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The conversation around mental health in policing is shifting.
That, according to Patrick Nogier, Prince Albert police chief and president of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I think we’re starting to recognize and know more than ever before that there’s an impact for what we’re asking our men and women to do on the front lines,” Nogier said.
Nogier indicated that building investments in the health, resources and resiliency of frontline workers exposed to trauma has become paramount.
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While physical injuries like a broken arm and twisted ankle are easy for a police service to track, Nogier said the mental health struggles officers face are often difficult to identify.
When officers start off in their career they are healthy, energized and determined to make a difference within their community, Nogier explained, noting that officers may not feel mental health investments are necessary.
“When you layer on exposure and trauma, you start to see things develop over the tenure of a police officer’s career that don’t necessarily translate into one particular trigger point that causes them to go into a bit of a tailspin,” Nogier said.
“What we’re hearing from psychologists and psychiatrists and educated professionals from the field is that this layered exposure over time starts to wear down.”
Nogier stressed the importance of police organizations working together throughout the province to educate those in law enforcement about investing in mental health. He said support for police officers is evolving and how it’s structured depends on each organization’s ability to respond and invest in resources.
“We know that policing is always a bit of a challenge when it comes to the size of police budgets as they pertain to municipalities and rural communities.” Nogier said.
“Always trying to find the best options available has been a little bit of a challenge.”
The police chief said larger organizations have invested in medical health practitioners and experts to work within the service so officers can have briefings and schedule appointments. Smaller police services may turn to online platforms for behavioural therapy, mental health care and critical stress management training.
“For the first time in a long time that I can remember in my tenure as chief, we are starting to make those upfront investments now that we hope can pay dividends in the near future.”
Nogier also noted encouraging efforts have been made on behalf of the province for police, pointing to the Saskatchewan Police College which will introduce training in this area.
New recruits will receive specialized training, focused on emotional resilience and skill development. This training is supported by research from experts who have researched effective approaches for professionals regularly exposed to trauma.
Hal Lam died suddenly on Feb. 18, 2026. His funeral was held on March 7. (Arbor Memorial)
“As important as it is to make sure that officers are proficient in the use of a firearm, we also have to make investments in their emotional training, emotional resilience,” Nogier said.
When a police service loses one of its members, Nogier said it’s not just the immediate family that is grieving the loss of a loved one, but also the officer’s policing family throughout Saskatchewan.
“The impact of having officers leave us too soon can be fairly profound, regardless of jurisdiction,” Nogier said.
The attention and discussion around officer mental health comes as the Saskatoon Police Service mourns the sudden death of officer Hal Lam on Feb 18.
Lam was with the Saskatoon Police Service for more than 21 years and, according to his online obituary, lived a life “defined by service, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.”
“Our prayers go to Sergeant Lam’s family and what they’re going through,” Nogier said.
Nogier said the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police will do everything within its ability – whether improving communication or strengthening workplace resilience – to reduce the risk of similar incidents happening in the future.
A funeral for Sergeant Lam was held on March 7.
