Research Overview
This research examined the experiences of 59 police personnel who suffered physical and psychological injuries while on duty. It explored how organisational responses shaped their recovery, wellbeing, and perceptions of fairness.
The findings show that many injured officers felt unsupported, misunderstood, or treated with scepticism, particularly when dealing with psychological injuries. Limited communication, inconsistent supervision, and a perceived focus on organisational efficiency rather than care often left officers feeling isolated at a vulnerable time.
Why is this important?
- Officers injured on duty are at heightened risk of poor wellbeing, prolonged recovery, and reduced morale
- Organisational response influences trust, confidence, motivation, and long-term engagement
- Helps strengthen leadership practices and sickness management systems
- Supports development of compassionate and equitable workplace cultures
Focus of research
- Explore officers’ perceptions of organisational support following injury
- Understand the role of leadership, supervision, and occupational health
- Identify what helps or hinders recovery and return to work
- Examine how fairness, communication, and culture affect injured officers
- Highlight opportunities to improve wellbeing support
Background
Policing is demanding, unpredictable, and physically and psychologically risky. When officers are injured at work, organisational responses become crucial to supporting recovery.
This study fills a gap by exploring how injured personnel experience leadership, supervision, occupational health, and sickness policies during a vulnerable period.
How research was conducted
- In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 59 injured police personnel
- Participants included officers, PCSOs, staff, and a special constable
- Included physical injuries, psychological injuries, or both
- Explored causes of injury, support received, and emotional impact
- Thematic analysis used to identify shared experiences
Partners and funding
Funded by Police Care UK and delivered by the University of Surrey.
Timeline
- Recruitment: 2015 (national survey)
- Interviews: February–March 2016
- Analysis and reporting: Post-interview phase
Results
Leadership
Officers often felt senior leaders were distant or unsympathetic. Organisational priorities appeared focused on performance and staffing rather than recovery and wellbeing.
Supervision and management
- Supervisors varied widely in their level of support
- Some lacked understanding or applied policies inconsistently
- Officers with psychological injuries felt particularly dismissed
- Pressure to return to work early was commonly reported
Understanding and recognising injuries
- Psychological injuries were often not taken seriously
- Visible injuries received more recognition
- Stigma contributed to emotional distress
Occupational health and practical support
- Experiences were often described as impersonal
- Limited follow-up and individualised care
- Inconsistent access to counselling and physiotherapy
- Many relied on NHS or private services
Limited duties
- Struggles with lack of meaningful work
- Concerns about career impact
- Difficult adjustment to restricted roles
Sickness policies and performance management
- Policies seen as rigid and anxiety-inducing
- Fear of pay loss or disciplinary action
- Concerns about judgement from colleagues
Impact on wellbeing and morale
- Feelings of isolation and being undervalued
- Reduced morale and trust in the organisation
- Some became less engaged or reconsidered career path
- A few developed stronger empathy and resilience
Additional resources linked to this research
- Injury on Duty: Experiences of Police Personnel Across England and Wales
- Working Conditions Research (2022)
- The Job and the Life (2019)
- Wellbeing Fund Evaluation (2020)
- Wellbeing Rooms Evaluation (2019–2021)
- Police Care UK Get Help pages
