Kendal Wright

The Open University, United Kingdom

Title: Empowering Women in Policing: Addressing Perinatal Mental Health and Maternity Challenges

---

Biography

Abstract

Thisresearch draws together two groundbreaking projects that investigate the uniquechallenges faced by women in policing during maternity and the perinatalperiod. Policing, a traditionally male-dominated field, often exacerbatesmental health issues, particularly for women navigating pregnancy and maternityleave. Our study draws on data from a survey of 5,920 participants across allUK police forces regarding maternity experiences, alongside 18 autobiographicalinterviews with men and women from 11 police forces with experiences ofperinatal mental ill-health. A multi-stakeholder focus group including policepractitioners, lead psychologists, and health services provides additionalinsights.

Amixed-methods analysis incorporates Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory,feminist psychology, and statistical findings to explore how organisationalstructures influence maternal mental health. Findings indicate organisationalchallenges such as inadequate risk assessments, lack of flexible workingoptions, isolation, and insufficient mental health resources, this coupled withoperational traumatic stress and threats to social and professional identitythrough stigmatisation of the family and mental health lead to heightenedmental ill-health, silencing and intention to resign. Intersectional barriers,particularly for women of colour, further highlight the need for targetedsupport.

Theresearch has been supported by multiple knowledge exchange activities acrosspolicing organisations, ensuring practical applicability and engagement. Whilewe propose supervisor training, phased return-to-work initiatives, and havedeveloped a perinatal mental health toolkit for policing environments, many ofthese recommendations have broader applicability. These initiatives, adopted asnational guidance, foster inclusive workplaces that promote gender equity,enhance retention, and support career progression for women in policing andbeyond.