Working within a law enforcement organization comes with its own unique challenges, one of which is the risk of developing “learned helplessness.” This state can occur after repeated exposure to stressful situations where a person feels they have little or no control, eventually leading to the persistent belief that they cannot change any situation — even when real opportunities for change exist. This term, coined in 1967, came from research that suggested humans can be “trained” to believe that they are helpless, which has been linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder and burnout.

Across our organization, whether sworn or professional staff, we all work within a structured system that requires approvals, procedures and layers of oversight. Many of us need authorization for time off, have limited control over our schedule and must follow strict operational protocols. Some of us even have to rely on others before stepping away from our post. These aren’t flaws in the system; they’re simply realities of how large public safety agencies function. Such oversight introduces a level of control that differs from the autonomy we normally experience in our personal lives. Over time, this can shift our sense of agency — from an internal locus of control (believing our actions shape our outcomes) to a more external locus of control (believing outside forces dictate what happens to us).

Recently, Sergeant Aaron Lohman from the New York Police Department (NYPD) Health and Wellness Unit developed a training that he affectionately calls “The Department Is Not Your Mother.” Through his work in the Wellness Unit, Sergeant Lohman noticed that many employees had adopted a more passive stance, waiting for the department to take care of their emotional or psychological needs. Even with a substantial amount of free and confidential wellness services, including access to department psychologists and peer support organizations, many maintained their position that “the job doesn’t care” and “the job is the problem.” In those moments, the job becomes the default scapegoat.

Creating a positive shift in law enforcement culture requires each of us, regardless of assignment or classification, to take some level of accountability for the decisions we make. Sergeant Lohman acknowledges that this message might be unpopular, but he emphasizes that comforting lies often cause more damage than unpleasant truths. His messages — “The job is not your mother” and “The job is not coming to save you” — draw a sharp contrast between the demands of our work and our personal responsibility for our well-being. No one is forcing us to engage in unhealthy habits and maladaptive coping skills off duty. No one is forcing us to neglect our physical health or sabotage our personal relationships. These are areas where we do have control.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers more wellness options than any other law enforcement agency in the United States. Employees have the option of seeing an in-house Department psychologist — a service that is both free and confidential. If you prefer external support, the Department contracts with private practice psychologists throughout L.A. County, and a limited number of sessions are covered at no cost to you. L.A. County further offers an Employee Assistance Program that also offers limited psychological services. Lastly, you always have the option of using your health insurance to connect with a therapist. Beyond clinical services, LASD also has a group of excellent peer support members and chaplains who are available and ready to help.

It can feel difficult to reach out when you are feeling fatigued, overwhelmed or stretched thin, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. We are happy to talk through options and help you identify what would be most helpful to you. Call Psychological Services Bureau at (213) 738-3500 to connect with a Department psychologist, a peer support member or a chaplain. You can also reach out to peer support or a chaplain through the LASD Wellness App (installed on all Department-issued phones). This is also a great place for information, as is our page on SharePoint, found under “Employee Services.” Whatever path you choose, the most important step is simply taking the first one. You deserve support, and it’s available whenever you’re ready.