Police officers are at particular risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which can impact their work and life (Foley and Massey, 2021). However, workplace support can mitigate this risk. The purpose of this research study was to understand, from a police officer’s perspective, the mental health needs of members and the best opportunities to provide support for officers, which can mitigate the prevalence of PTSD.
The current study included semi-structured interviews with eight police officers who hold supervisory positions as non-commissioned officers, either corporals or sergeants, in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). A Thematic Analysis yielded three overarching themes: Standing in Between – The Nature of the Supervisor Role, The Available vs the Accessible and In between Acceptance and Scepticism.
Overall, the themes depicted both effective and ineffective measures in the force’s current provision for mental health support and organizational barriers to accessing existing support. It also uncovered the embedded tension within the supervisory role and areas for improvement. Conclusions highlight the need to review some existing measures and policies to improve the accessibility and viability of available support as well as facilitate change in culture and members’ attitudes towards help-seeking.
This paper provides insight into a niche demographic of individuals, police officers with PTSD and provides a perspective of Canadian RCMP officers, of which there is very limited research on.
