Few moments test an officer more than a shooting, a critical injury or a life-threatening incident. At this year’s ANZPAA Police Conference, Inspector Freda Grace and Senior Sergeants Jarod Walsh and Courtney Brunt introduced participants to the New Zealand Police Reintegration Programme—an approach designed to guide officers safely and confidently back to duty.

The programme addresses the unique challenges faced by police staff following critical operational events, offering confidential support that blends clinical care, scenario-based training and peer guidance. Its focus is on helping officers regain confidence, restore operational capability and promote ongoing professional development and wellbeing.

The Reintegration Programme emerged from a confronting truth: after critical incidents, New Zealand Police officers were often left feeling unsupported—and, at times, treated more like suspects than professionals who had just endured a traumatic event.

As Senior Sergeant Jarod Walsh reflected, “What we actually found, as traumatic as those events were, what really hurt our people was the way they were treated by our organisation following it. There was very little support provided.”

A series of high-profile incidents exposed inconsistencies across the organisation and prompted the creation of a critical incident working group. Bringing together tactical specialists, professional standards, wellness staff, investigators and the Police Association, the group set out to design a better system of care for officers affected by shootings, serious injuries and other trauma.

One of their earliest achievements was the introduction of Critical Incident Liaison Officers—senior staff who act as a dedicated bridge between affected members and investigative teams. Their sole focus is staff welfare, ensuring the process is transparent, humane and supportive. At the same time, the wellness service expanded its capability by upskilling advisors and partnering with psychologists experienced in trauma response. This marked a shift from immediate, short-term support to an understanding that the real impact of critical incidents often unfolds during the lengthy investigations and reviews that follow.

Another turning point came from recognising a major gap: even when officers were supported immediately after an incident, the transition back to operational duties was inconsistent and often poorly structured. Drawing on international models, particularly Canada’s evidence-based approach, New Zealand Police developed a reintegration programme tailored to local needs. Participation is mandatory for officers involved in shootings and available voluntarily for those affected by other incidents, including deaths in custody and fatal pursuits.

Inspector Freda Grace

Senior Sergeant Jarod Walsh

The reintegration process is psychologically informed, requiring clearance from a psychologist before it begins. Each officer receives an individualised plan, giving them space to process their experience and identify areas where confidence has been shaken.

Training is gradual, practical and member-led—incorporating dry drills, acclimation work and scenario-based activities designed to safely reintroduce operational tasks, equipment and environments.

Confidentiality is fundamental; only the delivery team and wellness advisors are involved, ensuring officers can progress without organisational pressure.

For those needing extended support, a fear hierarchy is used to pinpoint anxiety triggers and develop targeted exposure and skill-building plans. Collaboration with psychologists and injury managers ensures the approach is holistic, addressing both psychological recovery and operational competence. Peer support is woven throughout, pairing officers with colleagues who have lived through similar events—an aspect widely seen as one of the programme’s most powerful features.

Sustaining the programme has required strong organisational commitment. Endorsement from senior leadership, including the Commissioner, has enabled long-term investment and ensured the programme is embedded across business planning, wellness frameworks and leadership development. This strategic integration signals a clear message: supporting staff after critical incidents is not an add-on—it is a core organisational responsibility.

Early evaluation has reinforced the programme’s value. Research by the University of Waikato comparing reintegrated officers with those who returned to work without structured support, has shown positive outcomes in wellbeing, resilience and retention. A cost-benefit analysis further highlights the return on investment, particularly in retaining skilled and experienced staff.

Participant feedback consistently points to the importance of individualised, member-centred support. Officers report feeling more confident, more capable and better prepared to continue in their roles—and families have expressed relief at the structured, supportive pathway back to duty.

What began as a response to organisational shortcomings has evolved into a leading model for officer reintegration. By prioritising welfare, listening to lived experience and embedding evidence-informed practice, New Zealand Police has created a programme that strengthens not only individual recovery but the resilience of the organisation as a whole.

This editorial is taken directly from Inspector Freda Grace and Senior Sergeants Jarod Walsh and Courtney Brunt’s presentation at the ANZPAA Police Conference 2025.

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