Female police officers: An exploration of the availability and utilization of mental health services

Abstract

Police officers face many challenges in their profession. These challenges can impact an officer physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although male and female police officers face many of the same struggles within the profession, there are notable differences. Some challenges female police officers face more frequently are sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and isolation which can cause stressors such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As such, mental health services that are offered should take into consideration specific gender needs. This study examined the availability of mental health services for female police officers and their experiences when contemplating participation in such services. In this qualitative study, 10 female police officers were interviewed about their work experiences, mental health service needs, and the mental health services available to them. The data were thematically analyzed across participant responses. The interviews yielded various mental health service availability on a national level with no specific focus on gender needs.