Why police and security officers are at risk

The NHS notes that PTSD can follow any distressing event and is more likely after repeated exposure, as in emergency services. OSHA identifies law enforcement and security among occupations at increased risk of workplace violence. HSE's fatigue guidance on shift work applies directly to rotas with nights and short changeovers. Equipment worn all shift, along with long periods sitting in patrol cars, adds steady strain on the lower back.

01Trauma and PTSD

Officers see injury, death, violence and distress regularly. Symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, irritability and feeling on edge can appear soon after an incident or months later. Stigma can delay seeking help.

What helps

  • Use peer support, trauma risk management or welfare services after critical incidents.
  • Notice changes in sleep, mood, temper or alcohol use, in yourself and colleagues.
  • Seek trauma-focused therapy early; it works best before symptoms become entrenched.
  • Keep time and relationships outside the job.

02Shift work and fatigue

Rotating shifts, nights, overtime and court appearances on rest days cut sleep and disrupt the body clock. Fatigue impairs judgement and raises the risk of road collisions.

What helps

  • Plan sleep across the whole rota cycle, including after court on rest days.
  • Use blackout blinds and earplugs for daytime sleep.
  • Nap before night shifts when possible.
  • Avoid driving when drowsy; take a short nap first.

03Assaults and back pain

Assaults during arrests and disputes cause injuries. Body armour and heavy duty belts change posture and load the lower back, especially combined with long sitting in vehicles.

What helps

  • Keep personal safety and de-escalation training current.
  • Make sure body armour fits properly; ask about load-bearing vests to move weight off the belt.
  • Adjust vehicle seats and lumbar support; get out and move during long patrols.
  • Build core and hip strength in regular training.

Weekly checklist for police and security officers

  • Plan sleep for each block of shifts.
  • Train strength and fitness three times a week.
  • Adjust your vehicle seat at the start of each shift.
  • Talk to a colleague or welfare officer after a hard incident.
  • Keep alcohol well within low-risk guidelines.
  • Take your full rest days off where possible.

When to see a professional

  • Nightmares, flashbacks, numbness or irritability lasting more than a month.
  • Drinking more to sleep or cope.
  • Back pain lasting more than a few weeks, or leg numbness or weakness.
  • Ongoing sleep problems or sleepiness at work.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line now. Many services have confidential lines for officers.

Where ONU fits

ONU brings your sleep, activity and recovery trends together, so you can see how your rota and heavy weeks affect your sleep. It does not assess stress, trauma or fitness for duty, and it is not a substitute for welfare or occupational health support.

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Common questions

How common is PTSD in police officers?

Rates are higher in police and emergency services than in the general population because of repeated exposure to traumatic events. Effective treatments exist and early help improves outcomes.

Can body armour cause back pain?

Heavy kit worn on the belt and torso changes posture and adds load, especially combined with sitting in vehicles. Good fit, load-bearing vests and core strength help.

How do officers cope with quick changeovers?

Prioritise sleep immediately after the late shift, keep the bedroom dark, limit caffeine late in the shift and raise unsafe rotas through your federation or union.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.