Making sure Tucson Police officers get the mental health help they need [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the issue and reduce mental health stigma.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, roughly 30% of first responders develop some kind of behavioral health condition like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. That’s compared to 20% of the general population.

After two officers died by suicide in 2021 and another in 2022, TPD Chief Chad Kasmar created a wellness division to help officers with their mental health.

It consists of a team with a psychiatrist and also peer support sergeants. That group will go out to the scene of any critical incident, such as an officer-involved shooting, and offer support to anyone involved.

It doesn’t just include officers, those filing the reports, taking crime scene photos, and even witnesses.

TPD officers say the department has done a great job helping …