Nicola Sherwin-Roller (left) and Sherry LaFaver with Mr. Blue. (Submitted photo/PAPS)

By Glenn Hicks

mental health

P.A. police make big investment in mental health

Sep 2, 2021 | 5:29 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) has enlisted two specialists — and a support dog — to help address mental stress on the job as part of a new $100,000 wellness strategy.

Jonathan Bergen, the chief of police, called it a “structured and consistent” mental health monitoring program that is worth the taxpayer dollars because officers are exposed to trauma, violence and serious issues that “can impact both our professional and personal lives.

“There is a human response that we need to be mindful of and we need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves so we can continue to serve the community,” Bergen said during an online media conference Thursday.

PAPS chief Jonathan Bergen speaks during an online media conference Thursday (Screenshot/paNOW Staff)

The new program got underway in July, offering confidential support to police service employees, either on site at the police stations or substations, or at a private office locations.

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Bergen said it is worth the cost.

“It’s a lot of money, we recognize that. But if one member is away for an extended period of time that could easily cost $100,000 in salary when we don’t have somebody here serving the community.”

The program is run by Nicola Sherwin-Roller, a masters-level art psychotherapist and Certified Canadian Counsellor with extensive training in trauma and holistic health, and Sherry LaFaver, a registered social worker.

Mr. Blue, a four-year-old Labradoodle, is also part of the tool set to engage with police members and staff dealing with traumatic incidents and to help prevent occupational stress injuries.

“It’s a very welcoming Labradoodle that we all enjoy seeing, and is just a nice way for the wellness workers to connect with our staff,” Bergen said.

The professionals who have been commissioned made it clear the program is not about acting after the fact.

“This is not about coming in after trauma has happened,” Sherwin-Roller said, as part of a PAPS media release. “This is about building capacity and awareness and working with members and staff in their everyday job responsibilities to support them and develop strategies that fit their unique needs.”

The wellness strategy will be re-assessed at the end of this year.

For the full media release from PAPS click here.

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glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW