Ongoing Exposure to Distressing Material is Associated with Worsening Mental Health in UK Law Enforcement Staff: a Longitudinal Interview Study

Secondary investigators and analysts in law enforcement settings are routinely exposed to distressing content as part of their roles. Increasing dosage of exposure to distressing content has been associated with worsening mental health. Therefore, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative study with 21 law enforcement staff to explore their ongoing experiences of working with distressing content from recruitment into their role to 6 months in role, and at 12 and at 18 months in role. The coping strategies adopted at these different timepoints were also discussed in the interviews. A total of 63 interviews were conducted, with data collected at three distinct time points. Using template analysis, five key themes emerged: “Changes in cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioural impacts,” “Changes in sleep patterns,” “Changes in coping strategies,” “Changes in psychological contract,” and “Evolving perceptions of the role.” We found that, with time, these professionals report increasing reactions to the material congruent with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and burnout. How employers can mitigate the negative impact of ongoing exposure of this nature is considered.