Police service forensic teams are suffering severe damage to their mental health due to frequent exposure to traumatic scenes as they attend incidents, says UNISON today (Thursday).
Research by the union has revealed 84% of crime scene investigation staff report an impact on their mental health as a result of their work.
The workers routinely deal with the aftermath of harrowing ordeals, including deaths, scenes of violent or sexual crime, and helping victims and bereaved families.
UNISON’s research – based on a survey of crime scene investigators (CSIs) – shows the heavy toll this is taking on staff crucial to a successful criminal justice system.
More than a third (36%) of CSIs say their mental health is ‘seriously’ or ‘very negatively’ affected by the job.
Around one in six (18%) have received a medical diagnosis for a mental health issue or trauma-related condition, raising concerns many more are struggling without proper support, the union says.
Stress levels and workloads are soaring, with nearly four in five (78%) reporting increased workplace pressures over the 12 months preceding the survey. Yet three-quarters (75%) of staff say their employer’s expectations have increased.
That comes as more than half (56%) report their department has cut staff over the past year, UNISON says.
CSIs also say there is a lack of management support and a culture of dismissing stress as ‘part of the job’.
Delays in accessing services, lack of confidentiality and limited trauma-specific help mean many investigators say they don’t receive the support they expect.
Three in ten (30%) say they have never been offered access to a core police service support package, while one third (33%) have taken time off because of ill health linked to their job.
One CSI said: “I’m currently off sick with work-related stress and PTSD symptoms. I’ve been telling managers about the issues we are facing for months, but nothing has been done. Now that I’m off work, I feel completely forgotten about.
“The occupational health team has been terrible at communicating. The atmosphere at work before I went off was toxic. Welfare support is not good enough.”
Results of the survey – conducted among more than 200 CSIs in England, Scotland and Wales – have been released to coincide with UNISON’s annual National Police, Probation and CAFCASS Service Group Conference, which opens in Brighton today (Thursday).
UNISON is urging the police service and individual forces to guarantee CSIs should be allowed at least one paid shift to recover following attendance at a traumatic scene.
Central government investment is also needed to tackle chronic understaffing, and to protect the wellbeing of workers essential to a functioning justice system, the union adds.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Crime scene investigators are paying a terrible price for their dedication to public safety and criminal justice.
“They deal with the aftermath of incidents that nobody wants to see. Regular trauma is seriously damaging their mental health, yet too often their suffering is overlooked, ignored or dismissed. That is unacceptable.
“Forces must face up to the reality of what their staff experience. Support must be automatic, confidential and properly resourced. Nobody should be left to cope alone.
“Police budget deficits make the situation worse. Short staffing and relentless workloads drive stress through the roof. Promises of support mean little when staff are run ragged and endure long waits for therapy.
“Investment in staff wellbeing, and wider police services, is essential if justice for victims is to be delivered.”
Notes to editors:
– The majority of police CSIs are staff rather than officers. Police staff are employees of police forces and make up nearly 40% of the police workforce in England and Wales.
– UNISON’s research is based on a health and wellbeing survey of 245 police crime scene investigators at forces in England, Scotland and Wales, between 23 April and 16 May 2025. The full report based on the results will be published in the coming weeks.
– UNISON’s annual National Police, Probation and CAFCASS Service Group Conference takes place in Brighton today and tomorrow (9 and 10 October). Christina McAnea is due to address delegates later today.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Comments from crime scene investigators who undertook the survey:
– “There needs to be more awareness of the number of deaths we attend and how this affects our mental health. I love my job, but we’re rarely in company with colleagues for entire shifts, as we do not have the staff to double crew, and only see victims of crime. Having company would help with ‘compassion fatigue’ as it lightens the load. I’ve also been in situations where I’ve been at risk due to suspects still being at the scene, and I’ve not had personal safety training, or anyone with me, for support.”
– “A lot of the issues stem from not being supported by line managers. Some don’t have empathy towards issues they haven’t experienced. Mental health issues aren’t supported, and we’re just expected to get on with the job. We’ve been told that if we aren’t fit enough to do the job then we should find something else. Regular support should be available to discuss wellbeing on an individual basis, as sometimes an incident can affect you months after attending. Sometimes it’s the less traumatic incidents that stay with you.”
Media contacts:
Mark Conrad M: 07809 623703 E: m.conrad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article Four in five crime scene investigators say mental health is harmed by work, UNISON finds first appeared on the UNISON National site.
Comments are closed.