Police officers are routinely exposed to high-stress, emotionally demanding situations—from critical incidents and trauma to the sustained pressures of tactical demands. Without adequate psychological preparation and support, these exposures carry a well-documented risk of burnout, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions.¹ These are not personal failings. They are predictable outcomes of sustained exposure to adversity, and they carry direct consequences for an officer’s ability to perform. Good mental health, or mental fortitude, is therefore the foundation of an officer’s tactical readiness.

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