Mental Health Matters: A Conversation with Law Enforcement
Last week, FEDtalk hosted a roundtable discussion on the importance of mental fitness for law enforcement. Panelists discussed the importance of both preventative and reactive mental health for law enforcement professionals. Host Natalia Castro was joined by the Department of Homeland Security’s Chief Human Capital Officer Angela Bailey; the Executive Director of Survivors of Blue Suicide, Shelley Jones; and the Director of Mental Health and Peer Support at the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Dr. Jean Kanokogi.
The group discussed the ways in which mental illness impacts law enforcement, their friends, colleagues, and families.
Jones explained, “Law enforcement have to take care of themselves, because when they don’t, it affects how they interact with their families, how they interact with their coworkers, and their agencies. A healthy officer is a more positive officer.”
The group noted how the unique needs of law enforcement require unique care and prevention tactics. Jones discussed best practices for responding to officer involved suicides, such as treating them like traditional line of duty deaths and ensuring continued support for families. Bailey provided insights on how agency leadership can lead a “full frontal assault” on suicide prevention and mental fitness. For example, Bailey detailed DHS’s year-long suicide prevention campaign called “Shine the Light,” which informs employees on resources available for mental health and wellbeing.
The show also dives into common myths surrounding law enforcement and mental illness, such as distrust with employee assistance programs and the perception that receiving mental healthcare can negatively impact access to a security clearance.
Dr. Kanokogi explained that FLEOA has advocated for Congressional passage of the COPS Counseling Act, which recently passed the Senate unanimously. The legislation requires confidentiality in peer counseling services and requires the Department of Justice to establish professional standards for peer support counseling. FLEOA also has programs in place to provide law enforcement with access to counselors specifically trained in the needs of law enforcement to ensure effective care.
Learn about all the care options these organizations provide, as well as additional information on mental health and wellbeing best practices by listening to the full episode.
*Please note: This program contains hard conversations about sensitive topics such as law enforcement suicide and self-harm. If you or a loved one are struggling with these issues, please call the national Suicide Prevention Line at (800)273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Law enforcement may also reach the COPLINE by texting HOME to 741741. The COPLINE is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to serving active and retired law enforcement officers and their loved ones by providing CONFIDENTIAL 24/7 trained retired officers for callers that are dealing with various stressors law enforcement careers encounter both on and off the job. Whether it is just a “bad day” or a crisis they are here to listen. They are also able to assist with a referral to a culturally competent mental health professional.
You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on PodcastOne and Apple Podcasts.
FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.
FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).