Beneath The Stoicism: Maine Police Face The Toll Trauma Takes On Their Ranks
A Burlington Police Officer keeps watch outside a building. Photo by Taylor Dobbs for VPR
Police officers have shorter life spans than the rest of us, are more prone to suicide, but for years, a stoic police culture has made it difficult for many to admit they may struggle with mental health issues.
This week, officers from around Maine are attending a three-day training in Orono that focuses on how to maintain their mental balance, given the stressful conditions of their work. And law enforcement and mental health workers in Maine are in the vanguard of new efforts to improve the psychological well-being of first responders.