Dyfed Powys Police Federation has welcomed the launch of a wellbeing toolkit aimed specifically at detectives and investigators.

The online resource has been created with the unique needs of detectives in mind and was designed to make sure they are fully aware of the range of support available to them and how and where they can access it.

It also aims to provide investigators, their line managers and team leaders the information they need to build up and maintain the resilience they require to continue to carry out their vital work. 

The toolkit is available to all officers and staff via the Oscar Kilo website.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation wellbeing lead Dai Gaskins welcomed the toolkit’s launch and urged members to take advantage of the new resources.

He said: “This is an important addition to the resources available to our members and I would encourage them to become familiar with it and use it whenever necessary. 

“Our members’ emotional wellbeing and good mental health is a top priority for us so we very much welcome the launch of this toolkit.

“Investigators and detectives across the Force work incredibly hard and often come up against the most extraordinary challenges so it is vital they can access whatever support they need.

“The Police Federation conference heard how increased workloads and staff shortages were putting some of our colleagues under extreme pressure so it is good to know steps are being taken to help them cope.

“I would encourage our members to have a look at the website and get involved with some of the online sessions.”

The toolkit was put together after eight months of work by a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) working group in close collaboration with colleagues from the Police Federation, College of Policing, Oscar Kilo, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and other force champions.

The group drew on research, particularly the National Police Wellbeing Service and the Durham University 2019 Wellbeing Survey, which found investigators experienced the lowest levels of wellbeing across policing, and particularly suffered from a loss of emotional energy.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, the NPCC lead for investigator resilience, said: “The role of a detective and police staff investigator (PSI) is incredibly rewarding but can also be extremely challenging and can have an adverse impact on health and wellbeing.

“It is therefore more important than ever for officers, staff and supervisors to look after themselves and each other and I encourage you to access the resources in this toolkit.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Brunning, who leads the national group, said: “As a career detective, I can think of no other policing specialism that brings more satisfaction and sense of personal pride than being an investigator.  

“Supporting victims and their families through the most harrowing life experiences and finally securing justice is why many of us join policing.

“However, we know that the personal sacrifices investigators make, the continual exposure to trauma and the high workloads can converge to heavily impact on the wellbeing of investigators.

“Across UK policing there is an absolute plethora of wellbeing interventions, initiatives and measures available. However, to date we have not had a central repository for interventions, any measure of their effectiveness and there has been much duplicated effort.”

Chief Constable Chris Rowley, NPCC lead for wellbeing and engagement, said: “It is encouraging to see national working groups coming together to deliver something that we believe will be of real benefit to those doing the job, day in, day out.”