Almost 70 frontline Bermuda Police Service officers have received training in how to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma.

Two instructors from Britain ran an initial course last year, providing island police with essential skills and knowledge on “trauma-informed approaches”.

A police spokesman said the training equipped the first group of BPS officers to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma, to prevent re-traumatisation and to ensure that those affected are aware of available support agencies.

The course also emphasised the importance of police officers recognising these signs in themselves.

James Howard, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, said that another course was held last month, “enhancing their ability to serve our community with empathy and understanding, to better serve the public”.

Mr Howard added: “The course was very well received, with 25 participants attending.

“In addition to our officers, we extended the latest trauma-informed awareness training opportunity to several of our sister agencies, which included the Department of Child and Family Services, the Centre Against Abuse, Saving Children And Revealing Secrets, the Mirrors Programme, Court Services, the Department of Health, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and the Department of Corrections, as well as the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are excited about the positive impact this training has had and are considering bringing the trainers in again later this year.

“Trauma-informed training is crucial in fostering a compassionate and effective approach to not only law enforcement, but also any helping agency, thereby ensuring we all can better support the community and each other.”