Foundations of empathy and resilience: Integrating trauma-informed policing from recruit training onward

This article is directly related to the first global Trauma Informed Policing and Law Enforcement Conference held in Melbourne, Australia in February 2024.

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the early integration of trauma-informed policing into the training of police recruits in Tasmania since 2023. Trauma-informed policing is an approach that recognizes the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of trauma on individuals and supports a more compassionate and empathetic response from law enforcement at various stages of the policing process. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being for officers themselves. A quick perusal of scholarly and grey literature seemed to identify a gap in training materials specifically designed for police recruits. This preliminary exercise led to a more thorough systematic literature review, which revealed the same. With a lack of consolidated materials for police training, a tailored curriculum was co-designed between the University of Tasmania, Tasmania Police, and experts in the field. The training aims to equip recruits with knowledge to recognize signs of trauma, understand its effects on behaviour, and respond appropriately. The survey evaluation of all training conducted in 2023 received a 70.8% response rate and indicated significant satisfaction with the training. After presenting the results of this evaluation, the authors discussed the benefits of trauma-informed policing training while acknowledging the challenges of implementation. However, in the Tasmanian context, strong police leadership support, a long-standing academic partnership, and a whole-of-government endorsement of trauma-informed practices provide a conducive environment for this initiative. Overall, the integration of trauma-informed principles into police training in Tasmania represents a significant step towards more empathetic, effective, and resilient policing, with potential for broader application and ongoing development.