Federation welcomes new investment in investigators

22 June 2021

An online toolkit specially designed to offer detectives and investigators support with their emotional wellbeing has been welcomed by Derbyshire Police Federation.

The toolkit has been developed to make sure detectives know where they can turn for support and feel heard and valued and is available to all officers and staff via the Oscar Kilo website.

It is aimed at members in investigative roles and has been created to give them and their line managers and leaders the information they need to build up their resilience and continue to carry out the important work they do.

Derbyshire Police Federation branch chair Tony Wetton said: “The last year has really brought the importance of our own resilience and emotional wellbeing under the spotlight and this toolkit has been designed with that in mind.

“Our detectives and investigators work long, often unsociable, hours on tough and challenging cases and research indicates increased workloads and shortages in personnel are taking their toll on them.

“I would really encourage our members to take a look at this new resource through the website and take advantage of the various sessions that are available online.”

The toolkit was put together after eight months of work by a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) working group in close collaboration with colleagues from the Police Federation, College of Policing, Oscar Kilo, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and other force champions.

The group drew on research, particularly the National Police Wellbeing Service and the Durham University 2019 Wellbeing Survey, which found investigators experienced the lowest levels of wellbeing across policing, and particularly suffered from a loss of emotional energy.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, the NPCC lead for investigator resilience, said: “The role of a detective and police staff investigator (PSI) is incredibly rewarding but can also be extremely challenging and can have an adverse impact on health and wellbeing.

“It is therefore more important than ever for officers, staff and supervisors to look after themselves and each other and I encourage you to access the resources in this toolkit.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Brunning, who leads the national group, said: “As a career detective, I can think of no other policing specialism that brings more satisfaction and sense of personal pride than being an investigator.  

“Supporting victims and their families through the most harrowing life experiences and finally securing justice is why many of us join policing.

“However, we know that the personal sacrifices investigators make, the continual exposure to trauma and the high workloads can converge to heavily impact on the wellbeing of investigators.

“Across UK policing there is an absolute plethora of wellbeing interventions, initiatives and measures available. However, to date we have not had a central repository for interventions, any measure of their effectiveness and there has been much duplicated effort.

“I would urge those attending the event to ensure they share the toolkit with their colleagues in force.”

Chief Constable Chris Rowley, NPCC lead for wellbeing and engagement, said: “It is encouraging to see national working groups coming together to deliver something that we believe will be of real benefit to those doing the job, day in, day out.”