Submitting... The researchers behind the study said frontline officers were suffering from “chronic stress,” and warned that the force’s culture meant they were either unable, or not encouraged to take time off to recover from the demands of their job. David Hamilton, chair of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), said the challenges of policing during the pandemic, allied to a lack of government support, was “bringing the frontline to its knees.” But the force said the safety and wellbeing of officers, staff, and their families was a priority, and pointed to support measures such as its employee assistance programme, post trauma assessment, and mental fitness training.