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April 15, 2026Policing A Journal of Policy and Practice2 citationsOpen Access

Trauma and Organizational Stress in Frontline Policing

‘The enemies are now inside the station’ : trauma, organizational stress and institutional support in frontline policing

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Authors

SHSusannah Hickie

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Overview

Qualitative study reveals barriers to help-seeking in police officers, suggesting reforms for better mental health support.

Key Points

  • This study aims to explore how organizational stress and institutional support affect police officers' mental health and help-seeking behaviours.
  • Conducted 60 qualitative interviews with officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • Examined themes related to organizational stressors and institutional support.
  • Identified barriers to help-seeking and moral injury.
  • Five key themes emerged as barriers to seeking help: fear of repercussions, stigma, performative wellbeing initiatives, inaccessibility, and a culture of mistrust.
  • These organizational stressors were reported as more harmful than operational trauma.
  • The study suggests context-specific reforms to enhance mental health support.

Cite This Study

Susannah Hickie (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69df2b04e4eeef8a2a6aff63https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paag016
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