Publications

A substantial prevalence of serving Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) officers (50.2%) screen positive for one or more mental health disorders. Mental health challenges among serving members have historically been attributed to insufficient screening of recruits, yet little has actually been known about the mental health of Cadets. The current study is the first to assess the mental health of RCMP Cadets beginning the Cadet training program, and compare their mental health to the general population and serving RCMP. The current study results indicate few differences among Cadets based on sociodemographic factors, and indicate that Cadets have lower prevalence of mental health disorder symptoms than the general public, and much lower than serving RCMP members. The results contrast notions that more rigorous mental health screening of Cadets would reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders among serving RCMP. Research focusing on Cadets is crucial to understanding the substantial impact of service on the mental health of RCMP.

The current study marks the first attempt to assess whether Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) Cadets are inherently at greater risk of developing mental health challenges. Researchers assessed Cadets beginning the Cadet training program for risk and resiliency variables previously associated with mental health challenges. The researchers then compared the Cadet results to data from general, young adult populations. The results evidenced that the Cadets had lower scores on the risk variables associated with mental health challenges, and higher scores on the resiliency associated with mental health strength, relative to the general population. The current study results indicate that the higher prevalence of mental health challenges among serving RCMP are not related to inherent psychological vulnerabilities. Rather, the mental health challenges among RCMP may be associated with frequent exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events and other occupational stressors, which indicates RCMP need ongoing mental health monitoring and supports throughout their careers.

Exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) on the job may account for the high rates of mental health injury among among Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), but it is also possible that prior exposure to trauma could play a role. Yet very little is actually known about PPTE exposures and the mental health of new recruits. This study was designed to provide a first estimate of trauma exposure among cadets beginning the RCMP Cadet training program (CTP). As part of the larger RCMP Study, participants completed a survey measuring exposure to 17 different types of PPTEs. This was compared to previous data from the general population, PSP, and serving RCMP. Cadets reported more frequent exposure to PPTEs and to more types of PPTEs than the general population, but far fewer than serving RCMP and other public safety personnel. Serious transport accident, physical assault, and sudden accidental death were seen as the ‘worst’ traumatic events, and all were associated with mental health injury. Yet despite having experienced more trauma than the general population, Cadets appear to have better mental health, and may have been motivated by these experiences to choose a career in policing. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and injury among serving members appear to be the result of service, and not exposure to trauma experienced before joining the RCMP.

A large amount of RCMP members suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders, which can in turn increase their risk for death by suicide. This study is the first to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) and behaviour (planning and attempts) among RCMP Cadets. Cadets participating in this volunteer study undertook clinical interviews and a demographic survey. This was compared to data about serving RCMP members and the general population. The data showed a greater prevalence of suicidal thoughts and planning among serving RCMP than among the general population and Cadets, and very low levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviour among Cadets. Previous study has also shown Cadet mental health to be very good. The increased rates of suicidal thought and behaviour reported by serving RCMP members seems to suggest occupational stressors have a great impact on their mental health. This is why understanding the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviour among Cadets at the point they begin training is so important. From here, further research can better understand when negative changes to officers’ mental health are occurring and why.

Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and other occupational stressors that put them at increased risk for mental health challenges. Social support is a crucial factor in the protection of good mental health. Yet little is known about the relationship between social support and mental health disorder symptoms among Cadets. The current study provides initial estimates of social support Cadets experience when starting the Cadet training program. The results help clarify how social support might change during RCMP careers and how the changes might influence their mental health. Cadets reported social support comparable to the general population, and higher than serving RCMP. Cadets who reported higher levels of social support were less likely to screen positive for mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The results suggest social support among RCMP decreases during service, increasing their risk for mental health challenges. The results support recommendations that Cadets and RCMP may benefit from continually cultivating supportive social relationships to help protect their mental health.

Like all public safety personnel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members are exposed to traumatic events throughout their service, which can lead to posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Many members suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other PTSI, and it is estimated that half are affected by mental health injury. Yet there has been little research available on how we can help protect the mental health of members. The 10-year RCMP Study is part of the effort to reduce the impacts of PTSI and improve members’ access to effective treatment. This paper describes how the RCMP Study will develop and test proactive skills taught to Cadets to reduce the impact of PTSI. It will do this by assessing study participants before, during, and after their RCMP training, and then throughout their first five years of service. We expect the results of this large-scale study to provide insight for improving the mental health of RCMP and for all public safety personnel.