CGCP Public Health Research

People
Dr Arabella Kyprianides, Prof Ben Bradford 

Project Summary 

This project explores the relationship between police interactions and the mental health of individuals frequently encountered by police in the UK. It seeks to better understand who is engaging with the police, the reasons behind these encounters, where they occur, and the mental health consequences of these interactions.

Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the project addresses four key research questions:

1. What is the relationship between police activity and well-being?

Is police activity more concentrated in areas or among individuals experiencing greater mental health challenges, and if so, why?

Methodology:

• A secondary analysis of existing police and health data to determine if police activity is indeed higher in areas with greater mental health challenges.
• A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of existing research to examine the impact of police activity on mental health outcomes.
• Using insights from the data analysis and REA, we will develop a theoretical model that outlines the links between police activity and mental health.

2. How do police officers perceive their role in addressing the mental health impacts of their work, and what specific actions do they take?

Methodology: A case study of one UK police force, including interviews with police staff, a survey of officers, and direct observations of police activity.

3. How do individuals experiencing mental health issues, or with complex emotional and psychological needs, perceive their interactions with the police?

Methodology: Surveys and interviews with victims of crime who also experience mental health challenges.

4. What strategies can be developed to assist police officers in managing encounters with individuals presenting mental health issues? Where in the policing process are the most effective 'intervention points' for improving outcomes?

Methodology: Based on findings from RQ1-3, we will co-produce a theory-driven intervention model in collaboration with service providers. This model will aim to enhance psychological well-being and reduce recidivism among individuals with mental health issues.

Planned Output & Impact

There will be a series of outputs from this project for both academic and policy/practitioner audiences. The findings from the research will be submitted for publication in peer reviewed academic journals (e.g. British Journal of Criminology, Policing and Society) and presented at both national and international academic conferences (e.g. British Society of Criminology, European Society for Criminology). Shorter reports and briefings will also be prepared for relevant stakeholders and end-users (e.g. MPS, MOPAC, College of Policing), and the research will be shared at conferences aimed at practitioners and policy-makers (e.g. the Society of Evidence Based Policing conference). At the conclusion of the project, a conference will be organised bringing together academic beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders and end-users to present the findings from the research and suggest implications for practice.

Funder
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Duration
May 2023-August 2025