The policing culture: an exploration into the mental health of former British police officers

Effective policing is essential for reducing crime and ensuring public safety. As part of their role police officers are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents. Without adequate support, prolonged exposure to such events can lead to a deterioration in a police officer’s mental health. As a result of police culture, more specifically the negative attitudes towards seeking help for mental ill-health, many police officers suffer in isolation. This can lead to serious mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We interviewed 12 former police officers with an average of 26 years in service, regarding their experiences of police culture and how this relates to mental health. We found that although a macho culture (and stigma) exist within policing, attitudes towards mental health appear to be slowly changing. The role of policing has changed in recent years due to increased awareness of mental ill-health. We discuss how this impacts the general wellbeing of police officers, and what this might mean for the future of policing.