A new wellbeing toolkit specifically designed for investigators has been welcomed by Staffordshire Police Federation secretary Glyn Pattinson.
Glyn, who is also chair of the Police Federation’s National Detectives’ Forum, said he hoped members who had an investigative role within the Force would take advantage of the comprehensive package now available to them.
The toolkit has been carefully created to make sure investigators know where to seek support and feel heard and valued.
It 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.
Glyn said: “We talked about the pressures and stresses faced by investigators at the Police Federation conference earlier this month and it became clear that increased workloads and personnel shortages were taking their toll and in some cases deterring officers from transferring from uniform.
“We all need to stay aware of our own emotional wellbeing and this new toolkit has been developed to help officers who might be struggling with resilience and wellbeing.
“I would really encourage our members to take advantage of this new resource through the website and the online sessions that are available.”
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.”
