Accessing reasonable adjustments in UK policing

Exploring the lived experiences of autistic officers and staff and those with ADHD

Bibliographic Data

ID24238873
AuthorsMichelle O’reilly (0000-0003-1978-6405, University of Leicester), Emily M Dakin (University of Derby), Alison Drewett (0000-0003-4600-1706, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust), Samuel Troman (0000-0002-0783-285X, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust), Luke P Vinter (0000-0002-8116-8862, University of Derby)
Year2026
Pages1-18
Publication date2026-10-21
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEqual Opportunities International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/edi-01-2026-0042
OpenAlexW7223089670
LanguageEN
References cited34

Purpose This study examines the experiences of autistic police officers and staff and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in accessing and utilising reasonable adjustments. Design/methodology/approach We conducted reflective interviews with 37 UK autistic officers and staff and those with ADHD. Findings Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) identifying and requesting adjustments, (2) rank-based hierarchies and the role of gatekeepers and (3) navigating police process. Practical implications Results suggest urgent need for training, streamlined adjustment processes, collaborative approaches to identifying needs and broader cultural transformation towards genuine neuro-inclusivity in policing organisations. Originality/value Research with this population is rare but deserves attention. Policing is imbued with rank-based hierarchies, and findings showed how participants situated adjustments requests within this framing. Organisational features of policing are reflected in protocols and processes which were perceived as burdensome and created fears that their label may be weaponised against them.

Disability Education and Employment · Disability Rights and Representation · Policing Practices and Perceptions

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