Tools in the Toolbox: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Police Officers, mHealth Mobile Application Engagement and Associated Systems of Coping Mechanisms

A significant issue confronting Canadian police executives today pertains to the escalating prevalence of mental health and addiction cases among their officers. In response, the Halton Regional Police Service initiated a mental wellness campaign in 2020, incorporating a mobile application aimed at destigmatizing mental health and addiction issues while providing support resources for employees. This study sought to examine the impact of officers’ lived experiences on their engagement with the application, employing theories of labelling, self-stigmatization, structural stigma, and Foucauldian frameworks. Drawing from organizational behaviour, police culture, mental health, addiction, and mobile applications research, the study consisted of 23 phenomenological-focused interviews with police officers, supplemented by the researcher's self-examination. The findings revealed that officers grappled with various stressors, partially mitigated by informal personal and work support networks. However, usage of the application remained minimal, primarily confined to viewing personal narrative videos and accessing resource contact information. Recommendations included enhancements to the application, augmented training, and improved return-to-work integration. This study contributes to the scant body of research on the mental wellness of Canadian police officers and their use of mental health mobile applications.

Author dc:creator

• St.Cyr, Sherri

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Young, Michael

• College of interdisciplinary studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-19768

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28154