Study will consider link between traumatic stress and misconduct

5 November 2024

Serving officers are being asked to take part in a study examining the link between traumatic stress on emotions and misconduct outcomes in the police service.

To get involved, officers simply have to complete a survey which should take between 10 and 15 minutes.

The study is being carried out by the Open University’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning.

“Police misconduct is a societal and organisational issue which often results from poor judgement or decision-making. Emotions are said to be the main driver for decisions; therefore, this study will explore the impact of traumatic stress on emotions (anger, shame, guilt, empathy) and misconduct outcomes in UK police officers,” say the researchers leading the study.

Emotional narrative

“Policing typically lacks an emotional narrative due to a culture which is founded on a masculine ethos. Police officers mask authentic emotions to maintain professionalism and public order and, with a poor outlet for emotions in the police culture, officers often suppress these emotions.

“Therefore, it is necessary to explore emotions, suppressed or expressed, as a result of trauma and whether they influence officer decision-making and conduct.”

After completing the survey, officers will have the opportunity to express an interest in an interview and/or to complete the same survey again twice more at six-month intervals. They are under no obligation to complete further stages if they do not want to.

The findings of the research should contribute to officer wellbeing, early intervention, improved accountability, stronger public trust, retention and recruitment and a reduction in legal and financial costs of misconduct processes.

Find out more and complete the survey.