‘Neurodivergent Perspectives in Policing: Embracing Diversity for an Inclusive Criminal Justice System’

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in conversations about and experiences of neurodivergent police practitioners being shared. This chapter explores two key components of these experiences: how the police navigate their role in supporting neurodivergent individuals and wider communities, and how the police service itself operates as a neurodiverse workforce. It examines the potential barriers neurodivergent police practitioners may face, such as in recruitment and progression, as well as challenges with disclosing neurodivergence. Additionally, the chapter highlights the unique cognitive and sensory profiles of neurodivergent practitioners, exploring how these can be leveraged as valuable assets in various policing roles. Ultimately, what underpins this exploration is how neurodivergence is perceived within police organisations and how such perceptions impact neurodivergent police practitioners.