Law enforcement wellbeing enhances community protection

Law enforcement wellbeing enhances community protection

In a powerful call to prioritise psychological health among law enforcement officers, a former police commander and Australia’s Strongest Man title holder shared his personal journey at a regional training program held in Hanoi.

Every day in every country, law enforcement agencies dedicate their efforts to combat crime, protect our borders and safeguard our communities. We rely on police, immigration and customs officers to be strong, resilient and ready to face organised crime and national security threats.

But who is protecting our protectors?  

Traditionally, law enforcement agencies have focused on ensuring the physical fitness of their officers. Now, forward-thinking agencies are realising the importance of focusing on the psychological wellbeing of their people too.

“Think about it. Our national police, immigration and customs officers work at the frontline of our most serious crimes. Every day they support our countries to prevent and detect transnational crime including drug trafficking, people smuggling, terrorism, human trafficking, and financial crime,” said Grant Edwards, a retired Australian Federal Police Commander who formerly held the title of ‘Australia’s Strongest Man’. 

“They are expected to be tough, but dealing with crime has a significant personal impact,” he added.

Mr Grant Edwards is a retired Australian Federal Police Commander who formerly held the title of ‘Australia’s Strongest Man’. (Photo courtesy of Grant Edwards) Mr Grant Edwards is a retired Australian Federal Police Commander who formerly held the title of ‘Australia’s Strongest Man’. (Photo courtesy of Grant Edwards)

During his 30-year policing career, Mr Edwards earned a reputation for his policing service and his ability to use his physical strength to move trucks, trains, and even planes.

Speaking at the 31st Border Control Agency Management Program (BCAMP) in Hanoi last week, Mr Edwards shared his personal story of resilience to highlight the importance for law enforcement officers to take care of their physical and psychological health.

BCAMP is a joint initiative between the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security and RMIT University designed to enhance regional border security. During the program, Mr Edwards addressed an audience of 30 immigration leaders from ASEAN, Timor-Leste and Australia.  

Sharing messages from his new book, ‘Who’s Protecting the Protectors?’ Mr Edwards explained: “Our people are at the heart of our law enforcement efforts. If we want to improve our crime prevention efforts, it’s time to invest in the wellbeing of our people. Together, we need to address this urgent and often neglected issue.”

Mr Grant Edwards with BCAMP 31 participants. (Photo: RMIT) Mr Grant Edwards with BCAMP 31 participants. (Photo: RMIT)

He said that taking care of one’s mental wellbeing is not difficult. It begins with speaking up, taking time out, checking on colleagues and creating positive work environments.

“If you’re a family member or a friend of a law enforcement officer, you can also play a positive role by reaching out and checking on their wellbeing,” said Mr Edwards.

“The equation is simple: If our law enforcement workforce is physically fit and mentally healthy, we have an enhanced capacity to fight crime. And this is a win for our communities.”

Story: Anita Dodds

24 June 2024

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