Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

52. Under the substance abuse procedure, all officers at all levels must, upon
becoming aware of another officer’s possible substance abuse problem, “encourage the
officer to seek assistance voluntarily before work performance or safety is affected,”
“give immediate assistance, if required, and intervene by notifying a supervisor
whenever a member’s behaviour creates a safety hazard,” and “follow up, if required, to
provide the member with proper support and encouragement to resolve the problem.” 32
When supervisory officers become aware of an officer who exhibits work performance
concerns that may be related to substance abuse, supervisory officers are given
comprehensive monitoring duties, including to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
“determine if there are any immediate fitness for duty or safety concerns;”
“discuss performance concerns and expectations” with the officer;
encourage the officer “to seek assistance, where appropriate;”
advise the officer of “options available for assistance” including the EFAP
and MAS;
“follow up, if required, to provide the member with the proper support and
encouragement;” and
(f) “provide heightened performance monitoring.” 33
53. No similar procedure exists with respect to other mental health concerns.
54. Because supervisory officers are not specifically tasked with monitoring officers’
overall mental health except in the case of fitness for duty concerns, the degree to which
early intervention is undertaken in practice is largely dependent on the attitude and
approach of individual unit commanders and other supervisory officers, as well as coach
officers. The Review was advised by several individuals that, as a general matter, the
Service’s culture does not emphasize ongoing monitoring, correction, learning, and
counselling with respect to mental health issues. As a result, problems are usually
addressed only when they become significant or worse.
55. Part of the issue is that officers are concerned that they will suffer adverse
professional consequences if they identify a need for help, or if supervisors intervene to
suggest help. It is important to an effective mental health culture of continuous
treatment and learning to ensure that members of the Service are encouraged to view
mental healthcare as helpful and non-threatening. 34
32
Id. at s. 5.
33
Id. at ss. 7, 10.
34
Kurke & Scrivner, Police Psychology, supra note 26 at 59.
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