Beyond the Uniform: Impact of Indirect Trauma on Spanish Police Officers

Abstract

Background: Indirect trauma, produced by repeated exposure to traumatized individuals, has an impact on professional's mental health, producing posttraumatic symptoms (secondary trauma [ST]) and changes in their fundamental beliefs (vicarious trauma [VT]). While indirect trauma has been extensively studied in healthcare providers, police officers have been overlooked. This study aims to explore the impact of indirect trauma (ST and VT) in a sample of police officers. Method: A sample composed of 112 police officers (80.4% males) from Córdoba (Spain), with a mean age of 48.69 years (SD = 8.30), completed an online survey comprised of three self-report measures (Impact of Events Scale-R, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, World Assumption Scale). Results: All participants reported direct and indirect trauma. Differences concerning the impact of indirect trauma were found depending on the criteria used. Quantitatively (i.e., cut-off scores), levels of ST and VT were mild. However, qualitatively (i.e., diagnostic algorithm), 21.4% (n = 25) achieved a PTSD diagnosis produced by indirect exposure (secondary trauma). Traumatized officers showed higher levels of ST and VT than non-traumatized officers. Among them, those who received social support showed lower levels of ST and TV. Despite the prevalence of indirect trauma, only 7% of the participants received psychological support. Most of the sample (94%) considered it essential to have access to psychological services, and 84% expressed their willingness to use them if they were available. Conclusion: The cost of police work is often underestimated. Further investigation is required to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.