Call for Greater Care for Officers with Traumatic Brain Injuries

Police officers who suffer serious head injuries in the line of duty must receive substantial support from forces, South Yorkshire Police Federation says.

Federation Chair Steve Kent said assaults on officers were a daily occurrence, with a least two coming across his desk each day.

His comments followed a study finding officers were more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population.

The University of Exeter research suggested there was a connection between these injuries and PTSD in officers.

Reaction to the study, Steve said: “It’s not surprising. Severe head injuries are thankfully not very often, but they still happen.

“We have to make sure the officers who are injured in that way are properly looked after, they’re properly supported, they get justice and they get the support they need.”

Steve warned severe injuries and PTSD went “hand in hand” and it was important to recognise this.
He added: “We’ve got to give a far bigger wraparound to those officers concerned.”