Introduction 1 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Organisational Factors Impacting Wellbeing in Policing 2 Practicalities of Operational Police Work from a Psychological Risk Management Perspective 3 Peer Support 4 Resilience, Control, and the Wellbeing of Police Officers. A Complex Investigation? 5 Sleep, Fatigue and Shift Work: Preparing for Duty and Staying Safe 6 ‘It’s Why You Get Up in the Morning’ 7 OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dogs 8 Operation Hampshire: Improving the Response to Assaults on Police 9 Student Officers’ Wellbeing 10 The Families Programme 11 Police Leavers: Context, Impacts, and Support Initiatives 12 The Policing Mind: Does the Job Make the Brain or the Brain Make the Job? 13 What Do We Mean When We Use the Word Trauma? 14 Social Embeddedness and the Police: The Foundations of Resilience for Police Officers 15 Occupational Health in Policing 16 Home-Based Ways of Working 17 Supporting Sustainable Wellbeing in Policing: The Power of Effective Communication and Engagement 18 Could Wearable Health Technology Be a Solution to the Issues of Wellbeing in the Police Service? 19 Mental Health Support in UK Policing 20 Moving Forward: Considering the Future of Police Mental Health and Wellbeing in the UK
Biography
Ian Hesketh is an Honorary Research Fellow at Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Honorary Fellow of Durham University Business School, Honorary Researcher at Lancaster University and Visiting Fellow at the Open University. He is a Chartered Manager, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the Society for Education and Training.
‘The recent emphasis on police health and well-being is brought to a well thought out synopsis in this book. The book approaches this important topic from a holistic point of view to include not only the structural and societal impact of policing but also the human dimension. It is well worth reading for police practitioners as well as mental health professionals.’
John M. Violanti, Research Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions
‘Setting aside the extraordinary content within, I am thoroughly impressed by the names of those who submitted their material for this book. You would be hard pressed to find a better example of having so many of the best of the best between two book covers.
Sylvio (Syd) A. Gravel, M.O.M., O.O.O., Staff Sergeant (ret’d)
‘Wellbeing in Policing is an essential read for those interested in the nexus between organisational psychology and operational policing. It neatly brigades views from across academia and practical policing contexts and makes a valuable contribution for those interested in the pursuit of evidence based practice in this critical area of applied research.’
Nick Caveney, Assistant Chief Constable Hertfordshire Constabulary, and Chair of the Open University Centre for Policing Research & Learning
‘Wellbeing in Policing offers a comprehensive and timely exploration of the psychological health challenges faced by police officers. With evidence-informed strategies and practical insights, this book is an essential resource for fostering resilience, reducing trauma, and advancing organizational wellness in policing.’
Katy Kamkar, CPsych, Clinical Psychologist and Fellow, Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA)‘The well-being of police officers has only recently appeared on the radar of administrators and executives. Fortunately, well-being is now vital to police management, so this splendid volume arrives at an ideal time. Ian Hesketh has compiled a well-structured volume of the key topics, authored by leading figures in the business. It will be an essential reference work.’
Jerry H. Ratcliffe, Professor of Practice, University of Pennsylvania, and Scientific Advisor to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
This book takes an important step forward in analysing, understanding and supporting police health and wellbeing. Using both academics and practitioners to write chapters means that the book is both evidence-informed and practical. The collection is imaginative in gathering such a wide range of perspectives and tactics to tackle ill-health and promote wellbeing.
Jean Hartley, Emeritus Professor, The Open University
