Police, RCMP, and PTSD: Integrating the Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program into Detachments
Police, RCMP, and PTSD: Integrating the Before Operational Stress (BOS) Program into Detachments
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Issue Date
2024-06-08
Authors
Peterson, Katelyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
First responders, including police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events. Additional stressors and risk factors for PTSD include moral injuries, moral distress, operational and organizational stressors, working alone, and the stigma of mental health and setting boundaries. Recent studies and statistical findings have found concerning numbers regarding mental health disorders among members. Furthermore, there is limited research on prevention programs and the treatment of PTSD in the police and RCMP population specifically. The BOS program was recently created, helping members receive psychoeducation, establish connections, and have greater access to mental health support. This capstone describes trauma and PTSD, followed by an exploration of police workplace experiences, job stressors, risk factors, and the prevalence of mental health disorders. Treatment options will be generally explored, followed by a description of the BOS program, including recommendations for further additions.
Description
Keywords
trauma , PTSD , occupational stress , operational stress , RCMP , police
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess