Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

24. Though existing evidence indicates that higher education is beneficial to policing,
it is important to note that higher education is no guarantee of a superior police officer,
and many exemplary officers do not have a higher education. It is simply one important
factor that can be considered in aiming to hire the people most capable of carrying out
the duties and responsibilities of a police officer.
5. Lived experience and community orientation
25. Many individuals with whom the Review met suggested that it would be useful
for the TPS to place a greater emphasis on recruiting candidates who have had
significant contact with people with lived experience of mental illness. Candidates who
have made significant contributions through community service may also be better
prepared to serve the community as police officers. The former have a unique familiarity
with people in crisis, and the latter have demonstrated their commitment to the core
“service” ideal of policing. Both groups demonstrate desirable attitudes toward people
who are in crisis or are otherwise in need of help.
6. Certification in mental health first aid
26. As noted above, in order to apply for a position as a new constable, candidates
have to be trained in certain skills. For example, all candidates must be trained in
driving a car and must possess a valid driver’s license. All candidates must also be
trained in, and certified to perform, CPR and first aid. This raises the applicability of the
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course offered through the Mental Health Commission
of Canada, and whether all new constables should be required to complete the MHFA
course before they begin their service. MHFA is a 12-hour course that provides a
foundation in mental illness, signs and symptoms thereof, and strategies for interacting
with people in crisis. 17
27. In light of the frequency with which front line police officers encounter people in
crisis, MHFA certification would be useful both as a minimum level of education for new
recruit candidates, and as a signal to applicants that dealing with people with mental
health issues is a central part of a police officer’s role.
B. Assessments of candidates for specialized roles
28. In addition to conducting psychological assessments for new constable
recruitment, the TPS psychologists conduct assessments of candidates for the ETF, of
TPS members requesting involvement in the peer support Critical Incident Response
Team (CIRT), and of officers being considered for secondment to overseas policing
missions through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s International Peace Operations
Branch. Officers in the ETF interact with people in crisis, and those in the CIRT help
officers respond to potentially traumatic events. Both are relevant to this Review.
17
Mental Health First Aid Canada, “Course Information” (2011), online:
.
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