April 22, 2025 1 min read
Spotlight: Mental Health Awareness in Law Enforcement
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While mental health is a topic that should be discussed every month of the year, May has a special significance. In 1949, Mental Health America, an organization dedicated to improving attitudes toward mental illness, improving services for people with mental health conditions, and working for the prevention of mental illness, launched Mental Health Week. This would eventually become Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated annually each May.
Mental Health America was founded by Clifford W. Beers in 1909. Beers suffered from mental illness and following his negative experiences in the mental institutions of the time, was “resolved to expose the maltreatment of people with mental illnesses and to reform care.”
In his 1908 autobiography, he wrote, “As I penetrated and conquered the mysteries of that dark side of my life, it no longer held any terror for me. I have decided to stand on my past and look the future in the face.”
These words, which express hope despite the realities of living with mental illness, reflect the experience of so many, including law enforcement officers. Irregular sleeping patterns, high-stress situations, trauma, and constantly being on guard can take a toll on an officer’s mental and physical health.
This May, Vector Solutions is proud to support our law enforcement partners and their mental health initiatives in a variety of ways.
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
Vector Solutions is pleased to provide educational and networking opportunities focused on supporting mental health in law enforcement.
Free Webinar: How to Avoid Cop Burnout
Join us for a free webinar hosted by Calibre Press and sponsored by Vector Solutions on Thursday, May 8th at 10am CT. Well-known law enforcement mental health expert, Nick Greco, will very candidly discuss the phenomenon of burnout from a cop’s perspective and offer practical answers for avoiding it, dealing with it, and healing from it.
Topics will include:
- Common myths and misunderstandings about burnout.
- How do you acknowledge you’re burned out without jeopardizing your job?
- What actually causes burnout – and are you unknowingly exposing yourself to the risks right now?
- Daily tips for proactively PREVENTING burnout.
- Recognizing early symptoms, in yourself and fellow officers, and what to do if you spot them.
- How to “reignite yourself” if you’re burned out.
- Should you get outside help if you’re burned out? What kind and where to find it?
Free Webinar: Understanding Job Stress Across Ranks to Better Support Trainees, FTOs, and Command Staff
Stress looks different at every level of a law enforcement agency—and recognizing those differences is essential to providing the right support. This webinar takes a closer look at the distinct challenges faced by trainees, Field Training Officers (FTOs), and command staff.
New recruits are expected to adapt quickly as they move through the academy and into field training, all while navigating the internal and external pressures of the job. FTOs must balance their own responsibilities with the duty to mentor, protect, and evaluate another officer in real time. Meanwhile, command staff face leadership-specific stressors like resource management, team dynamics, and organizational demands.
This session will highlight practical ways agencies can foster resilience, strengthen communication, and build a healthier culture across all ranks.
For information on additional activities and educational resources from Vector Solutions being offered throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, click here!
Changing Attitudes in Law Enforcement
For many years, law enforcement culture emphasized stoicism in the face of trauma. Today, that perspective is changing. While it remains important for officers to be able to stay strong in the face of danger and the very worst of what humanity has to offer, there is a growing recognition that ignoring the impact these events have is incredibly detrimental.
The unfortunate reality is that the very nature of policing puts officers at an increased risk for mental illness. The prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in police officers worldwide was estimated to be 14.6% and 14.2%, respectively. An estimated 8.5% experience suicidal ideation. In fact, it has been found that it is more likely that a law enforcement officer will die by suicide than while in the field.
Reflective of changing attitudes regarding mental health in law enforcement, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law in 2022 which extends disability and death benefits to families of officers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or die by suicide in the line of duty.
Many agencies are also taking action by taking important steps to reduce the traditional stigma associated with mental health in law enforcement and incorporate programs and policies that help officers maintain mental wellness.
Getting Started at Your Agency
Just creating programs to support mental wellness isn’t enough. In many instances, agencies need to also deliberately take steps to alter agency culture and encourage officers to make use of the resources they have at their disposal. It takes commitment, planning, and persistence, but the benefits for your officers and the health of the agency as a whole are more than worth it.
If your agency is ready to start prioritizing mental wellness or is looking for additional ways to bolster your existing programs, Vector Solutions can help!
- Check out our guide detailing actions agencies can take to support their officer’s mental wellbeing
- Utilize our IADLEST NCP-certified online training courses to provide training on mental health
- Boost morale, spot officers who may be exhibiting signs of mental illness, and ensure officers receive support following a traumatic incident with Guardian Tracking, our early intervention, conduct management, and wellness solution.
To learn more about how Vector is supporting law enforcement mental health and other activities planned for Mental Health Awareness Month, click here.
Vector Solutions’ suite of industry-leading software solutions includes training management systems, online training courses, FTO and live skill evaluations, academy automation, equipment and inventory management, shift scheduling, and an early intervention and conduct management system.
