Bend Don't Break Delta Police Department

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ojl-vQVxWrA
 
Summary
In this conversation, Mark Bouchard discusses the importance of addressing mental health and stigma within the police force. He shares his personal experience with psychological injury and emphasizes the need for proactive action and individual responsibility in maintaining mental health. Bouchard also highlights the concept of suicide by cop and the challenges faced by officers in making lethal force decisions. He calls for a shift in the understanding and treatment of officers involved in such incidents. In this conversation, the Delta Police Department discusses the importance of educating the public and themselves about the realities of police work. They also explore the psychological challenges faced by officers, including the decision to use lethal force and the impact of suicide by cop incidents. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to address mental health and wellness within their ranks, including providing resources and support for officers. The guests emphasize the importance of creating a culture that reduces stigma around mental health and encourages officers to seek help when needed.
 
 
Takeaways Police officers need to be taught about their own psychology and humanity to better handle the challenges they face and keep the public safe. Individuals should take proactive action and be active participants in their own mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement needs to be reduced to encourage officers to seek help. Lethal force decisions are complex and officers need more training and support to navigate these situations. Society needs to differentiate between non-culpable homicides and murder in cases of suicide by cop. Educating the public and police officers about the realities of police work can lead to better outcomes in incidents and help officers process traumatic experiences. The decision to use lethal force is a difficult one for officers, but they can find solace in knowing they are keeping their community safe. Incident commanders and leaders need to be prepared to make critical decisions, and training in instant command and critical thinking is crucial. Addressing mental health and wellness within police organizations is essential, as officers face higher rates of mental health disorders and suicide. Creating a culture that reduces stigma around mental health and encourages officers to seek help is important for their well-being and the well-being of the organization. Officers can develop healthy coping strategies and find meaning in their experiences to promote post-traumatic growth and resilience.
Chapters 00:00 Addressing Mental Health and Stigma
11:41 Proactive Action and Individual Responsibility
24:31 Reducing Stigma and Providing Support
25:26 Educating the Public and Police Officers
28:04 The Weight of the Decision: Using Lethal Force
28:31 Preparing Incident Commanders
29:24 Addressing Mental Health and Wellness
35:38 Reducing Stigma and Encouraging Help-Seeking
43:19 Finding Meaning and Promoting Resilience
 
Guest Biography
Mark Bouchard grew up in Delta, and joined the Delta Police Department as a police officer in 2007, after a few years as a volunteer in the Delta Police Reserve Program. Mark worked primarily in patrol and on the Emergency Response Team, prior to his departure in 2020 for the RCMP. Since then, Mark has continued to work patrol and Emergency Response, until his recent promotion into the RCMP'S National Tactical Medicine Program. He has also completed a master's degree in leadership with a focus on police culture and the impacts on police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and research into a book that he published on Amazon in 2023. It is called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, where he shares what he learned as he recovered from his PTSD diagnosis, with

Summary
In this conversation, Mark Bouchard discusses the importance of addressing mental health and stigma within the police force. He shares his personal experience with psychological injury and emphasizes the need for proactive action and individual responsibility in maintaining mental health. Bouchard also highlights the concept of suicide by cop and the challenges faced by officers in making lethal force decisions. He calls for a shift in the understanding and treatment of officers involved in such incidents. In this conversation, the Delta Police Department discusses the importance of educating the public and themselves about the realities of police work. They also explore the psychological challenges faced by officers, including the decision to use lethal force and the impact of suicide by cop incidents. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to address mental health and wellness within their ranks, including providing resources and support for officers. The guests emphasize the importance of creating a culture that reduces stigma around mental health and encourages officers to seek help when needed.
 
 
Takeaways Police officers need to be taught about their own psychology and humanity to better handle the challenges they face and keep the public safe. Individuals should take proactive action and be active participants in their own mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement needs to be reduced to encourage officers to seek help. Lethal force decisions are complex and officers need more training and support to navigate these situations. Society needs to differentiate between non-culpable homicides and murder in cases of suicide by cop. Educating the public and police officers about the realities of police work can lead to better outcomes in incidents and help officers process traumatic experiences. The decision to use lethal force is a difficult one for officers, but they can find solace in knowing they are keeping their community safe. Incident commanders and leaders need to be prepared to make critical decisions, and training in instant command and critical thinking is crucial. Addressing mental health and wellness within police organizations is essential, as officers face higher rates of mental health disorders and suicide. Creating a culture that reduces stigma around mental health and encourages officers to seek help is important for their well-being and the well-being of the organization. Officers can develop healthy coping strategies and find meaning in their experiences to promote post-traumatic growth and resilience.
Chapters 00:00 Addressing Mental Health and Stigma
11:41 Proactive Action and Individual Responsibility
24:31 Reducing Stigma and Providing Support
25:26 Educating the Public and Police Officers
28:04 The Weight of the Decision: Using Lethal Force
28:31 Preparing Incident Commanders
29:24 Addressing Mental Health and Wellness
35:38 Reducing Stigma and Encouraging Help-Seeking
43:19 Finding Meaning and Promoting Resilience
 
