Custody sergeant burnouts: Research continues Police Federation remains concerned about situation with first line supervisors – but is working with ACPO to resolve issues. Date - 21st July 2014 By - Cliff Caswell - Police Oracle Work is continuing to establish the risk to custody sergeants after a far-reaching academic study showed many are approaching burnout and considering quitting the service. Police Federation Vice-Chairman Steve Evans said the staff association was continuing to examine the results together with Dr Jonathon Houdmont, who conducted the study. He was also keen to praise Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley – who leads nationally on custody issues – for her positive response to the study and concern over the results. As reported on PoliceOracle, Dr Houdmonts research – which saw two surveys sent out to custody sergeants at 12-month intervals – paints a consistently worrying picture about the pressures the first line supervisors are under. The first of the surveys was completed by 930 sergeants from 39 forces in England and Wales, while the second featured nearly 750 personnel from 42 forces. Both studies found 60 per cent of officers showed signs of burnout – emotional exhaustion that could have negative long-term consequences, said Dr Sandy Houdmont. The academic also highlighted that some 40 per cent of custody sergeants in both surveys had shown signs that they were suffering psychological stress – and would be likely to be diagnosed with disorders such as anxiety if they were assessed by health professionals. Dr Houdmont was also particularly concerned that 70 per cent of those on 12-hour shifts, of four days on and four off, were showing that they could be at high risk of burning out. He suggested there should now be further research into the area. Mr Evans said: “Clearly this is very important and we are continuing to work with Dr Houdmont on this issue. This is going to be ongoing for some time to come. “We are very pleased with the approach taken by Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley – she has clearly recognised that there is only so much bread to go round. “She has been very supportive to us – there are recommendations in the research that can be implemented without having to part with a great deal of money.”
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 10:01:59 +0000