‘Break a Leg—It’s all in the mind’: Police Officers’ Attitudes towards Colleagues with Mental Health Issues

Much has been written about police officer attitudes and interactions with members of the public experiencing mental health issues. However, little has been written or researched regarding police officers attitudes to colleagues with mental health issues. Within policing there is a culture that makes it difficult to discuss psychological injury and mental health with colleagues and managers. To do so is often seen as career destroying. The inherent cynicism associated with policing, lack of empathy, and macho culture further impedes discussion and ultimately access to support services. Austerity has reduced police training. Inadequate training results in officers not understanding mental health issues. There is an argument that personnel policies and systems victimizes officers and fails to understand their needs.