TPS Members Champion Officer Wellness at IACP Conference

Chief Myron Demkiw led a delegation of Toronto Police Service (TPS) members at this week’s International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Boston, where the Service was applauded for leading the sector in wellbeing strategies and programs.

“As police leaders we must be visible and actively support open and candid conversations with members about wellbeing and empower them to seek support  before they are in crisis, because we know the public we serve wants healthy police officers,” said Demkiw, on a panel about TPS’s Wellbeing Strategy attended by police leaders from across the globe.

He encouraged chiefs to nurture a culture of high performance health, safety and wellbeing and shared how TPS invested in dedicated wellbeing resources and programs including the Chief‘s Wellbeing Program which begins with an evidence-based resilience training for First Responders the Before Operational Stress Program (BOS) in partnership with Wounded Warriors.

“When members feel supported in their health, physically and emotionally, they are better able to meet the demands of the job than if they are alone when struggling,” said TPS Wellness Unit Manager Ivy Nanayakkara.

In a survey, 95% of cadets who completed the BOS training said they felt empowered to take charge of their mental health.

“Our goal is to make accessing supports and services as enticing as possible and encouraging proactive help-seeking behaviors,” said Lanie Schachter-Snipper, the Service’s first Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead.

 

A group of people stand together
Chief Myron Demkiw, Allyson Dale, Genevieve Dale, Constable Jeremy Burns, Constable Aaron Dale and Superintendent Anthony Paoletta

 

Two Toronto Police Constables, who are also veterans, presented a program they developed called The Military Veterans Wellness Program, (MVWP) which provides law enforcement agencies with a better understanding of military culture, de-escalation training, and a streamlined referral process to national support services.

"The MVWP acts not only as a support for military veterans but also for internal police members who will learn about their own mental health through the training we provide. Police leadership can show their internal members that they are committed to their wellness by empowering them not only to assist veterans in crisis, but also to make their own mental health a priority," said Constable Jeremy Burns, who shared his own traumatic experiences while serving in Afghanistan.

More than 87 police services have implemented, or are in the process of implementing the program, which has proved to make a significant impact in addressing the needs of veterans to reduce instances of suicide and homelessness.

“We designed this program to be the international standard, ensuring officers across the 170 IACP countries are equipped with the cultural competency, compassion, and tools to refer military veterans to the right supports in their country,” said Constable Aaron Dale. “By collaborating globally, we can build a unified network of care, ensuring veterans receive the respect and assistance they deserve, no matter where they are.”

Two Ukrainian police officers in the audience, who were also veterans, were so moved by the presentation they told Dale and Burns, “You are heroes. Thank you for this important work.”

 

Two people hug
A Ukrainian police officer thanks Constable Aaron Dale for the Military Veterans Wellness Program

 

“The fact that this program is spreading as far as Australia and Ukraine is another reason why engaging internationally with our policing partners is important,” said Chief Demkiw.

Chief Demkiw spoke about the importance of building relationships especially in the context of policing Toronto, one of the most diverse cites in the world, as he thanked members of the IACP’s Global Policing Committee who elected him to serve as the Vice-Chair of the committee.  The committee is responsible for the international programs and activities of the IACP.  Chief Demkiw is also a Board Member of the IACP. 

Chief Demkiw was also recognized at the conference for his leadership for being one of the first major police services to join the IACP Trust Building Campaign, which requires the service to implement best practices in:

  • Bias-Free Policing
  • Use of Force
  • Leadership and Culture
  • Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention
  • Victim Services
  • Community Relations

“Building bridges and partnerships with our communities is a priority as we co-design safety into the city and to provide better options to our residents, in meaningful collaboration with those we serve and protect,” said Brian Moniz, Manager of Strategic Stakeholder relations. He was speaking on a panel with representatives of four other services who have also pledged to join the campaign.

The Toronto Police Service has implemented a multi-focused strategy of partnership and collaboration with the IACP including the future opening of an IACP Office at the Toronto Police College and the co-development and hosting of IACP programs.  Members represent the service on eight IACP committees including global policing, crime prevention, community policing, education and training, roadway safety, vehicle crimes, professional standards and police administration. 

The IACP is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. With more than 34,000 members in over 170 countries, the IACP is committed to advancing safer communities through thoughtful, progressive police leadership.

 

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