MORE than 100 serving police officers in Suffolk have been placed on restrictive duties through health grounds, it has emerged.The figures are revealed in a new report to Suffolk Police Authority which is set to be discussed on Friday.

MORE than 100 serving police officers in Suffolk have been placed on restrictive duties through health grounds, it has emerged.

The figures are revealed in a new report to Suffolk Police Authority which is set to be discussed on Friday.

They show that 55 of the county's officers are on short-term restricted duties while 46 are on long-term restrictions. This represents 8 per cent of the 1,368 serving police officers in Suffolk.

Restricted duties are duties which prevent officers from undertaking full operational tasks. Unlike recuperative duties, restricted duties tend to be longer and may be permanent.

Police chiefs say the aim of restrictive duties is to retain an officer's expertise and knowledge and prevent them retiring early through ill-health.

But they admit service levels could be compromised if the number of officers on restricted duties was not carefully managed.

The report says 65pc of those officers on long-term restricted duties - which means they have been unable to undertake full operational duties for longer than 12 months - have muscular skeletal conditions.

Arrangements have been made for all 46 officers to attend a review by the force's occupational health department.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “Restricted duties are to enable officers to be employed to their full potential, whilst taking into account their health and/or welfare issues.

“Restrictive duties vary and are considered for officers who it is felt are unlikely to return to a level of fitness necessary for full duties, but are considered fit for a particular operational or non-operational roles.

“There are many roles within the police suitable for restricted duties, all of which make a positive contribution to policing countywide.

“For instance, a female officer who because of pregnancy or maternity related reasons is unable, for a limited period, to fulfil a full operational task will be placed on restricted duties.”

The spokesman added: “It should be emphasised that those on 'restricted duties' are still undertaking policing roles, as not all police posts require an officer to undertake full operational duties.”

Regular reviews of officers on restricted duties are carried out and this involves obtaining GP reports, the report added.