Police To Hire Wellness Advocate

RALEIGH, N.C. – The heavy things that police officers see on the job can take a toll on their emotional well-being. One police department is taking an innovative approach to try and help.

The Chapel Hill Police Department will be launching this new position next week. Their department isn’t facing the staff shortages in many other places. Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisha Lehew wants to keep it that way and keep her officers happy.

“Research indicates that officers see about 790 critical incidents throughout a 20-year career. That’s a lot of critical incidents to see,” Lehew said.

So, her department applied for and recently received a federal grant for a police wellness coordinator, someone who will be stationed inside headquarters focused on physical and mental health.

The job description says it will develop and facilitate mental health awareness and stress management programs. It will also create an environment where officers and support staff can openly discuss their mental health concerns and seek assistance without stigma.

“I think this is a really good approach to making a real, well-rounded person who happens to be a professional in law enforcement,” Lehew said.

Mental health ranks as one of the key issues police face. For active officers, 44% reported some level of psychological distress.

Lehew hopes the new position can be part of a solution.