Police Commissioner Erla Christopher has issued a statement responding to public concerns about officers proceeding on excessively high periods of leave.

A letter to one senior officer purportedly approving over 700 days of leave has been circulating on WhatsApp.

In a statement issued today, the Top Cop said the TTPS has been in the “untenable situation” of having many officers working continuously over extended periods, resulting in excessively high vacation leave entitlements.

This situation, she added, presents risks related to health and welfare, work-life balance and possibilities of diminishing returns.

In a bid to mitigate these risks, the Commissioner said a policy has been implemented to schedule officers to utilise portions of their leave on a phased basis.

She noted that these officers remain available to be recalled if needed.

She also assured that the TTPS remains sensitive of the policing required given the current crime situation and welcomed the supplementation of 100 volunteer Defence Force members.