Kochi: In a major relief to the already burdened police force, the Kochi City Police has made a compassionate decision to grant leave for policemen on their special days. Henceforth, the police officers will get to spend time with their loved ones on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

The exemplary move of the Kochi City Police comes in the context of realising that mental stress is increasing among policemen due to issues, including excessive workload.

Leave will be granted for all celebrations such as wedding anniversaries and birthdays of officers and family members. Kochi City Police Commissioner S Shyamsundar announced.

It is one of the most stressful professions. Especially in the city, policemen are overburdened, the Commissioner opined. He also pointed out that the denial of leave will affect the employability of the officers. There are more than 2,500 personnel in 27 police stations and two traffic units in the city limits.

88 cops end life in five years 

It is estimated that 88 policemen have committed suicide in the last five years in the state. There are people who quit their jobs due to workload and stress.

Circulars have been issued several times at the departmental level to allow all the permitted holidays to the police officers and grant leave on the wedding anniversaries of officers and on birthdays of their children. However, none of this is being followed.

Meanwhile, it is widely opined that the decision can be copied by the entire police force.