Psychological distress in police officers following critical incidents

This study considers the impact of a range of potentially traumatic events on a cohort of police officers. All RUC officers who were involved in critical incidents (July 1993 - January 1994) were contacted at 7 - 10 months post incident. Following their verbal agreement to participate in the survey, officers received a questionnaire booklet requesting further details and subjective evaluation of the index incident. The booklet contained a checklist of PTSD symptoms (MPSS-SR), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a brief measure of support (Crisis Support Inventory - CSI). Analysis of returns indicates that around 5 % of the sample would fulfil current criteria for PTSD. In addition 25 % of officers reported symptoms consistent with at least mild to moderate depression (BDI). Regression analysis noted that three factors; BDI score, Injury Rating and Present Satisfaction with Support explained 50 % of the variance in PTSD total. The relationships between PTSD, Depression and Injury are discussed. In addition some limitations of the present study as well as avenues for future research are highlighted.