Stories about police officer health and safety have always been popular in the Gazette. In fact, over the last few years they've consistently ranked among our most read online and most liked and shared on social media.
This suggests that these are concerns shared by many of our readers in the law enforcement community. And it makes sense, since studies have shown that the stress of the job and the sedentary nature of police work have been linked to increased health risks.
That's why we introduced a short series last year outlining what some police officers are doing to reduce these risks and stay healthy. That series coincided with the launch of the RCMP's five-year mental health strategy in May last year. And it's why we've dedicated our cover section to stress, coping and recovery.
The cornerstone of the RCMP strategy is force-wide, mandatory mental health training, using the Road to Mental Readiness program. As Roxanne Beaubien reports in our cover story, the program is not just about addressing work-related stress. It's about raising awareness about mental health, reducing the stigma of mental illness and learning how to build long-term resilience in a positive way.
But why not sooner? In his article on the specific challenges facing RCMP members, Dr. Nicholas Carleton argues that may not have been possible without the recent cultural shift towards recognizing the importance and value of mental health.
Carleton also chronicles the history of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was perceived by the Canadian military before it became an accepted medical diagnosis. Another hot topic for police and first responders, PTSD plays an important role in our cover section.
Amelia Thatcher explores how PTSD service dogs are being used by military members, first responders and RCMP officers to cope with the effects of trauma. And she examines how the RCMP, the City of Moncton and members of the community are helping each other heal after the fatal shooting of three RCMP members last year in June. She also interviews Texas police officer Ann Carrizales, who shares her story of PTSD recovery after being shot in the face and chest.
We also highlight what the RCMP is doing to support the mental health of police on international missions, how stress affects 911 operators and how police cope while working in isolated northern areas.
Outside of our cover section, don't miss our interview with cyber psychologist Mary Aiken, the inspiration behind the CBS television show CSI: Cyber, who has some valuable insights for law enforcement into child sexual exploitation and sexting.
And read how police in Hamilton, Ont., are pairing police officers with mental health professionals to better respond to and meet the needs of people in crisis.
That's just another example of how mental health is becoming a higher priority for police officers — whether it's to help each other or those they serve and protect.