Reflecting on yesterday's online discussion with our @Boys_ToMen cohort. What stood out was one conversation with a school campus officer who talked about pushback (from police officers) they get when they talk about trauma as a factor in a young persons behaviour. 1/6

Now first of all trauma doesn't excuse behaviour but it's an important discussion that can't simply be ignored. 20 years ago I probably would have been part of the pushback brigade. Not now. My view is that it's a minority of voices that pushback. 2/6

So if you are an officer who has been curious enough to learn about trauma & its effects it's time to move to a place of conversation. Don't hold onto this knowledge, share it. You will permit others who share your views to do the same. You will build a team of officers who / 3/6

will use this knowledge confidently in day to day practice. If you are a police leader at all levels you have a role here also. Make yourself curious & learn. Trauma in our communities exposes your officers to risk & injury (death). Your officers are running ragged every day.

Trauma informed policing isn't soft policing it's smart policing. I think a knowledge of trauma and how to respond will reduce demand on policing long term. Violence isn't inevitable, its preventable.

@suzannezeedyk @polblonde @rossdeuchar @DirectorVRU @SY_VRU @TV_VRU @Notts_VRU @VRNGrace @policecommander @KentVru @wy_vru @LDN_VRU @GM_VRU @ACE_HUB_DandA @AcesEdinburgh @WL_AcesHub @policescotland @KeeganSmith_Law @CC_Livingstone @DCCMGraham @LeapScotland @UKLEAP