ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an examination that focuses on the aspects of preventative measures that might be introduced at an organisational level and considers: training, welfare support within and initiated by the organization, investigations: complaints and discipline; identification of officers at risk; bullying, harassment and victimization; and an assessment of shift patterns. Training on the aspects identified by Reiser would form an ideal base to ensure new recruits understand that, as Larned expounds, 'seeking help is a strength, not a weakness'; he adds that 'the knowledge that help is available, if needed, is vitally important'. The mental health issues discussed at the UNISON conference contribute to so many of the precipitators identified in the case-studies, and a consideration of the welfare support that forces are able to offer now follows. The chapter examines the following issues: confidentiality, psychological support and counselling, peer support, 24-hour crisis support lines and a process to identify risk.
