Research

This study tested whether newly recruited police officers can be trained in practical trauma-processing techniques designed to support resilience and reduce the risk of PTSD. Findings show the techniques are teachable and immediately beneficial, improving officers’ ability to make sense of difficult incidents and feel more at ease afterwards.

Resources for: Training teams, wellbeing leads, occupational health, policing policy

This study examines how working conditions (“job quality”) relate to PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) among serving UK police officers using data from the Policing: The Job & The Life (TJTL) survey. It finds strong associations: positive job quality indicators are linked to about half the CPTSD rate, while poor job quality (e.g., sexual harassment, extreme time pressure) is linked to CPTSD rates up to twice the policing average.

Resources for: Police wellbeing, occupational health, managers and policy teams (job design, supervision, workload)

The Police Traumatic Events Checklist (PTEC) identifies the most frequently reported “worst” traumatic incidents experienced by UK police officers and staff, based on original descriptions from over 1,500 participants.

Resources for: Police wellbeing, occupational health, trauma assessment

A major national survey of more than 16,000 serving police officers and staff exploring trauma exposure, wellbeing, working conditions, and job quality across UK policing.

Resources for: Serving and former police officers and staff; policing leaders; workforce wellbeing and occupational health professionals.

This study explored how officers injured in the line of duty perceive organisational support during recovery. Through in-depth interviews, it identifies gaps in leadership, supervision, occupational health and sickness management, and highlights how fairness, compassion and communication shape an officer’s sense of being valued.
Resources for: Senior leaders, HR/OH teams, wellbeing leads, supervisors, police charities

This national study explored how former police officers experienced injury on duty, how injury influenced their decision to leave, and what life looked like after retirement. The findings highlight the long-term physical, psychological and financial impact of duty-related injuries and the reduced support available once officers leave the service.

Resources for: Wellbeing leads, HR/OH teams, senior leaders, police charities

This qualitative research explored how police officers experience the transition from service into retirement. It highlights how the loss of routine, camaraderie and identity can make this a challenging period, particularly for those who retire early due to injury or ill-health.

Resources for: Senior leaders, wellbeing teams, HR/OH, police charities, policy makers

This large-scale national study explored the types of injuries experienced by serving police personnel, how often they occur, and how officers and staff perceive the support they receive afterwards. It highlights the wide range of physical and psychological injuries sustained during everyday police work, and the varied satisfaction with support across roles, genders, and injury types.

Resources for: Senior leaders, wellbeing teams, HR/OH, supervisors, police charities, policy makers