Exploring how crime analysts experience working with other people's traumatic material

This thesis examines crime analysts’ experiences of working with the traumatic material of others. Initially, the challenges faced by employees working with the traumatic material of others are considered. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, with emphasis on the nature of psychological effects of working with traumatic material upon non front line staff working within the criminal justice system. Current research was identified as varied, inconsistent and inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was examined for it’s utility in measuring for well-being within crime analysts. The measure was investigated in terms of its reliability and validity, with reference to its use within clinical and general population settings. Finally, an empirical research study exploring the work of crime analysts employed within the criminal justice system, exposed to the traumatic material of others is described with particular focus on factors that exacerbate their experiences and those factors that are protective to them. The study employed a qualitative approach and template analysis. Results revealed respondents were reporting both positive and negative factors within their work. Their accounts suggested that they were using individual, self-taught approaches to how they managed these factors. Broader organisational issues impacted upon how analysts experienced and managed their exposure to traumatic material. The difficulties of drawing conclusions from cross sectional studies are highlighted throughout the thesis. The utility of the findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical implications, with consideration of future research.