These films have been developed to encourage officers and staff to reflect on their own experiences, spark conversations about wellbeing, and highlight the support available to them. Until now, access to the films has been restricted to carefully facilitated sessions within forces. By making the series accessible to a wider audience, Oscar Kilo aims to further its mission of breaking down stigma and encouraging open discussions about the unique challenges faced in policing.
Deeply rooted in the lived experiences of police officers and staff, these films have been developed through extensive interviews with officers, psychologists, and experts and offer an authentic portrayal of the challenges faced at different stages of a policing career. The themes also reflect findings from the national police wellbeing surveys, ensuring they are relatable and address real issues identified by those working in the service.
The films also touch the key focus areas of the Police Covenant which is all about the impact of ‘the job’ on officers and staff, their families and what happens when they are thinking about leaving.
'Identity'
‘Identity’ tells the story of Roopa, a Family Liaison Officer approaching retirement, as she navigates the emotional complexities of this transition and reflects on her career. The film delves into the impact of policing on personal identity and wellbeing during this pivotal stage in someone’s life.
Andy Rhodes, Service Director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, said:
“Identity highlights an important but often challenging stage in a policing career—retirement and the transition out of ‘the job.’ Through Roopa’s story, we want to encourage conversations about how policing shapes personal identity and the challenges that come with leaving. This resource isn’t just a film; it’s a tool to help officers reflect on their wellbeing, think about their next steps, and access the support that’s available.”
The three films—each developed in collaboration with psychologists, officers, and wellbeing experts—focus on key stages of a policing career:
- Purpose explores the experiences of a new recruit.
- Meaning focuses on a mid-career officer balancing personal and professional challenges.
- Identity addresses the transition into retirement.
By sharing the real-life stories of officers and staff, the films create an opportunity for viewers to reflect on their own experiences, while encouraging open discussions about wellbeing and resilience.
Kath Coulter KPM, a retired Detective Sergeant at South Yorkshire Police worked with the Oscar Kilo and Inner Eye team to provide genuine insight into the experience of leaving the service.
Kath said; “I am extremely proud to be involved in Identity, a thought-provoking film highlighting the difficulties people face when transitioning into retirement. Officers and staff spend so much of their career supporting and caring for others that we sometimes forget to care for ourselves. The film is a reminder to all that police officers, in particular, are normal people doing an extraordinary job and forces need to ensure their continued wellbeing as they retire.”
Each film also includes guided analysis from an expert psychologist and signposting to support for anyone affected by the issues raised, ensuring that viewers have access to the resources they need.
Chris Godwin, Writer and Producer of the series from Inner Eye Productions, said:
“Identity explores the personal and emotional challenges faced by officers preparing for life after policing. It’s a deeply honest story that shows how much the role shapes who you are and what happens when that chapter ends. Working on this film has reinforced for me how important it is to protect wellbeing during big transitions. I hope it resonates with viewers and helps them open-up conversations about not just the pressures, but the possibilities of moving forward.”
The films are now available to view on the Oscar Kilo YouTube channel and by making these films more widely accessible, we hope to spark conversations and provide meaningful support to all those affected by the challenges of policing.