Research

This multi-phase study is assessing the economic burden of trauma-related mental health problems in UK policing and the value for money of interventions. Phase 1 (literature review) indicates elevated prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety among police compared with the general population, alongside significant but under-reported costs to forces and society. Findings will inform cost estimates and economic models in later phases.

Resources for: Senior leaders, wellbeing and OH teams, finance/HR, commissioners, funders

This study investigates how Surrey Police respond to acute mental health crises, exploring system pressures, police demand, officer wellbeing, and interagency gaps. It highlights the increasing burden placed on police due to failing or unavailable mental health and social care systems, and provides the first detailed local evidence base on the human, operational and psychological impact of these crises on policing.

Resources for: Policing, mental health partners, policy teams, productivity,

This market research survey gathered the views of more than 2,000 serving officers, veterans and family members to understand their experiences of harm, recovery needs and the types of support they most value. The findings highlight high levels of psychological harm related to policing, significant and lasting impacts on wellbeing and family life, and clear demand for mental health, physical rehabilitation, peer support and practical advice services.

Resources for: Senior leaders, wellbeing teams, service designers, funders, Police Care UK programme leads

The NEST pilot set out to build the UK’s first specialist network of therapists with experience of supporting emergency responders. This evaluation summarises how NEST was developed, how it has performed during its pilot phase, and the difference it has made to beneficiaries and Police Care UK. The network delivered strong proof of concept, achieving high match-success rates, positive beneficiary outcomes and significant cost savings, while identifying areas that require further development.

Resources for: Clinical teams, service designers, emergency service charities

A service evaluation exploring how The Wolf Was Not Sleeping, a Police Care UK children’s book, supports police families by reducing children’s worries about parents working in policing and helping parents feel more equipped to talk about their work.

Resources form: Police families with children aged 3–7; policing wellbeing teams; organisational family support programmes.

A service evaluation examining how dedicated wellbeing rooms in police stations support officers and staff by providing quiet, restorative spaces that improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance feelings of being supported at work.

Resources for: Police forces, wellbeing teams, workforce support units, occupational health, line managers.