Summary
In April 2025, Police Care UK conducted a rapid service demand survey to understand the current and emerging needs of beneficiaries. The survey received 2,348 responses in just 14 days, with 2,148 valid responses included in the analysis. It explored experiences of harm linked to policing, the impact on daily life, the needs of families, and the services people most want access to.
The results show high levels of harm directly attributable to policing roles, substantial psychological and physical effects, and a strong desire for mental health support, rehabilitation, peer networks and practical guidance. The findings are informing service development, expansion and prioritisation across Police Care UK.
Why is this important?
The policing environment is demanding, unpredictable and often traumatic. To provide the right support at the right time, it is essential to understand what serving officers, veterans and families actually need.
The 2025 survey highlights the real impact of policing harm on individuals and households. It provides clear evidence on the services people value most, the barriers they face, and where future investment and development are needed. This insight helps Police Care UK shape effective, relevant and sustainable services.
Background
Police Care UK is reviewing and expanding its beneficiary services, particularly grants, peer support and ill-health retirement support. To inform this work, a national survey was launched on 31 March 2025 and circulated to over 5,000 existing beneficiaries as well as through newsletters, trustees, social media and direct outreach.
The response was significant and fast, demonstrating a strong appetite for contributing to service design and highlighting the scale of need across the policing community.
Focus of research
Understand the psychological, physical, social and financial impact of harm
Explore service needs and priorities across multiple domains
Gather insight into the needs of families and children
Inform service development, commissioning and strategic planning
Capture feedback on awareness of Police Care UK and its services
How research is/was conducted
- Online survey open for 14 days
- 2,348 total responses; 2,148 valid responses after consent checks
- 57 questions including conditional routing
- Participants included serving officers, veterans and family members
- Demographic information gathered to understand reach and representativeness
- Quantitative questions supported by extensive free-text responses
Results
Experiencing harm
91% of serving personnel, veterans or family members said they or their loved one had experienced harm related to policing. Of these, 62% said the harm was directly caused by the policing role.
Impact
Respondents reported ongoing psychological and physical impact over the last three and twelve months, with many expecting these effects to continue into the future.
Needs
Psychological health was identified as the primary need (61%), followed by physical health (19%). Across primary and secondary needs combined, 76% identified psychological health as a key area.
Children and families
74% of those harmed had children. Respondents described emotional and practical impacts on their children linked to the pressures and risks of policing life.
Priorities
Across all respondents, mental health support emerged as the highest-ranked priority, with 82% placing it in their top three.
Most requested services
Additional resources linked to this research
Information on Police Care UK mental health support – link to services page
