally or externally, if you need to,” said @CopWellbeing.
“As others have said, don’t force yourself if you need that break. Take the sick leave and in your return to work meeting make it clear why you were off.”
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