In February 2009, the leadership of the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE), Inc. and the Badge of Life program of Psychological Survival for Police Officers (BOL) came together with a mutual interest in drawing together the many diverse and talented resources in the mental health community in one centralized place where they could share resources and support one another.

From this dialogue, CABLE and BOL agreed to found the Law Enforcement Mental Health Alliance (LEMHA).

A mutual concern expressed by the directors of both groups was the lack of coordination between the many police suicide prevention and awareness programs in the United States and Canada.  Large and small organizations were seen to be constantly "reinventing the wheel" or floundering about for assistance without any real guidelines on where to find it. 

Police agencies were in no better shape.  Some relied on neighboring jurisdictions or mental health groups for guidance.  Others fell prey to high-cost “charismatics” with questionable information and motives.  Some were fortunate enough to find the information they needed, too often after following numerous leads.

The need for some kind of central "clearinghouse" of reliable information became apparent.  Accordingly, LEMHA was carefully designed by CABLE and BOL to provide just such a service, free and accessible to any and all interested in the furtherance of research and training to improve mental health for police officers.  Both founding groups are committed to the philosophy that alliance members should find materials within their programs that could be of true value to others and offer them freely whenever possible.

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LEHMA asks that members remember that this is not "about us."  This is not about "our programs" or "our turf."  Those of you coming with an open and selfless heart are welcome.

Who is it about? 

Ø      It's about the officers, long past, who suffered without help or understanding.

Ø      It's about the retired officers of today whose suicide rate far surpasses that of active officers.

Ø      It's about the veteran officers, who have become distant from their families and unaware of how they have changed, struggling to understand their anxiety, anger, isolation and insulation, and seeing their service weapon as a an escape.

Ø      It's about rookie officers that confront their worst nightmares and become   masters in "image armor."

Ø      It's about recruits that are taught to be invincible and unaffected warriors of steel.

Ø      It's about the officers yet to come, to whom we have a chance to offer a better life.

LEHMA is here for all of them!

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A willingness to "reach into our pockets" for materials and share whenever possible is a basic tenet of membership.  This might include some lesson plans, outlines, or videos.  It might also include a free invitation to a lecture or seminar for another group or department that can't afford it. It could be the energetic exchange of telephone calls and e-mails to support development of a new program.   LEMHA fully recognizes the need for fees by groups to cover expenses, however it draws a line between necessary operational fees and a "profit driven motive."

The philosophy of the alliance founders is to help those lives that are at stake, specifically, police officer lives. 

Diversity, selflessness, good will and a common willingness to work together towards the betterment of life for police officers at all ranks will remain the standard for members choosing to take advantage of membership in the Law Enforcement Mental Health Alliance.