Summary
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.
- The way their force responds after injury significantly influences trust, confidence, motivation and long-term connection with the organisation.
- Understanding these experiences helps police organisations strengthen leadership practices and improve sickness management.
- It supports the development of more compassionate, equitable and effective support systems for injured personnel.
Focus of research
- Explore officers’ perceptions of organisational support following an 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 organisational culture affect injured officers
- Highlight opportunities to improve wellbeing support and reduce negative outcomes
Background
Policing is demanding, unpredictable and physically and psychologically risky. When officers are injured at work, organisational responses become crucial to supporting recovery.
Despite this, little research has examined how officers themselves experience these processes. This study fills that gap by investigating how injured personnel interpret leadership, supervision, occupational health, sickness policies and practical support at a time when they feel particularly vulnerable.
How research is/was conducted
- In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 59 injured police personnel
- Participants included officers, PCSOs, staff and a special constable
- Included those with physical injuries, psychological injuries, or both
- Interviews explored causes and effects of injury, support received, organisational interactions, and the emotional impact
- Thematic analysis was used to identify shared experiences and concerns
Partners and funding
Funded by Police Care UK (formerly known as the Police Dependants’ Trust) and delivered by the University of Surrey.
Timeline
- Recruitment through an online national survey of injured personnel in 2015
- Interviews conducted February–March 2016
- Analysis and write-up completed following transcription and review
Results
Leadership
Officers frequently felt that senior leaders were distant or unsympathetic. Many believed leadership messaging about wellbeing did not translate into meaningful support. A common perception was that organisational priorities focused more on attendance, performance targets and staffing levels than on the officer’s recovery needs.
Supervision and management
Supervisors played a critical role in shaping injured officers’ experiences. While some provided strong support, many were described as lacking understanding, failing to follow policies, or applying procedures inconsistently. Officers with psychological injuries often felt disbelieved or dismissed, and some reported feeling pressured to return to work too early.
Understanding and recognising injuries
Officers with psychological injuries felt particularly misunderstood. They described a culture where visible injuries were taken seriously but psychological harm was treated with scepticism. This lack of recognition contributed to feelings of stigma and added to the emotional impact of injury.
Occupational health and practical support
Experiences of occupational health varied. Many officers described interactions as impersonal or “tick-box” in nature, with limited follow-up or individualised support. Access to treatment such as counselling or physiotherapy was inconsistent.
- Officers often relied on NHS services or private care due to delays
- Limited provision of tailored support
- Lack of consistent follow-up
Limited duties
Officers placed on restricted or modified duties often struggled with a lack of meaningful work, concerns about career impact, and difficulties adjusting to roles that felt disconnected from frontline policing. Some attempted to hide injuries to avoid being placed on limited duties.
Sickness policies and performance management
A number of officers felt vulnerable due to sickness management processes. Although many understood the need for policies, they often found them rigid, impersonal and anxiety-inducing.
- Fear of losing pay
- Concern about triggering disciplinary procedures
- Worry about being judged negatively by peers or supervisors
Impact on wellbeing and morale
Many injured officers felt isolated, undervalued or “written off” by their force. Experiences of scepticism, limited support and perceived unfairness undermined confidence, morale and trust in the organisation.
- Some became more risk-averse
- Others became less committed
- Some questioned their future in policing
A small number reported positive outcomes, such as greater empathy and strengthened ability to support colleagues, but these were less common.
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
