In a previous discussion, we emphasized the importance of supporting first responders who seek help. This article expands on that, offering actionable steps for police administrators to create a supportive environment. The inspiration for this guide came from a segment on The Today Show featuring Blue Help and Chief of Police Colonel Edwin Roessler, who bravely shared his personal struggles with the stigma of mental health. His honesty is a crucial step in dismantling this stigma.
Sadly, some police administrators still pay lip service to mental health support, failing to provide adequate assistance when an officer reaches out. Here’s a list of best practices for administrators when an officer discloses their need for help:
Show genuine concern for the officer and their family. Acknowledge the courage it took for them to come forward. Understand that seeking help can be a difficult and vulnerable experience, especially in a profession where toughness is often prized.
Understand the difficulty in coming forward. Recognize the internal barriers and potential fears the officer overcame to seek assistance. Validate their courage and reinforce that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Attend training on first responder mental health issues. Educate yourself on the specific challenges and stressors faced by law enforcement personnel. This knowledge will enable you to better understand their needs and provide appropriate support. Consider attending a Breaching the Barricade conference.
Mandate mental health training for your executive and command staff. Ensure that all leaders within the department are equipped to recognize and respond to mental health concerns. This demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing officer well-being at all levels of the organization. We know you are busy but really, is there anything else more important?
Start a wellness program in your department. Prioritize the overall health and well-being of your employees. Law enforcement professionals face increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Wellness programs should encompass both physical and mental health initiatives. Consider a Chaplains Program and Peer Support Program.
Seek out expertise in these fields. Consult with doctors, wellness programs, and initiatives specializing in first responder mental health. Many resources are available to provide guidance and support in developing effective programs. Look around at the trendsetters, the chiefs, like Colonel Roessler who have implemented the programs. A side note, my own boss, Chief Sean Mannix of the Cedar Park Police Department, started a great wellness program and became a Destination Zero Honoree as a result of it. It made a remarkable difference in our overall health.
Explore available resources. Several organizations offer valuable resources and support for law enforcement mental health and wellness:
Educate employees on health and wellness. Inform them about the hidden hazards of the profession, from the cradle to the grave. Bring in speakers who can share stories of struggle, success, and resiliency.
Prioritize your own physical and mental health. Remember, hurt people hurt people. Taking care of yourself enables you to better care for others. Don’t lose sight of your own physical and mental health.
Implement Chaplains and Peer Support Programs. These programs provide valuable support and resources for your agency. You must care about your employees and understand what a valuable resource they are. This isn’t a show to check off the boxes. Faking your way through this is a great disservice to our profession and those that dedicate their lives to it.
It is crucial to genuinely care about your employees and recognize their value. These initiatives should not be treated as mere checkboxes. A superficial approach is a disservice to the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it. I hope you will take these suggestions in the way we wrote them. We must do better, and no one is immune.
Cathy Bustos is a retired police lieutenant from Central Texas. As one half of “That Peer Support Couple, LLC” she is a strong peer support advocate speaking about surviving critical incidents and marriage. She can be reached by email: [email protected] , their website: www.cathyandjavi.com Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
(Feature image: Alicia Zinn)