Information on the number oflong-term sick absences, defined as periods of sick leave of more than 28 days duration,for each the last five years available, is shown in the following table.Number of Long-Term SickAbsences for Police Officers in Scottish Forces 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 Central Scotland Police 51 79 66 75 78 Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary 27 37 34 37 34 Fife Constabulary 54 50 57 53 56 Grampian Police 75 91 55 66 48 Lothian and Borders Police 296 254 338 324 365 Northern Constabulary 39 32 49 50 63 Strathclyde Police 1,015 815 812 740 788 Tayside Police 240 124 140 114 97 All Forces 1,797 1,482 1,551 1,459 1,529 Note: Sourceis Annual Statistical Returns from forces as submitted to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.