Biopsychosociocultural Perspective on ‘Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom’ Women Veterans as Civilian Police Officers: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Challenges

Abstract

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans constitute a large portion of police officer recruits. Women applicants present with similar gender-specific health-care practice needs. To improve the quality of care for this vulnerable and underserved veteran population, it is essential to begin with a systematic assessment using a biopsychosociocultural approach. Internationally, shortages in compensation and pension health-care professionals within Veterans Affairs have resulted in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The health-care needs of OEF/OIF veterans can fuel psycholegal issues for police departments. These issues usually take place in the form of negligent hire and/or retention misconduct cases. Female OEF/OIF veterans may need additional health-care services for PTSD or mTBI after they enter another male-dominated culture. Although not every female veteran seeking a job in law enforcement has PTSD and mTBI, evaluating these veterans using a biopsychosociocultural approach provides a framework for early identification, intervention and prevention. This paper offers an educational and training perspective aimed at sensitising hiring authorities to clinically relevant transition and adjustment issues as female veterans shift into civilian police departments.