Any organization’s most important asset is its people. My unique background as a retired law enforcement officer with an advanced degree in mental health can help organizations respond to current or future challenges regarding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental health issues and applying empathy. My training offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges and equip law enforcement professionals with essential tools and knowledge to recognize and address the symptoms of PTSD, both in themselves and their peers.
With over fifteen years of experience as a law enforcement officer in a complex urban environment and subsequent career as a licensed mental health clinician, I bring a rare combination of experience and skills to the training. My background provides an unparalleled understanding of the complexities of law enforcement and mental health issues, including PTSD, that can impact professionals in the field.
My goal is to enhance awareness of the warning signs of PTSD and mental health concerns, improve employee performance, and foster a culture of empathy, knowledge and resilience within the organization.
When navigating today’s complex challenges, it is imperative that organizations build for the future; that is, they must intertwine enforcing the law, understanding the impacts of mental health/PTSD, and apply empathy in often very unsafe and volatile situations.
More than ever, we are now asking our police officers to wear a multitude of hats. Success today requires more than a good strategy and a well-developed plan. It requires members to think and act in new ways; to learn, to anticipate and adapt to an ever-changing environment. In order to improve employee performance, knowledge of mental health, PTSD and empathy should therefore be high priorities within the organization’s rank and file.
What I offer is a mental health/PTSD awareness training that better equips personnel and family members to understand the symptoms and warning signs. I can facilitate open discussions that encourage officers to share their experiences and promote policies that prioritize mental health. Having this unique knowledge can prevent future issues and challenges after an individual is exposed to a critical incident. Therefore, it is important for a department to create a culture that values the psychological well-being of its members and the public.
There are several reasons why it is important for law enforcement officers to recognize the symptoms and warning signs of PTSD:
In conclusion, the participants will gain valuable insight into identifying the warning signs of PTSD and mental health challenges, both in themselves, their colleagues, and the public. The program also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies to support officer well-being and organizational leadership in creating a supportive environment. By empowering personnel and their families with this important knowledge, the training helps prevent longterm impacts from critical incidents, while preparing agencies to adapt and thrive in an ever evolving landscape.
