A POLICE officer who spoke out after a "pants shift" claims the force is "run-ragged" and under pressure.

PC Joel Brooks posted an emotional message on Facebook after tackling mental health issues, traumatic medical issues and a death.

The officer, who works in the Westbourne area of Bournemouth, defended police against criticism and said: "The trauma some people live with is horrendous."

And he told how the job takes its toll on those on the frontline.

PC Brooks said: "Sorry to bombard you with posts, but what a pants shift that was. I’ve been working on the mental health joint response vehicle. We run this car with a police officer, a paramedic and a mental health nurse.

"Tonight all shift we’ve not stopped. I know it’s my job, but sometimes it takes its toll."

He said those they dealt with included a pensioner "beside himself with grief for a recently lost son", a mother self harming, a depressed man and a young person alcohol dependent who had stabbed himself five times.

"I had to calm him and get the knife as we were alone and I needed it safe for all of us to help him. We’ve triaged several other jobs and to top it off, I’ve run up two flights of stairs to then do cpr in Westbourne- all wearing a mask

"None of these incidents are ones you just deal with quickly as every person in crisis deserves the best we can all give. Sadly the cpr was unsuccessful.

"There’s no way you can just finish work and shut off from that."

PC Brooks said in the last week he as helped to sort financial and housing support for the homeless and said all agencies help to get support for people with complex needs.

And he added: "This is why I will never judge anyone poorly, as we are all capable of making poor choices, I know I am. The trauma some people live with is truly horrendous.

"I’ve loved meeting people in Westbourne and sometimes I might seem vacant, it could be I’m processing something or concentrating on my radio in my ear.

"Some people think the police don’t want to know when they report a crime but I can honestly say, we’re run ragged. There had been over 600 incidents in Dorset by 7pm. This is with no shops, pubs,clubs and everyone staying in."

Anna Harvey, chairperson of the Dorset Police Federation, said: "This post provides a clear insight into the many roles an officer performs in just one shift. We work across the spectrum assisting our partners, dealing with people in crisis. Our role is not always about crime, we look after the vulnerable as well.

"His post shows that are all human beings and have emotions even though we wear a uniform. Anyone reading his post can see that he is an extremely dedicated officer who enjoys serving his community.

"Surely we should afford Joel and his colleagues who are placing themselves at risk some protection from the Covid virus. That is why we have called upon the Government to do the right thing and vaccinate our colleagues. Protect Officers like Joel so we can protect the public.’