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New Wellness Unit will support front-line officers by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Thursday, September 15, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com It's no secret residents look to police to provide safety and security, but who looks after the police when they are struggling and need help? The Halton Regional Police Service answered this question last Thursday night (Sept. 8) by officially launching its Organizational Wellness Unit. The unit, which has actually been operational for several months, was created to offer an enhanced program of mental health services and resources to police officers and their families. During his remarks to an audience of police and their loved ones at Halton police headquarters Thursday night, Police Chief Stephen Tanner said many officers are already making use of the new service. "I believe we always have to put the wellness of our members above all else," said Tanner. Looking after officers "We have to look after the people who are doing the job, who are in the trenches 24 hours a day, who see things most of us would not want to see... suicides, tragedies, car accidents. Just in the last month, we've had two sudden deaths of infants," he said. All these experiences can have an impact on the police officers who respond resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Organizational Wellness Unit Manager and Halton police Staff Sgt. Sue Biggs spoke about how the nature of policing has led many to avoid getting help when they need it. She also read some statements made by police members in these situations. Difficult to ask for help "'It's hard for me to ask for help or comfort after a nasty call.' `It's hard for me not to feel weak if something gets to me.' We don't want to burden our family and friends, so we just ignore it and hope it will go away," said Biggs. "So far this year, 15 Canadian police officers have suicided. So far this year, 36 Canadian first responders have suicided. So, it doesn't just go away, does it?" Biggs said some police officers fear asking for help will make them look weak and not able to do their job. She countered someone recognizing they have a problem and getting help with it, actually shows strength. Biggs noted one of the reasons the Wellness Unit was created is to educate police members it is OK to ask for help and to reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges. The unit itself includes another individual or resource is most appropriate. Dr. Jane can help you understand more about the issue at-hand and how to take care of it," said Biggs. "Studies show that getting the most appropriate help early on can increase the likelihood of quick symptom reduction and optimize the chance of a full recovery." Psychological testing Biggs said the Wellness Unit would also expand a program that sees certain police officers psychologically tested at certain intervals to make sure they continue to be healthy and resilient on the job. Currently, these tests are only done for what Biggs called "particularly vulnerable units." The Wellness Unit, she said, would expand these tests to all frontline members. "The Wellness Unit also responds to traumatic calls. We are called out to challenging situations and members experiencing difficulty," said Biggs. see First on p.8 The Halton Regional Police Service has launched a new Organizational Wellness Unit. Attending last Thursday's (Sept. 8) launch, team members include, from left, Const. Matt Baker, psychologist Dr. H. Jane Storrie and Unit Manager Staff Sgt. Sue Biggs. | Jayson Mills photo Dr. Jane Storrie, a consultant psychologist who is available to talk to Halton police members and their families every Friday. 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