With the RCMP currently struggling to develop a new mental health strategy, it is crucial for the organization to recognize the rise of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among it's first-responders as an issue of prime importance. In doing so, the force will be better positioned to minimize the damage inflicted by the injury to both employee and employer. While some contend that the RCMP simply needs a tougher screening process to weed out the stress-prone from their pool of prospective officers, others call for a streamlined process that will enable the officers in question to get the assistance they need as promptly as possible. Presently, a systemic issue of stigmatization prevents many officers from reaching out for such support. They fear being characterized as frail and fragile, or being derided for "taking the easy road" and cashing in on disability benefits. Forced to deal with the injury on their own, their condition worsens. This toxic work environment has aggravated the issue within the force and is currently costing the RCMP millions in taxpayer dollars. Furthermore, public faith in the force has been significantly weakened after several highly publicized incidents involving officers afflicted with PTSD. As ruinous as this issue has proven to be - for both the individual and their respective organization - it is imperative that immediate action be taken to devise a strategy that will effectively curtail any further damage.

Disagreements have arisen regarding the mental health strategy's direction. Some have argued that the RCMP may need to revise their hiring and screening procedures, suggesting that people who are unable to handle stressful situations are unsuited for law enforcement. Critics of such measures have countered that first-responders are fully briefed on the duties they are expected to perform, and are already subjected to a thorough screening process that includes rigorous training and psychological testing before they are accepted into the ranks of the RCMP. Beyond that, one would also expect the employer to have a system in place for those members who do eventually develop an operational stress injury because it certainly is not uncommon, let alone something new. But as it stands, no safety net currently exists for first-responders. Instead, in it's place, is a culture of stigmatization that leaves those afflicted with PTSD alone in their struggle, ostracised from their peers. The fear of being labelled, of giving the impression that one is too weak or unfit for the job, deters many first-responders from discussing the issue with their co-workers or superiors. Those that do work up the courage to step forward risk being marked as someone trying to "game the system." For many within the force, PTSD is often viewed as a cop-out, simply a cash-grab for individuals looking to collect a disability pension. RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson expressed this sentiment in almost comic fashion in 2013 when he exclaimed:

"I want people to hear it from me that if you get hurt on the job, and that includes (Paulson whistles and twirls his finger by the side of his head) we’re going to look after you. But there’s an onus on you, though, to come back to work because that’s the objective. The objective is not get a regimental number and then cha-ching, cha-ching, we’re looking after you for the rest of your life into your grave. No, no."

Despite his clownish antics, the commissioner touched on a very real issue - the injury can be burdensome to not only the individual, but the organization as well. Morale suffers and work efficiency is adversely affected when an employee takes time off on account of the injury. In addition, the long-term financial costs can be enormous. The RCMP admits it pays roughly $70 million annually to officers unable to work due to physical or mental disabilities, but it refuses to disclose specifically how much of that is due to PTSD. More troubling than the financial cost is the public's loss of faith in the force. After the death of Ron Francis, the New Brunswick Mountie who made national headlines for smoking medical marijuana while in uniform, the RCMP has been heavily criticized for not doing enough to support it's members. Francis had been diagnosed with PTSD and was prescribed with cannabis to help treat the symptoms. However, in 2013 he was filmed smoking on the job and was subsequently reprimanded and stripped of his uniform. After a highly publicized battle with the RCMP over the issue, he was found dead in October, 2014 - the 32nd officer to have committed suicide since 2006. With more and more officers stepping forward to raise mental health awareness, there has been an increase in public pressure that has left the RCMP scrambling for damage control.

Considering it's heavy toll, one would imagine that PTSD would be given top priority on the list of concerns for the RCMP. The public should demand that greater importance be placed on the condition and care of our front-line, our first-responders. The injury cripples the individual officer and the organization equally, greatly reducing their ability to perform their primary objective - to serve the community in as efficient a manner as possible. Until PTSD is recognized by the RCMP for what it truly is - a wound, not a sign of weakness - the issue will continue to fester and confidence in the force will further decline.