Police officers are at high risk for developing mental health issues due to the high stress they experience on the job, but those wearing that uniform rarely recognize their vulnerability or admit to any mental health issues. Police officers have the power and authority to protect the safety of community members, regularly placing themselves at risk of harm as they do. At the same time, the de-institutionalization of mental health programs places police officers in the frontline of helping those who may be in a mental health crisis. How can police officers be expected to balance the burden of their jobs with the psychological and emotional burden of the stress they face every day? In this session, Mr. Workman provides lived experience insights from his career as a police officer advocating for mental health support for law enforcement.
