I’m not faking being sick, I’m faking being well: The need for leadership in mental health for policing

Abstract

The prevalence of mental illness amongst law enforcement officers is increasing despite genuine intent by leaders, policy makers and practitioners to combat this public health epidemic. Significant gaps exist in understanding mental health leadership, governance, education, and training, and the influence police culture has on help-seeking behaviours. This paper argues that introducing constructive and actionable processes to address these gaps will benefit greater productivity, lower levels of absenteeism, lower insurance premiums, reduce risk factors for illnesses, improve quality of life and sense of well-being, elevate cognitive performance, and reduce levels of stress. This will encourage investment in mental health, strengthen police employee– employer relationships, and save many relationships and lives.

Mindful police leadership: Opening essential new pathways to 21st-century police leadership and culture

“…It is within the challenge of prioritizing the well-being of individuals inside police organizations that mindfulness practice may have the most to offer. It has been argued that the profession of policing is experiencing a global mental health and wellness crisis (Edwards, 2023). Although police work has always been understood as stressful, dangerous, and likely traumatizing, when coupled with a stoic organizational culture that can devalue seeking help, the frequency of posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses inside police agencies and other Canadian public safety professions has become staggering (Carleton et al, 2018;Carleton et al, 2020;Heber et al, 2023;Papazoglou et al, 2021).…”

“…In the past 5 years, much more has become known about the depth and breadth of trauma and stress carried by police employees and other public safety professionals (Carleton et al, 2018;Carleton et al, 2020;Heber et al, 2023;Papazoglou et al, 2021). Canadian police leaders are being urged to make the mental well-being of individuals in their workplaces a constant high priority (Edwards, 2023;Jackson & Theroux, 2023;Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2022;Thompson & Tam-Seto, 2023).…”

Barriers and bridges: Exploring the introduction of meditation and mindfulness training into Canadian policing

“…In 2023, Canadian police organizations were under significant pressure to improve the health and well-being of their employees (Edwards, 2023;Jackson & Theroux, 2023;Thompson & Tam-Seto, 2023). This call to action has grown stronger over the past 5 years as emerging research has led to a better understanding of the depth and breadth of trauma and stress carried by police and other public safety professionals (Carleton et al, 2018;Heber et al, 2023;Papazoglou et al, 2021;Ricciardelli et al, 2018).…”

Police need wellness checks too: Embedding a culture of wellness and resilience in policing

“…

The policing profession is in the midst of a global mental health and wellness crisis (Edwards, 2023). The police workforce (including police officers and non-uniform members) serves as the backbone to maintaining community safety and well-being; however, sentiments across the profession point to an overwhelming sense of stress, burnout, and mental healthrelated issues.

…”