Welfare meeting re Special Duty Section (SDS)

Date: Friday 5 May 2000

Present-:1 (on),2 onigmn counsellor), D/Supt.
4 DCI5 C16 

The meeting began with some confusion as to its purpose with some thinking it was a case
conference while others came in the belief that it was a discussion around general welfare support
for SDS. It transpired that the OH representatives were not expecting a case conference but were

there to offer advice on welfare support and best practice.

8 indicated that concern had been raised on account of self-referrals from
former SDS officers, in addition to the ongoing cases. 21 stressed that the 10 cases related to
domestic issues and not specific SDS operations.

 

DCI11 gave an account of the selection process, including ?12 
13 general ongoing welfare support during tours of duty, after care once the officer has

finished I14 i

 

Suns interested in other support systems in place particularly interviews with
counsellors and qualified help. DC 16 said that access was available via?

Sumo had been used on previous occasions. There was however no regular
interview with a 

Sstressed that OH had experience in dealing with 'loss', which was potentially the
biggest burden with which former SDS officers had to deal when finishing their tours of duty.
Counsellors were uninterested in operational details but rather in the individual's thoughts,

feelings and emotions.

20 said that from an occupational health perspective the following areas should be
documented:

0 Mandatory/voluntary referrals to medical help - best practice in other SO departments is
every 3 months.
0 Ongoing support for officers.

0 Specification of support Who is being invited and what is expected of them?

?22

23

Detective Chief Inspector