COVID-19, distress and potential trauma exposure in the police service of England and Wales: A mixed method approach

Abstract

This study provides an initial exploration into the impact of COVID-19 on the exposure of police officers to potentially traumatic events and their subsequent impacts on wellbeing. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from over twelve thousand rank-and-file officers across England and Wales in Autumn 2020, via an online survey. The results not only identify several frequently experienced COVID-related duties and events that are potentially detrimental to officer wellbeing; but that these exposures are related to an officer’s rank and role. These results offer valuable information that may help forces target key resources towards those that need it most.