Global Prevalence and Risk Factors for Mental Health Challenges Among Police Personnel

This brief is based on the following published work:Syed, S., Ashwick, R., Schlosser, M., Jones, R., Rowe, S., & Billings, J. (2020). Global prevalence and risk factors for mental health problems in police personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 77(11), 737-747. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106498 Despite the known mental health risks associated with being a police officer, the prevalence of psychological difficulties and their risk factors remains unclear in many police organizations. The source article draws on relevant research from around the world to understand the prevalence and risk factors for mental health challenges among police personnel. The findings indicate that approximately one in four police officers screen positive for hazardous drinking, one in seven meet the criteria for PTSD and depression, and one in ten meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder or suicidal ideation. Various factors exist, which increase the risk of these challenges. Early identification of mental health challenges is extremely important, as are initiatives to increase help-seeking among police officers. A focus needs to be placed on mental health stigma reduction, the availability of confidential counselling without supervisory approval, employee assistance programs, and mental health education initiatives.