Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health

Abstract

Police officer suicide rates hit an all-time high in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 2018. Sadly, this statistic is somewhat unsurprising, as research has shown that police officers suffer from higher rates of mental health disorder diagnoses compared to the general public. One key reason for the elevated levels of suicide and other mental health issues among police officers is believed to stem from the stigma associated with seeking help. In an attempt to address these serious issues, Ontario's police services have begun to create internal peer support programs as a way of supporting their members. The present research explores the experiences of police officers serving as peer-support team members, particularly with regards to the impacts of peer support. In addition, this research also examines the importance of discussing shared experiences regarding a lack of standardized procedures for the administration and implementation of peer support in relation to the Policy Feedback Theory. The Policy Feedback Theory (PFT) posits that, when a policy becomes established and resources are devoted to programs, it helps structure current activity. This study utilized a phenomenological, qualitative approach, with data collection consisting of face-to-face interviews with nine police officers serving on the York Regional Police's peer-support team. The findings revealed that peer support is more than just a "conversation"; rather, it suggests to contribute to enhancing mental health literacy among police officers, and it significantly contributes to stigma reduction. The findings also revealed that internal policy demonstrated an organizational commitment to mental health and peer-support, and that a provincial standard is necessary to ensure best practices and risk management in the creation and maintenance of peer-support programs.

Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

“…Peer-support programs offer police officers a confidential outlet to share private information without feelings of judgment and encourage a sense of community (Milliard, 2020). Previous research has found that peer-support programs are a way to promote mental health literacy and health-seeking behaviors and are effective in reducing stigma (Andersen et al, 2015; Milliard, 2020; Van Hasselt et al, 2019). A scoping review by Richins et al (2020) also found that peer support is important in normalizing emotions and reactions.…”

“…Social support and cohesion were found to be supportive of the psychological processing of traumatic experiences, normalizing emotions and reactions, and potential reintegration into the workplace. While these findings suggest there are many benefits to peer-support programs, the importance of standards and governance of such programs was emphasized in order to ensure risk management and best practices (Milliard, 2020). Although the evidence for the success of peer-support programs is promising, there has been limited investigation into any specific peer-led programs and their efficacy with trauma-affected PSP, as well as others who are returning to work after injury.…”

Differences in Mental Health, Help-Seeking and Barriers to Care Between Civilians and Sworn Members Working in Law Enforcement: A Research Note

“…Peer support may be particularly valuable to civilians working in LEOs by having someone who understands their work and position within the organization from whom to seek help. Moreover, peer supporters with lived experience, researchers reveal, increase their credibility and in turn, makes them more trustworthy (Milliard 2020). Additionally, LEO's that provide civilian peer support may also increase users' sense of belonging within the organization by providing broader social networks (Walker and Bryant 2013) and social support, which has been shown to decrease depression and burnout (McCarty and Skogan 2012) while increasing resilience (McAllister and McKinnon 2009;Howe et al 2012).…”

Risk and protective factors for post-traumatic stress among New Zealand police personnel: a cross sectional study

“…The research highlights the need for innovative strategies that make treatment for police officers with symptoms of PTSD more acceptable, easier to engage in, and adhere to (Hoge, 2011). Such strategies could include peer support and annual mental health checks (Milliard, 2020). Such an approach to the mental health of police officers will ensure that discussions pertaining to post-traumatic stress are not avoided and do not form the basis for stigma of individual officers.…”