Related project:
2PS
How can we better protect the well-being of those who work daily with some of the most disturbing content and challenging responsibilities?
This was the focus of “Empowering Practice, Enhancing Prevention”, a training co-organised by the 2PS Project and the CYCLOPES – Cybercrime Law Enforcement Practitioners’ Network. Held at Charité in Berlin from 24–26 September 2025, the event brought together experts and practitioners to explore what it takes to build resilient organisations and support the people behind the work.
The workshop covered:
🔹 Creating psychologically safe organisations (ISO 45003);
🔹 Understanding the biology of stress & resilience strategies;
🔹 Vicarious trauma and leadership responsibility;
🔹 Organisational support models from NGOs and law enforcement;
🔹 Innovative approaches, including VR and digital wellbeing tools.
For many professionals, exposure to CSAM, terrorism-related content, or violent imagery is among the most distressing aspects of their work. But trauma and vicarious trauma are not limited to these areas. Stress can also come from relentless caseloads, unclear structures, lack of organisational support, the weight of responsibility and many other factors. We need to understand the specific situations before deciding.
That’s why organisational change must lead the way in assessing and promoting psychological welfare. This is needed to ensure we maintain capacity and look after the people doing some of the most challenging work.
From the discussions in Berlin, a healthy workplace culture should provide:
Dependability – colleagues and leaders who can be trusted to follow through and provide support when needed.
Structure and clarity – clear roles, processes, and expectations that reduce uncertainty in high-pressure situations.
Meaning and visible impact – helping staff connect their daily efforts to broader goals, so they can see the difference their work makes.
An open environment – where people feel safe to share concerns, raise feedback, and learn from mistakes.
Another interesting aspect was discussing how failure, addressed constructively, becomes an opportunity to adapt and refine, leading to stronger performance and resilience over time.
To achieve this level of progress, strategic leaders must champion these approaches. At the same time, practitioners can be empowered to recognise early warning signs of stress – often showing up physically (think musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and other systems) before mental health symptoms appear.
It’s vital to remember: you don’t need to be struggling with your mental health to be under stress – and chronic stress is not sustainable. You might survive, but you won’t thrive.
The 2PS and CYCLOPES Project's work has clarified these needs. Key insights from the joint Berlin event will be shared in the coming weeks to build momentum for change across the ecosystem. In the meantime, if you’re interested in these topics, please contact us.
The 2PS Project, coordinated by the Polish Platform for Homeland Security (PPHS), has been dedicated to developing evidence-based tools and training to strengthen prevention and safeguarding across Europe. While the project is now coming to a close, its results will live on and be further developed through upcoming initiatives, ensuring lasting impact for professionals working on the frontline.
