Are police forces past their due date? Examining the impact of pregnancy, maternity leave, and returning to work on women in UK policing

Duddin, Keely; Wright, Kendal and Wright, Frances (2024). Are police forces past their due date? Examining the impact of pregnancy, maternity leave, and returning to work on women in UK policing. In: International Association of Women Police 2024, 1-5 Sep 2024, Chicago, USA.

Abstract

This talk will explore the challenges UK police employees face during pregnancy, maternity leave, and their return to work. Given the high exposure to trauma and a historically hostile culture toward mental ill health in policing, supporting maternal mental health is crucial. Key findings from a study involving 5,920 women, representing about 11% of UK female police officers, will be discussed. Attendees will learn about initiatives like Evidence Cafés, which aim to enhance knowledge exchange and research into practice. The talk will also discuss future research directions, including intersectionality, to understand how overlapping identities affect maternity experiences. This overview highlights the importance of supportive policies and the broader implications for workforce diversity and retention within policing.

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