Stress & PTSD
In Policing
Trauma Exposure, Mental Health & Career Rights. Understanding the impact of the job and the support available.
Trust Notice: Independent explanatory guidance. Not medical advice. Call 999 in emergency.
Context
Cumulative trauma in policing is an occupational hazard, not a weakness.
Key Facts
- Sick Pay: Mental health absence triggers full sick pay entitlements just like physical injury.
- Injury Awards: PTSD caused by duty can qualify for medical retirement and injury pensions.
- Support: Forces offer TRiM, counselling, and OH support. Accessing them is not misconduct.
Trauma Exposure
Police officers are unique in that they run towards danger. This results in repeated exposure to traumatic events that would be rare for a civilian to witness even once.
Common Triggers
- • Fatal road collisions
- • Child abuse investigations
- • Suicides and sudden deaths
- • Violent assaults
- • Threat to life
Cumulative Impact
It is often not "one big event" but the drip-feed of trauma over years (the "stress bucket") that leads to a breakdown. This is known as Cumulative PTSD.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a physiological reaction to trauma. It is not "being emotional." It is a brain injury.
When Stress Becomes Sickness
If symptoms prevent you from performing operational duties, driving safely, or exercising judgement, you need to go off sick. This protects you and the public.
Ill-Health Retirement
If therapy does not resolve the condition and you remain permanently disabled for the duties of a constable, you can be medically retired. PTSD is a valid ground for this.
Ill-Health Retirement Guide →Injury Awards
If you can link your PTSD to specific incidents on duty (e.g. "Incident X on Date Y"), you may qualify for an Injury Award. This provides a tax-free pension top-up.
Injury Awards Guide →Cultural Barriers
Many officers hide symptoms due to fear.
- "I'll lose my firearms ticket": Often true temporarily, but reinstatement is possible after recovery. Keeping a weapon while unstable is dangerous.
- "I'll be blocked for promotion": Long-term absence can delay promotion, but it doesn't ban it.
- "I'm weak": You are injured. You wouldn't run on a broken leg. You can't police with a broken brain.
Verify Your Position
Concerned about the financial impact of long-term sick or medical retirement? Model your numbers now.
Police Pension Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Can PTSD end a police career?
Not necessarily. Many officers recover with treatment and return to full duties. However, if the condition becomes permanent and prevents you from performing the duties of a constable, it can lead to ill-health retirement.
Is stress treated as sickness under regulations?
Yes. Mental health absences are treated exactly the same as physical sickness under Police Regulations for pay entitlement purposes (full/half pay).
Can I claim injury award for PTSD?
Yes, if you can prove the PTSD was caused by an injury received in the execution of duty (e.g. specific traumatic incidents). General work stress or burnout is harder to claim for, but specific trauma exposure is a qualifying injury.
Will firearms authority be removed?
Likely yes, temporarily. As a safety precaution, officers experiencing significant stress or PTSD will usually have firearms authority suspended pending medical review. This is standard risk management, not a punishment.
Can I return to full duties after trauma?
Yes. With appropriate therapy (CBT, EMDR) and a phased return plan, many officers return to full operational duties.