INCLUSIVE POLICING NOT STIGMA SUPPORT,
A culture of support and sensitivity is essential for officers who are experiencing bereavement after the loss of a baby
It is estimated one in four pregnancies in the UK end in loss during pregnancy or birth. In this context, many police officers, both men and women, are grieving for the loss of a baby. Stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth,
and termination for medical reasons can be linked to deep feelings of guilt and failure, especially in women. It is a sensitive topic that is often shrouded in silence and stigma, but a more supportive workplace would help make affected families feel less alone. However, a 2018 survey conducted by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, found half of the respondents did not feel supported by their employer. For the police service, the level of care differs from force to force – but thanks to the hard work and dedication of Zoë Wakefield, who sits on PFEW’s National Women’s Group, and Hampshire
Detective Chief Inspector Rod Kenny, pioneering local initiatives are beginning to spread nationwide. In 2016, Rod and his wife experienced
a miscarriage at 10 weeks, followed by two more miscarriages in a year.
“My experience was quite
positive with my line manager supporting me, but I was aware other people had a less positive experience,” he explained. “Before we set up the Miscarriage
“This is a really sensitive topic and quite often people,
while well intentioned, were a bit clumsy”
and Baby Loss Support Group, it was initially a focus group to look at what was being done well, what made it a better workplace experience, and where people were failed before. “A lot of the issues stemmed from
a lack of understanding from line managers. This is a really sensitive topic and quite often people, while
26 | POLICE | DECEMBER 2022
well intentioned, stumbled into these situations and were a bit clumsy.” Working alongside Zoë, Rod recruited 10 miscarriage and baby loss supporters from different ranks. They were given bespoke training in how to support and signpost line managers and affected colleagues. Overhauling
outdated HR policies, including ensuring all miscarriages are
considered as a bereavement rather than a sickness, was a priority. “We often found miscarriage was marked
as a women’s health issue, this stems from colleagues having time off to recover from physical symptoms or a medical procedure, but people failed to recognise it is a loss like no other,” said Rod. “The point you find out you’re pregnant is the point you start planning your life and future, so it is a very tangible loss no matter how early on the miscarriage is.
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