Navigating a jeopardising career on the thin blue line of ability vs disability: Neurodivergent police experiences at work

Some populations experience inequalities, including issues of gaining and retaining employment. One group impacted are neurodivergent individuals. This is pertinent in careers that carry higher demands, like policing. We interviewed 37 neurodivergent police officers and staff about their careers. Analysis created five themes: (1) self-identity, relating to how they saw themselves in terms of their autism or ADHD; (2) revealing their condition, with reflections on telling others; (3) advantages for policing, referring to how their characteristics were of benefit to the organisation; (4) challenges in the workplace, considering how they encountered some difficulties because of their neurodivergent characteristics; and (5) reasonable adjustments, in relation to some of the benefits and difficulties in mobilising resources to support them. We identified areas where police organisations could change their approach and culture to optimise neurodivergent strengths and capitalise on benefits to the organisation. We conclude with several recommendations for policing practice.