Peter Romanis is a Detective Sergeant with Victoria Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit, specialising in fatal and life-threatening vehicle collisions. With 13 years in law enforcement, he has experience in Sexual Offences, Child Abuse investigations, and general duties. Peter holds a Master of Investigations from Charles Sturt University and was awarded a scholarship to study Compassion Fatigue, leading to his report, ‘From Fatigue to Fortitude’. Passionate about mental health and advocating for victims of crime, Peter is dedicated to community service and promoting positive change.
Presentation
Combatting Compassion Fatigue: Evidence-Based Strategies for Police Officer Well-Being
Mr Peter Romanis2
1Victoria Police, Melbourne, Australia, 2Emergency Services Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
Police officers frequently face traumatic events which can lead to significant physical and emotional repercussions. These individuals are at high risk for psychological distress, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, and substance misuse. The dual burden of direct exposure to death, injury, and violence, along with the stress of interacting with traumatised individuals, exacerbates their psychological risk. This phenomenon, known as Compassion Fatigue, represents a unique type of occupational stress resulting from cumulative exposure to primary and secondary trauma.
This presentation will explore Compassion Fatigue and its impact on police, drawing from research conducted through an Emergency Services Foundation scholarship. The research focused on two primary areas: (1) providing a detailed definition and understanding of Compassion Fatigue and its relationship to police, and (2) conducting qualitative interviews with Compassion Fatigue experts.
The study’s aim was to develop meaningful, attainable, and tangible recommendations to enhance mental health outcomes for their personnel. In July and August 2023, the scholarship facilitated travel to the United States to engage with leading experts in Compassion Fatigue. These experts provided invaluable insights into mitigating the effects of traumatic stress and burnout.
The presentation will highlight key findings from these expert consultations and present actionable recommendations for police and emergency service organisations. These recommendations focus on preventative education and skill development, enabling police officers to manage trauma exposure effectively, thereby reducing its impact on their mental health, their colleagues, and their families. This evidence-based approach aims to foster resilience and improve overall well-being and professional quality of life.