Exposure to traumatic material in criminal justice analysts and investigators: A comprehensive systematic review

Research on work-related trauma in criminal justice has focused on front-line officers, overlooking personnel such as analysts, secondary investigators, call takers, and forensic specialists, who are indirectly exposed to trauma. This systematic review synthesized 62 studies. Findings identified that supporting personnel face distress comparable to front-line staff, commonly experiencing Secondary Traumatic Stress, PTSD, and burnout. Risk factors included gender and low organizational support, while workplace social support and positive coping strategies, mitigated adverse outcomes. Negative coping strategies, including avoidance, exacerbated distress. Criminal justice settings need to recognize risk, foster effective coping mechanisms, and implement early interventions for supporting personnel.