Law enforcement officers are trained to spot threats—on the street, in the car, in a split second, before they can inflict harm on innocent people. “Head on a swivel” is deeply embedded in policing, but there are threats even the most situationally aware officers miss. Even when they’re sitting next to them in a patrol car or staring back in the mirror, officers often miss the threat of deteriorating mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, our annual reminder that not all danger comes from an outside threat. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among law enforcement officers. According to Blue H.E.L.P., more officers die by suicide than in the line of duty each year. In 2023 alone, 105 law enforcement officers died by suicide, compared to 47 who died in the line of duty.

 

The Warning Signs Aren’t Always Obvious

The numbers make it clear: while many wear the badge with pride, they carry their pain in silence. The warning signs of deteriorating mental health often show up in quiet changes—pulling away from others, acting more agitated or reckless, or expressing feelings of hopelessness. Other signs might include mood swings, exhaustion, increased alcohol use, or changes in sleep patterns.

Officers are trained to push through those symptoms—but pushing through isn’t the same as being okay. Unless someone is looking for those signs, they’re easy to miss.

 

“Due to their overall responsibility to serve and protect the community, self-care is especially critical for law enforcement officers. The public cannot expect officers to perform at their best when facing their own personal challenges. We must eliminate the stigma associated with seeking and receiving behavioral healthcare within the law enforcement culture.” — Kevin Fischer, Executive Director of NAMI Michigan

 

Scenario-Based Training Makes Space for Reflection

The MILO training room is a space where officers can slow down and take a closer look at the kinds of stress they face—not only in the field, but in their own lives. It’s a place to step back and observe human behavior under pressure, with time to reflect on what those moments reveal.

Training scenarios can include tactical challenges that incorporate interpersonal tension, emotional overload, and signs of burnout. Officers learn to recognize indicators they might encounter in the field—and the same indicators that sometimes show up in a partner or in themselves.

This type of training doesn’t require officers to talk about their own experiences, but it does create an opening. A well-constructed scenario followed by a focused debrief can lead to meaningful conversations. Instructors can ask, “What signs stood out to you? What would you have missed if this were real? How would you respond if this were your colleague?” These questions connect performance to awareness—both tactical and personal.

 

A Policy Shift That Puts Wellness on the Map

Some states have begun formally recognizing that mental wellness is critical to officer readiness. Florida, for instance, has taken a direct approach by requiring health and wellness training for all officers every four years. The state mandated program emphasizes psychological health, stress management, and resilience, giving officers tools to manage the demands of the job and support each other through them.

Learning to recognize and talk about stress without judgment is a practical and essential skill. It builds trust within teams and opens the door for conversations that might not happen otherwise. Conversations about stress can prevent a crisis before it takes root.

Officer wellness can’t be reduced to a one-time training or a poster on the wall. It has to be part of how we train, how we talk, and how we lead. MILO is committed to building that space one scenario at a time.

Let’s keep training that matters. And let’s keep talking.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or reach out to Copline at 1-800-267-5463.