Law Enforcement Mental Health: Strategies and Issues in Prevention and Treatment

• Published in: Practice innovations (Washington, D.C.) D.C.), 2024-03, Vol.9 (1), p.52-64
• Main Authors: Rodriguez, Samantha, Ferrell, Brittany, Cipriano, Robert J., Van Hasselt, Vincent B., Falzone, Lynette, Kuhlman, Katherine, Acosta, Wesley, Miller, Marissa V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical Models; Cognitive Behavior Therapy; Human; Law Enforcement; Mental Health; Police Personnel; Prevention; Preventive Mental Health Services
• ISSN: 2377-889X; 2377-8903
• DOI: 10.1037/pri0000210

Our communities rely on law enforcement to perform their duties effectively and make sound judgments in response to life-threatening situations. Yet, previous research indicates that police officers are at increased risk for the development of a wide range of mental health problems, most notably anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep problems, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Further, there is considerable evidence documenting an association between these difficulties and officers' high levels of exposure to traumatic events. The global pandemic and social unrest of the past few years have also contributed greatly to the stresses and challenges of policing. In this paper, we review prevention (Critical Incident Stress Management, Behavioral Health Training, and Peer Support Programs) and intervention (Motivational Interviewing, Disconnected Values Model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Problem-Solving Therapy, and Mindfulness) strategies that have shown promise in clinical applications with law enforcement personnel. The unique and impactful stressors of police work underscore the importance of mental health resources tailored to this population. The stigma and cultural barriers that have historically discouraged police officers from seeking treatment are discussed. The need to remedy this situation through culturally competent and available mental health professionals, and utilization of evidence-based modalities, is highlighted. Clinical Impact StatementThe present article highlights prevention and intervention strategies that have proven effective and practical in clinical work with law enforcement professionals. In addition, the role of police culture in reducing mental health service utilization, along with remedies for this situation, are discussed.