Concerns over police head injuries

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/uoe-cop071720.php

News Release 20-Jul-2020
University of Exeter


Head injuries may be worryingly common among police officers, according to a new pilot study led by the University of Exeter.

In a sample of 54 UK officers, 21 (38.9%) reported having suffered a "traumatic brain injury" (TBI) resulting in a loss of consciousness in their lives.

This proportion is far higher than the estimated rate of 8-12% in the general public.

Officers with a history of TBI reported higher levels of ongoing "post-concussion symptoms" such as headaches, memory problems and anxiety.

These officers were also moderately more likely to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drinking alcohol to cope, and much more likely to report symptoms of depression.

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