Beyond The Call with guest Associate Professor Jaqueline Drew

Dr. Jacqueline Drew, is an associate professor at Griffith University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, discussing her extensive work as a police psychologist. Dr. Drew highlights her journey from being an organisational psychologist with the Queensland Police Service to her current roles in academia and consulting for police agencies.

The conversation delves into the mental health challenges faced by police officers, focussing on trauma, organisational and operational stressors, and their proportional contributions to psychological distress.

Dr. Drew underscores the importance of peer support, understanding organizational justice, and evolving leadership within police forces to mitigate these stresses. The discussion also explores the similarities in mental health issues across different first responder communities and the necessity for systemic reforms in support structures like workers' compensation. Important themes include the need for proactive mental health care, the potential for post-traumatic growth, and the critical role of empathetic and informed leadership in fostering healthier organisational environments.