This behind-the-scenes series explores how new officers are selected to go to the police academy, what it’s like to go through the academy, and their reflections on the journey.
This is Part 3 in a series about the process to become a UMB police officer. This behind-the-scenes series explores how new officers are selected to go to the police academy, what it’s like to go through the academy, and their reflections on the journey. (Read Part 1. Read Part 2.)
Photo: From left, Assistant Chief Chad Ellis, recruits Stephen Howard and Mikal Diggs, and Sgt. Thaddeus Baker
As police recruits Stephen Howard and Mikal Diggs near completion at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) police academy, their thoughts turn to graduation and their next steps as a police officer. Over the past several months, they have learned new skills but also focused on their humanity and mental health.
“Pressure bursts pipes,” Sgt. Thaddeus Baker said. “You have to make sure you’re all ready and look out for each other.”
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Police and Public Safety is practicing what it preaches. Officer wellness and safety is one of the six pillars of 21st century policing — the foundation of the department’s community-oriented approach.
“Healthy officers create healthy communities,” reads a manual from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). “In case of an emergency, commercial airlines advise passengers to don their own oxygen mask before assisting neighbors with theirs. Simply put: Helping yourself ensures you’re fit to help others.”
UMB police and security officers take mental health first aid training as part of the department’s robust training requirements. The department also has formed a peer support team, providing training to resources for officers in need.
When Howard and Diggs graduate from the police academy, they’ll enter the support system created by UMB Police and Public Safety. Building this system has been a priority for Thomas Leone, MSL, assistant vice president for public safety and chief of police.
“Police officers have to make split-second decisions every day,” Leone said. “Creating resilient, healthy, supported officers is just as important as any other training we take.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness finds that, compared to the general population, law enforcement members report much higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, and anxiety. IACP lists law enforcement officers as one of the top 10 most stressful occupations.
The focus on the metal aspects of the job has been eye-opening to both recruits. Even mundane aspects of the job can be stressful.
“We completed an introduction to building searches as well as car searches. We have also started crash report investigations,” Howard said. “Crash report investigations can be very stressful. It involves a lot of math and concentration.”
Chad Ellis, MSL, assistant chief, reiterated the importance of being professional under pressure. “There are safe spaces where you can decompress with people you trust,” he said. “We’re all human. You have to trust your skills and training.”
Leone is committed to providing continuous support for new and current police officers at UMB. Comfort K9 Poe plays an important role, not only for stressed students, but also for police officers. Poe recently received an American Kennel Club Therapy Dog Excellent title after completing more than 200 visits.
In the end, Howard quotes one of his instructors saying, “ ‘Only fools trip over past mistakes.’ You make mistakes, learn from them, and then move on. I can only focus on today.”
Dan Reed contributed to this article.