Advanced International Journal for Research

E-ISSN: 3048-7641   •   Impact Factor: 9.11

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Volume 6 Issue 6
November-December 2025

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Custodial Death and Its Psychological Impact on Police Officers: a Thematic Analysis

Author(s) Rithika Murugan, Dr. A. Seethalakshmy
Country India
Abstract The present study explored the emotional, psychological, and occupational impact of a custodial death incident on police personnel using a qualitative, interview based approach. Narrative accounts were collected from ten officers across different ranks, genders, and years of service within the Law and Order division. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: emotional and psychological distress, work related pressure and occupational fear, impact on personal and social life, and secondary trauma within the departmental environment. Participants described intense fear of legal consequences, heightened anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and physiological symptoms such as disturbed sleep and reduced concentration. Work routines became marked by hypervigilance, procedural caution, and a decline in professional confidence. Stress extended into personal domains through social withdrawal, family worry, and reduced self assurance. A key finding was the presence of secondary trauma among officers who were not directly involved, reflected in a tense station atmosphere and diminished morale. The study highlights that custodial deaths exert a broad emotional impact across entire police units. The findings emphasize the need for trauma informed support, structured counselling, leadership sensitivity, and clear post incident protocols within policing systems.
Keywords Police personnel, custodial death, psychological distress, secondary trauma, thematic analysis
Field Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In Volume 6, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On 2025-12-08
DOI https://doi.org/10.63363/aijfr.2025.v06i06.2446
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbdwfb
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