College of Policing steps up wellbeing support for officers in the midst of disorder

Additional wellbeing support and resources are being made available by the College of Policing to support police officers and staff.

Forces have been dealing with violent disorder since last Monday with officers being attacked with glass bottles, flares and bricks.

The College’s National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo, has dispatched wellbeing vans to Merseyside Police (pictured) and other forces. The vans provide rest and respite for officers responding to the disorder.

Additionally, the College of Policing has made a new e-book available that helps police officers and staff to talk to their children about the job.

‘The Red Robber Raid’ story provides an intimate look into the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect our communities. The e-book is designed to engage young minds while educating them about the realities of policing life in a manner that is gentle and relatable.

One parent said: "It’s not always easy to explain why I can’t be there for bedtime. This book does a wonderful job of opening up those tough conversations in a way that my child can understand."

Hard copies of the book have already been distributed to more than 1,700 policing families.

College of Policing Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh said:

“I’m both angry and saddened that some of my colleagues are recovering from injuries including broken bones and cuts. I’ve seen the impact of such assaults and know that officers go to work to protect communities. It is both outrageous and unacceptable that they’ve been pelted by bottles, bricks and flares. While they wear a uniform, officers are people like everyone else, and I’ve no doubt children will this morning be asking why mummy and daddy are hurt.

“Explaining to your families the need to do overtime and missing significant events is difficult enough. But to return home from work with broken bones, bruises and cuts is traumatic for the officers and their loved ones. The College of Policing’s National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo, has resources and tools to help colleagues navigate these difficult conversations.

“Wounds and bones will heal but I know from my time in policing that the impact of being assaulted is cumulative and sometimes more damaging than the actual injury. The College is speaking with forces to ensure we can support as much as possible with officer wellbeing.

“These mindless criminals who are bringing violence to our streets with no care or thought for anyone else will face the full force of the law and they should be in no doubt about that. Detectives are, at this very moment, tracking you down and you should await the knock on your door.

“I am extremely grateful for the bravery of our officers who have responded to this violence. Their actions appear to me to have selflessly stopped much greater damage and risk to life being caused. They are showing the very best of policing and I do not underestimate the impact this is having on them and their loved ones. Thank you.”

Oscar Kilo provides further support for families and a bespoke wellbeing toolkit. Families - OK family life | Oscar Kilo and Toolkit - Wellbeing toolkit | Oscar Kilo.

It can also directs offers in need of extra support to the best place.

Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, Andy Rhodes said:

“It’s critical in times like this that we do everything we can to bring the whole system together to provide the support that our officers and staff deserve.

“That’s why we are working with the Police Treatment Centres which provide residential based physiotherapy treatment and psychological support to officers injured on or off duty. We are hoping to help them access additional funding so they are able to provide fast track treatment for the most serious cases.

“We’ve also contacted all force leads for Operation Hampshire, the national response to police assaults, to encourage them to share knowledge so we can understand how best we can support staff.

“In addition, we are also bringing together every force Occupational Health lead to assess the impact of the current situation on their services so that we can find ways to maintain timely and high-quality support for our brave officers and staff.”

The Red Robber Raid is available as an e-book and audio book here The Red Robber Raid e-book | Oscar Kilo.