In the first role of its kind, Rock Pool have recruited three Trauma-Informed Practitioners (TIPs) who work directly on the front line with officers to support them to imbed trauma-informed practice within their daily duties.
Hampshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Rock Pool have been commissioned by the OPCC to deliver a package of support for Hampshire Constabulary frontline policing teams to imbed trauma-informed practice until 2026. Rock Pool have provided support for frontline teams through virtual training sessions, covering the potential impacts and legacy of trauma throughout the lifespan and how this is relevant to policing.
TIPs support officers to recognise how trauma can manifest into behavioural responses and support the police to respond in a way in which avoids further trauma or re-traumatisation.
TIPs support officers in a multitude of ways.
TIPs attend incidents and view Body Worn Video (BWV) involving the public and where appropriate will offer guidance and advice to officers on recognising trauma responses and responding in a trauma-informed way. TIPs have professional backgrounds in criminal justice system, domestic abuse and children’s services therefore can also advise officers where to signpost or refer to for longer-term appropriate support for individuals.
TIPs also facilitate reflective practice with officers about incidents they have attended which gives officers an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, recognise good work and navigate challenges in a confidential and supportive space. Supporting officers in reflective practice, TIPs also help officers to recognise the trauma that they themselves experience in frontline policing and TIPs speak about the importance of quality self-care. However, TIPs are able to signpost to specialised police support agencies.
TIPs also support officers with the use of trauma-informed language in Public Protection Notifications (PPN1) and safeguarding paperwork to ensure that information shared with other statutory agencies recognise the impact of trauma on behaviour and life choices so appropriate support can be put in place.
This Home Office funded pilot project is being evaluated by John Moore University and the final report is due in March 2025.
Sue Penna - Trauma-Informed Policing
TIPs Quote
It is a privilege to work alongside frontline policing teams and to see first-hand the important work the police do which is often taken for granted.
We are incredibly proud to be trauma-informed practitioners and are so passionate about supporting the police becoming trauma-informed and reflective practitioners in their own right. We hope our legacy will bring about meaningful changes, not only on how the police interact with the public but also the culture of the organisation.
Avon and Somerset Police
In September 2023, Rock Pool won a tender with Avon and Somerset Police to support them on our journey to being a trauma-informed police force where a trauma-informed approach becomes part of our ‘business as usual’ and a golden thread that runs through the organisation regardless of role or rank.
Training – We delivered a two-day training course to members of the in-house training team, introducing the key concepts of a trauma informed approach and how these might impact of their training delivery and lesson plans. We worked with the in-house training team to produce a trauma audit document which could be used ensure that current and future training was trauma informed.
Policies – we worked with the HR department to develop a trauma informed checklist for reviewing existing and establishing new policies.
Trauma Toolkit - we designed a draft ‘trauma toolkit’ to explain, support and
offer guidance to officers in the force who may be feeling they are
experiencing the impact of trauma in their work This was reviewed by a group of officers and is now part of the Avon and Somerset Pocket Book.
TIEs – we trained 16 officers to be Trauma informed Educators – who could act as advocates for trauma-based approaches, deliver an introduction to trauma course, tailor made for the needs of the Avon and Somerset Police service and acted as catalysts for change. These officers have each started to put in place a modest trauma informed project in their area of work and have set up a “Community of Practice” to support each other and the development of best practice.
Estates - We worked with the estates team to produce an audit tool which provided a clear framework for evaluating how well building adhered to trauma informed practice.
Strategy and Performance Monitoring
- The Rock Pool team worked with staff to develop a roadmap for establishing trauma-informed practice in the service. 2024-2027
- Provided benchmarks to UK and international examples of best practice in trauma-informed policing
- Worked through a co-production process with key policy staff to identify how the six principles at the core of trauma-informed practice (Safety, Empowerment, Trustworthiness, Collaboration, Inclusivity and Choice) could drive forward the development of trauma-informed practice in the service
- Helped identify progress through a checklist linked to the four phases of trauma practice for an organisation (trauma-aware, trauma-sensitive, trauma-informed and trauma-responsive)
- Produced a set of recommendations for resourcing the next stage of development