The Meskwaki Nation Police Department is starting a new initiative that will provide every officer with a mental health checkup once a year. We know that law enforcement is a very stressful job, and the things officers see and deal with can take a toll over time. This program seeks to help officers handle that stress in a healthy way.
According to an article in the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin, police officers are exposed to an average of about 178 critical incidents over the course of their careers, while the average person experiences only two or three traumatic events in their entire life. Many officers also come into this profession with higher rates of difficult or traumatic experiences earlier in life. This shows how important it is to get support early and often, instead of waiting until stress turns into a more serious problem.
Yearly checkups will be done by the licensed mental health professionals at Meskwaki Behavioral Health. They are focused on support, early intervention, and will provide the officers with tools to cope with the pressures of the job. To make sure all officers get the same level of support, taking part in these yearly mental health checkups will be mandatory for all officers.
The program seeks to support the overall well-being of our officers to help them deal with the stress and difficult situations they face daily. To support sound decision making in high-pressure situations, health professionals will help identify and address any stress‑related concerns. The goal is to enhance the quality and consistency of service provided to the Meskwaki community.
The MNPD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of public safety and accountability, and we believe this program is an important step in supporting both our officers and the community we serve.