ANXIETY about the unknown is one of the biggest stresses of policing the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
That is the view of South Yorkshire Police Federation, which says it is important to keep an eye on frontline officers who are at the sharp end of policing the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
That view has been echoed by the Police Federation of England and Wales, which has produced a video offering advice and techniques on how to deal with the mental health challenges presented by the virus.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman Steve Kent said: \u201cI suppose the mental health aspect with cops is is the anxiety about the unknown and that links in with the sort of things that are being reported in the media.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s getting better now but to begin with officers were under the impression that everyone was going to get this and everyone was going to be seriously ill, as well as how dangerous the virus is.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that the virus is dangerous, but what officers need to have is the confidence to know that they\u2019ve got as much equipment as they can possibly, reasonably have. They can risk assess situations going into it. And we\u2019ve got actually specialist teams on that the force have bought in to deal with potential Covid-related sudden deaths as well who are extra prepared to deal with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we\u2019ve got those things in place, but obviously we need to keep an eye those officers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PFEW\u2019s video features expert advice from Dr Jess Miller, a Neuropsychologist at Police Care UK and the University of Cambridge.<\/p>\n
It includes various techniques that officers can try to help them cope with traumatic situations, and also encourages officers to be open and honest with their line managers.<\/p>\n
To see the video visit: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JcLo2qKcNxA&feature=emb_title<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n