Guest Biography
Mark Bouchard grew up in Delta, and joined the Delta Police Department as a police officer in 2007, after a few years as a volunteer in the Delta Police Reserve Program. Mark worked primarily in patrol and on the Emergency Response Team, prior to his departure in 2020 for the RCMP. Since then, Mark has continued to work patrol and Emergency Response, until his recent promotion into the RCMP'S National Tactical Medicine Program. He has also completed a master's degree in leadership with a focus on police culture and the impacts on police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and research into a book that he published on Amazon in 2023. It is called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, where he shares what he learned as he recovered from his PTSD diagnosis, with a goal to help other people.

Watch our video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VWYOjcfSfb4
 
Summary
Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.
 
Takeaways Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you Surround yourself with a strong support network Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation
 
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background
08:13 The Organ Donation Process
14:43 Support from Family and the RCMP
26:13 Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient
35:44 Returning to Work and Helping Others

Summary
Constable Peggy MacConnell shares her experience of losing her husband in a tragic accident and how she coped with the grief and trauma. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and doing what feels right for you. Peggy found support from the RCMP and her family, and she prioritized her physical fitness and mental well-being. She returned to work and embraced a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy. Peggy's resilience and positive outlook have helped her navigate through the challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.
 
Takeaways Be your own advocate and do what feels right for you Surround yourself with a strong support network Prioritize your physical fitness and mental well-being Embrace routine to maintain a sense of normalcy Maintain a positive outlook and take control of your own situation
 
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background
08:13 The Organ Donation Process
14:43 Support from Family and the RCMP
26:13 Overcoming Judgment and Staying Resilient
35:44 Returning to Work and Helping Others

Summary
 
In this episode of the Bend Don't Break Podcast, retired police chief Les Sylven and Garry Foster discuss the benefits of transcendental meditation (TM) for first responders. They explain that TM is a simple and easy practice that can help reduce stress and build resilience. They share research studies that show the effectiveness of TM in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the proactive nature of TM, highlighting its ability to enhance concentration, conflict management, and relationships. They encourage listeners to explore TM as a tool for self-care and mental wellness.

 
Takeaways Taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, especially for first responders who experience significant trauma. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and effective practice for reducing stress and building resilience. Research has shown that TM is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall well-being. TM is a proactive measure that can improve job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Anyone can learn TM, and it can be practiced anywhere, making it a convenient tool for self-care.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction
02:45 The Importance of Taking Care of Our Minds
06:08 Transcendental Meditation: A Simple Tool for Stress Reduction
08:59 Research on Transcendental Meditation and its Benefits
10:52 TM as a Proactive Measure for First Responders
24:02 Improving Job Performance and Relationships through TM
 
Would you like to learn more about Transcendental Meditation? Contact Garry Foster at garryfoster108@gmail.com.

Summary
 
In this episode, we remember Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, who was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. Ryan battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story. He discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan remained resilient and focused on spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. This conversation with Chopper and his wife Estelize covers a range of topics, including the importance of always having a plan, the role of physical fitness in their lives, Chopper's passion for tattooing, leaving a legacy, managing critical incidents, the power of love and support, finding hope in the face of adversity, the impact of a mentor, and the lessons they have learned.  



Takeaways Ryan Masales, also known as Chopper, was an undercover operator for the Delta Police Department. He battled brain cancer and shared his inspiring story of resilience. Ryan discussed his early career in law enforcement, his involvement in Project Starboard, and his diagnosis of glioblastoma. He emphasized the importance of realism and cherishing every moment. Always have a plan, whether it's in policing or in life. Physical fitness is important for both mental and physical well-being. Find a passion that allows you to leave a lasting impact. Support from loved ones and the community is crucial in difficult times. Hope is a powerful motivator in the face of adversity. Mentors play a significant role in shaping our lives. Focus on the present and make the most of each day.  

Chapters
 
00:00 Remembering Ryan Masales
03:56 Chopper's Early Career
10:19 Project Starboard
29:16 Glioblastoma and Realism
41:36 Managing the Condition
42:04 Always Have a Plan
44:08 The Importance of Working Out
46:19 The Art of Tattooing
50:19 Leaving a Legacy
56:50 Managing Critical Incidents
59:37 The Power of Love and Support
01:05:03 Finding Hope in the Face of Adversity
01:06:03 The Impact of a Mentor
01:19:21 Lessons Learned