Oscar Kilo launches wellbeing toolkit for investigators
22 June 2021
West Midlands Police Federation has welcomed the launch of a new wellbeing toolkit specifically designed for investigators.
The pioneering package has been carefully created to make sure anyone who works in an investigative role feels heard, valued and knows where to seek support.
The comprehensive toolkit is available to all officers and staff via the Oscar Kilo website and provides investigators, their line managers and leaders with the information they need to build up their resilience and continue doing the critical jobs they do.
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott, himself a detective, said: “We are aware of the stresses being placed on investigators within Force due to the increase in workload and the current shortage of investigators and detectives.
“Officers need to be mindful of their own wellbeing through what has been a really difficult period of time. The toolkit is there to assist officers with their own resilience and wellbeing.
“There are a number of online sessions that people can join and I would encourage them to do so.”
The toolkit has been 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.
“The toolkit has a raft of interventions that have proven benefits and are graded to show ease of implementation, cost of implementation and effectiveness.
“Interventions are categorised into Leadership, Personal Resilience, Protect and Prepare the Workforce, Creating the Environment and Mental Health.”
