AT first glance, the length of time some officers are on long term sick leave at Cumbria Police, appears alarming.

The problem with statistics is that they rarely reveal anything apart from cold, hard figures which can be open to a wide number of interpretations and assumptions.

No-one wants police officers off work when resources are stretched. Not only does this add to the burden on those left behind, it reduces the service given to the public.

But it is also worth bearing in mind that the officers concerned may be suffering serious illnesses which require hospital visits, stays and long-term treatment.

For that they need our sympathy. Just like anyone else, the police are not superhuman and serious illnesses do not discriminate.

It is also worth noting that front-line policing is inherently risky with officers expected to go where many of us would never dare.

It has to be among the most dangerous professions in society, with a very high chance of being assaulted or injured.

Increasingly in modern workplaces, far more attention is being given to the importance of good mental health and being open about any issues.

Serving police officers will see things during their careers that the best training in the world can never truly prepare them for.