Former Police Officers: National Injury on Duty Research Study
This study examined the experiences of 460 former police officers who had left policing within the previous five years, including those whose departure was directly related to an injury on duty. It investigated why officers leave, the types of injuries sustained, the support they accessed, and the longer-term effects on health, employment, financial security and wellbeing.
The research shows that injuries, both physical and psychological have substantial and lasting consequences, and that support typically diminishes sharply once individuals leave policing.
Why is this important?
Injury on duty can end or shorten police careers and shape former officers’ health, income, family life and future employment. Understanding these experiences is essential for improving injury support, retirement preparation and post-service provision. This research highlights gaps that can be addressed through better planning, clearer pathways and ongoing access to wellbeing and financial support.
Focus of research
- Understand how injuries influence decisions to retire or resign
- Assess support received before and after leaving policing
- Explore preparedness for retirement and post-service employment
- Identify ongoing health, wellbeing and financial impacts
- Highlight where further support is most needed
Background
Police Care UK (formerly the Police Dependants’ Trust) commissioned this research to better understand the long-term effects of injuries sustained during police service. While many officers retire at the end of a full career, a significant proportion leave because of injury or ill-health.
This study provides evidence on the lived experience of former officers, including what happens when support provided during service is no longer available.
How research is/was conducted
- National online survey for former police officers (n=460)
- Open to those who had left or retired within the previous five years
- Additional questions asked of those who left due to injury (n=93)
- Mixed-methods analysis combining quantitative data and free-text insights
- Responses received from 41 territorial forces and national policing bodies
Partners and funding
Funded by Police Care UK (formerly known as the Police Dependants’ Trust) and delivered by the University of Surrey.
Timeline
- February 2016: Survey launched
- February 2016: Survey open for one month
- September 2016: Final report published
Results
Reasons for leaving
- Most retired after reaching pensionable service, but over 20% left due to an injury on duty.
- Some described their departure as not truly voluntary, referencing ill-health processes, feeling pushed out, or organisational pressures.
Nature of injuries
- Psychological injuries (depression, anxiety, PTSD) were the most commonly reported among those who left due to injury.
- Physical injuries included fractures, head injuries, and back/neck/shoulder injuries.
- Almost one quarter reported both physical and psychological harm.
Support received
- While serving, most accessed force medical support, GPs and occupational health.
- After leaving, support shifted to GPs and private services.
- Satisfaction with support dropped sharply after retirement, with very few feeling adequately supported.
- Many noted feeling isolated or abandoned by their force once they had left.
Retirement and preparedness
- Two-thirds received some retirement advice, but this was mostly financial.
- Officers leaving due to injury felt significantly less prepared for retirement than those retiring after full service.
- Many described the psychological impact of leaving as substantial.
Life after policing
- Most gained some form of paid work, but injured officers were less likely to feel prepared for employment.
- Injured officers were more reliant on pensions or family income and more likely to experience financial difficulty.
- Long-term health impacts were common: those injured reported significantly worse overall health scores and long-term limitations in daily activities.
Support needs identified
- Local peer support networks
- Mental health services
- Career advice and retraining
- Crisis financial support
- Respite and family wellbeing support for those affected by injury
Additional resources linked to this research
- Career transition research (2016)
- Ill-health retirement support services
- Ill-health retirement commitment resource for Police Forces
