Preventing Psychological Harm in Police

Everyone knows that policing can be stressful and members have left on psychological grounds.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM CAN ARISE THROUGH EXPERIENCE OF:

  • Traumatic events

  • The cumulative effect of moderately distressing events

  • Chronic work stress (e.g. constant overwork)

  • Environmental stress (e.g. high media interest in policing)

How CAN THE RISK OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM BE AVOIDED OR REDUCED?

These are the questions that the Police Psychological Harm

Working Party is grappling with.

The Working Party has focused on two areas:

1: Developing a framework for assessing the risk of psychological harm
A systematic approach is needed when assessing the risk of psychological harm and a “framework” is shorthand for a consistent method of looking at particular issues and groups within Police. A framework ensures that the right people are involved, the right questions are asked, the relevant data is obtained and recommendations are made and implemented. The Working Party is currently exploring frameworks that have been used and proved effective in assessing the risk of psychological harm.

2: Working with specific groups
The Working Party, in consultation with the Association and Police Welfare Officers, has made a list of groups within Police, that are most at risk of psychological harm. The aim is to look at the specific issues for each group. The Working Party has started with photographers and has recently begun working with Comms Centre staff.

The Working Party will be recommending regular external professional supervision for particular high-risk groups.

WHAT DOES REGULAR PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION ENTAIL?

Professional supervision for the monitoring and reduction of psychological harm is different from the provisions under the trauma policy. The trauma policy provides assistance in response to a particular event or a problem. Professional supervision is a regular session with a person skilled in helping maintain your health and wellbeing, promoting self-awareness, further developing your professional skills and discussing issues of concern to you. Depending on the member’s role and preference, supervision can be with a counsellor, psychologist, kaumatua or the like.

If you have any queries about the work of the Psychological Harm Working Party please contact Amanda Craig at the Association’s National Office.