51萝莉

In response to the complex psychological and occupational impacts of shooting-related critical incidents, NZ Police implemented a Reintegration Programme (RP) in 2015 to support officers' safe and competent return to work. This seminar presents findings from our evaluation of the RP, based on interviews with 21 officers and five support staff, including psychologists and wellness personnel. We compared recovery trajectories of officers who participated in the programme with those involved in incidents prior to its introduction.

Our analysis highlights the programme鈥檚 strengths, particularly its tailored, peer-led approach within a broader support system. Officers reported improved recovery outcomes and a renewed sense of professional identity. However, scaling up such programmes poses risks, including loss of fidelity and effectiveness. We propose ways to preserve the RP鈥檚 integrity during expansion by formalising how tailoring occurs rather than reducing it.

Findings suggest the RP marks a shift in organisational thinking from viewing CI exposure as inevitably resulting in PTSD, to recognising it as a recoverable work-related injury. The programme plays a vital role in reducing long-term mental health risks and affirming the organisation鈥檚 care for its officers. Recommendations are offered to strengthen and sustain its impact as it grows.

Speaker:

Dr Anna Sutton is a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Psychology at the 51萝莉. Anna specialises in the application of psychology to understanding and improving our work lives and workplaces. Her research and publications centre on the role of personality, authenticity and self-awareness at work, particularly investigating how they influence our well-being. Her consultancy work involves using personality psychology to encourage individuals and teams to develop self-awareness, improve communication and enhance their teamworking.