A report by Mrs Moira Docherty, director of human resources services, explained that in 2004-05 the number of working days lost was at 4.6% for police officers and 4.84% for civilians.

These figures had fallen from 4.86% and 5.72% in the previous year.

Further analysis showed that for police, the number of working days lost was down 2.2% from 2000-01, and for the year before last the Tayside figure for days lost was lower than the national average.

The trend was similar for days lost by civilian staff, with the most significant reductions recorded in Eastern and Western divisions.

During 2004-05 two police officers and two members of support staff were retired on grounds of ill health, lower numbers than the previous year when eight police officers and six members of support staff were retired on health grounds.

Mrs Docherty said initiatives put in place over the last year have contributed to the improvement, and will be built on in the forthcoming year to encourage further reductions.

The force was focusing on pro-active healthcare management, and health promotion activity was taking place.

There was National No Smoking Day in March and there will be further events throughout the year focusing on smoking and other issues such as repetitive strain injuries, mental health, men’s health, breast cancer and backcare awareness.

Councillor Charles Farquhar said Tayside Police should be congratulated for the downward trend and Councillor Ron Scrimgeour agreed, saying the pro-active approach in trying to address problems before they arose was paying off.

Mrs Docherty, in response to a question from Councillor Alexander Stewart, said men’s health was a more complex area to approach as many men were reluctant to seek help and advice about such matters.

Board convener Colin Young commended the force for its efforts in reducing sickness absence, and hoped with the strategy in place there would be a continued downward trend.

Mrs Docherty also reported on developments in training for probationers and sergeants as well as for community safety wardens and trading standards officers.

She further explained progress in the introduction of the Airwave Digital Communications System and with information technology training.

And updates were given on the work of the audio visual team, special constables and local and national initiatives.

During 2004-05 the unit gave support and guidance to 112 probationary officers, an increased number which reflected the rise in police officer retirals.

Convener Colin Young said the unit performed a valuable role and the board was grateful for their hard work.