Beth Milliard
Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health
Walden University
police officer suicide rates hit alltime high province ontario canada 2018 sadly statistic somewhat unsurprising research shown police officers suffer higher rates mental health disorder diagnoses compared general public one key reason elevated levels suicide mental health issues among police officers stigma associated seeking help attempt address serious issues ontarios police services begun create internal peer support programs way supporting members present research explores experiences police officers serving peersupport team members particularly regards impacts peer support addition research also examines importance discussing shared experiences regarding lack provincial standards credible peers study utilized phenomenological qualitative approach data collection consisting facetoface interviews 9 police officers serving york regional polices peersupport team findings revealed peer support conversation rather instrumental enhancing mental health literacy among police officers significantly contributes stigma reduction findings also revealed internal policy demonstrated organizational commitment mental health peersupport provincial standard necessary ensure best practices risk management creation maintenance peersupport programs