Introduction
As a former police officer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital role emotional intelligence (EI) plays in policing. In situations where tensions are running high a split-second decision can often result in an adverse reaction and consequences that could have been avoided. In such situations, it’s not always knowledge, physical prowess or a willingness to get involved that’s important, it’s the ability to read the room, manage both your own and others’ emotions and to communicate effectively under pressure.
It’s been eight years since the College of Policing introduced being “emotionally aware” as a core competency in their Competency and Values Framework (CVF), which it summarises as:
- Understanding our own emotions and their impact on others
- Treating people with respect, sensitivity, and consideration
- Behaving consistently and equitably in challenging situations
- Valuing diversity and difference in approaches to work
Despite its clear importance, and positioning alongside other core competencies, the full integration and appreciation of this competency still seems to be a work in progress.
Why the Slow Progress?
Several factors may have contributed to the slow adoption and full appreciation of this competency:
Misperception: The term “emotional awareness” can be misinterpreted as a “soft skill” and therefore less crucial than other, more recognisable competencies such as collaboration and ownership.
Lack of understanding: The concept can be difficult to understand and even harder to instil change when it is required.
Resistance to Change: Like any large institution, police forces can be slow to adapt to new ideas, especially ones that come from the top down and challenge traditional views of policing.
Lack of Tangible Metrics: Unlike arrest rates or response times, emotional awareness is difficult to measure and can go completely unnoticed or unrecognised.
Training Challenges: Effectively teaching and reinforcing emotional awareness requires ongoing, specialised training, which may not always be provided.
Cultural Barriers: There may be a lingering culture that values stoicism over emotional expression or awareness.
A Core Competency for Effective Policing
Contrary to the “soft skill” misconception, emotional awareness is a critical competency that can help officers:
- Recognise their own strengths and development areas
- De-escalate potentially volatile situations
- Build trust within communities
- Work effectively in diverse teams
- Make sound decisions under pressure
- Manage personal stress and wellbeing
In essence, emotional awareness underpins many aspects of effective policing and directly contributes to public safety, personal development and wellbeing.
Changing Perceptions and Practices
To fully realise the benefits of this competency, we need to:
Reframe the Narrative: Emphasise how emotional awareness directly contributes to core policing objectives.
Improve Training: Develop and implement comprehensive, ongoing training programs that make the benefits of emotional awareness tangible.
Lead by Example: Ensure that emotional awareness is visibly valued and practiced at all levels of leadership.
Measure and Reward Progress: Develop better metrics for assessing emotional awareness as well as its impact and recognise officers who excel in this area.
Share Success Stories: Highlight cases where emotional awareness has led to better outcomes in real policing scenarios.
Conclusion
Years after its introduction, the “We are emotionally aware” competency remains a crucial yet often underappreciated aspect of modern policing. By recognising it as a core skill rather than just an emotional add-on, police forces can fully integrate this competency into their operational practices and reap the full benefits. It’s time to recognise that emotional awareness isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have for effective policing.
I know some police forces have made significant efforts in this area, but police forces in general still trail private or other public sector organisations when it comes to fully embracing the importance of emotional intelligence. I am keen to hear your thoughts, however. What has your force or organisation done to adopt this competency or improve emotional awareness amongst its staff? Has it worked or is it an area that needs more effort? Do you have any examples of good practice?
If you would like to know more about the topics Martin has discussed in this weeks blog post, or you would like to learn about the services that Peel Solutions offer please get in touch on: 01925 377 878 or you can email us: info@peelsolutions.co.uk.