Psychological Health Strategy Proposed For Saint John Police Force

Employees who work in policing are exposed to several operational, organizational, and personal stressors.

So, implementing a Psychological Health Strategy makes “good business sense,” said Laurett Nwaonumah, wellness, crisis, and intervention coordinator for the Saint John Police Force in a phone interview.

Nwaonumah earlier shared the proposal in a presentation during a Saint John Police Board of Commissioners meeting.

One of the slides in Nwaonumah’s presentation illustrated the strategy’s vision and mission.

The vision is to “foster a psychologically and physically healthy Saint John Police Force,” while the mission is to, “support employees’ personal wellness and organizational wellness across all levels of SJPF by developing, promoting, and advocating for resources and supports to foster health.”

Also, the strategy has several goals, including, preserving, protecting, and retaining human capita.

“It supports employees’ mental health and psychological health, and not just folks who might be reacting, impacted, or struggling with their psychological health, but also folks who are healthy as well,” said Nwaonumah during the interview.

Regardless of someone’s role in the force, the Psychological Health Strategy is for all employees, she said.

“Whether you work with the Public Safety Communication Centre, whether you’re a civilian, whether you work for victim services, or an officer, there are elements in this that are meant to impact all of our employees.”

There are, and will be programs associated with the strategy, including the Peer Support Program, which was implemented in 2021.

“Having the Peer Support Program is where there is an element of a proactive check-in, making sure we’re doing something earlier on, and that provides the space for employees to check-in,” mentioned Nwaonumah.

“Because these are members that are trained in understanding and recognizing psychological health symptoms, and understanding when to have conversations that are supportive, and go in the direction they are meant to go.”

“And then knowing when to encourage others to reach out for some additional support,” continued Nwaonumah.

Other programs include Psychoeducation, an Incentive program for wellness engagement (TBD), and a Family Support Program (TBD).