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.