Expert offers officers advice for coping during pandemic

16 April 2020

Federation members are being offered practical advice by a leading neuropsychologist to support their mental health and wellbeing while policing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has today released a video featuring Dr Jess Miller, director of research at Police Care UK, the charity that provides support for serving and retired police officers, staff, volunteers and their families, in which she outlines various techniques officers can try to help combat negative memories and stop them feeling overwhelmed.

Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, has welcomed the advice being offered.

“As more and more of our members are called out to recover people who have died due to coronavirus, there are growing concerns about the impact this repeat exposure will have on officers’ mental health,” says Jon.

“This is then compounded by the anxiety they will feel as they worry about the health and safety of their only families and friends as they risk bringing home the virus after each shift.”

Jon also acknowledges efforts by the Force to do all it can to look after officers’ wellbeing.

“Our Force is aware of the impact policing during the pandemic could have on officers and is being proactive around their wellbeing and mental health. It is also looking at ways to ensure officers from our Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) exposed to this have access to the services they require,” he says.

Dr Miller, who is also a neuropsychologist at the University of Cambridge, encourages officers to be open and honest with line managers about how they are coping.

Ché Donald, vice-chair of PFEW, talks to Dr Miller in the video.

He said: “Police officers operate in a pressure cooker environment and are exposed to all sorts of trauma from helping victims of domestic violence to road traffic collisions – the list is endless. That’s standard policing. But we are now in unprecedented times.

“What is worrying for my colleagues on the front-line is attending significantly more sudden deaths of COVID-19 victims and what impact this repeat exposure will have on their mental health.

“We also watch the news every night and see the death toll which naturally brings on anxiety about the safety of their families. The thought of bringing the virus home to loved ones at the end of a shift is terrifying. These fears and anxieties are echoed by the public.”

He concluded by telling members: “I hope these useful techniques can help my colleagues handle these difficult emotional and physical challenges. It is crucial to remember you are not in this alone and these experiences and feelings are felt by all even though some may be better at hiding this.

“The Federation will continue to support members through this incredibly difficult period, making sure their voices are heard and ensuring they receive the right protection to keep themselves and the public safe.”

A recent study headed by Dr Miller revealed more than one in five police officers are currently suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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