FEATURE Balancing Wellness in the Digital Age of PolicingBy Constable Amanda Steenson, Public and Government Relations, Peel Regional Police In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the wellness of police officers, particularly those serving on the frontlines. These roles are often characterized by unpredictability and high levels of stress, making officer well-being a critical concern for modern policing organizations. The integration of body-worn cameras, mobile phones and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems has significantly enhanced investigative processes by providing supplementary visual evidence. While these technologies contribute to transparency and accountability, they also introduce complex challenges – particularly for officers who may be re-traumatized by repeated exposure to footage of critical incidents they personally experienced. Such recordings often provoke varied responses, ranging from support to criticism, both within law enforcement organizations and among members of the public. These reactions can influence organizational culture and public trust. This article examines the role of institutional policies in supporting officers’ psychological well-being and professional autonomy. Specifically, it explores how thoughtful policy frameworks can empower officers to exercise agency in navigating their experiences and foster a sense of value and belonging within their service. A PERSONAL LENS INTO TRAUMA Body-worn cameras (BWCs) have become common in modern policing, offering transparency, accountability and critical evidence in investigations and prosecutions. These devices have transformed how incidents are documented and reviewed, often reinforcing officers’ accounts and supporting the pursuit of justice. Yet, beneath their operational value lies a complex emotional reality – especially for officers who have endured traumatic events. FOR THOSE STILL RECOVERING PHYSICALLY OR EMOTIONALLY, THIS REPEATED EXPOSURE CAN BE RE-TRAUMATIZING AS IT FORCES THEM TO RELIVE MOMENTS OF VULNERABILITY, VIOLENCE OR FEAR, SOMETIMES LONG AFTER THE INCIDENT HAS PASSED. Unlike other forms of evidence, BWC footage captures events from the officer’s point of view. It records not only what happened but how it felt – through their reactions, tone and physical presence. When this footage is reviewed, it’s often done with emotional distance and analytical intent. But, for the officer involved, it can be a deeply intimate and painful experience, especially when the incident resulted in serious injury or psychological trauma. Officers are routinely required to re-watch footage to complete reports, prepare for court or respond to internal inquiries. For those still recovering physically or emotionally, this repeated exposure can be re-traumatizing as it forces them to relive moments of vulnerability, violence or fear, sometimes long after the incident has passed. To mitigate this harm, agencies should adopt trauma-informed policies that prioritize officer well-being without compromising investigative integrity. Incidents involving serious charges, such as “assault causing bodily harm against a peace officer,” should be flagged for restricted access. The involved officer should be permitted to view the footage only once, unless further review is justified by legal or procedural necessity. Additionally, access across the service should be controlled, requiring formal requests and clear justification for any subsequent viewing. Beyond policy, proactive support systems are essential to help officers cope with the emotional toll of traumatic footage. Recommended strategies include: • Peer Support Programs: Connecting officers with trained peers who have experienced similar incidents can foster understanding and reduce isolation. • Trauma-Informed Debriefing: Offering structured debriefs led by mental health professionals after viewing traumatic footage can help officers process their reactions in a safe environment. • Access to Psychological Services: Ensuring timely and confidential access to counselling or therapy – especially for those involved in violent or life-altering incidents – is critical. • Optional Viewing Protocols: Allowing officers to opt out of viewing footage when not legally required, or to have a support person present during viewing, can reduce emotional strain. • Training on Emotional Resilience: Providing education on trauma, stress responses and coping mechanisms empowers officers to recognize and manage their own mental health needs. • Digital Safeguards: Implementing software that tracks and limits access to sensitive footage can help enforce viewing restrictions and protect the privacy of the officer involved. A BALANCED APPROACH Body-worn cameras are a powerful tool – but they must be used with care and compassion. By recognizing the emotional impact of this footage and implementing thoughtful policies and support strategies, agencies can uphold transparency while safeguarding the mental health of their officers. Protecting those who protect others is not just a moral imperative – it’s essential to building a resilient, effective and humane police service. When police officers are involved in traumatic incidents that attract significant media attention, it is imperative that organizations prioritize transparent and compassionate communication. The aftermath of such events can be deeply personal and emotionally taxing. For an officer recovering at home – physically and emotionally – the experience of learning about their own incident through a news broadcast, without prior outreach or support from their agency, can feel isolating and disempowering. Agencies must recognize the importance of keeping officers informed about how the organization is responding to media inquiries related to their incident. Unless an officer explicitly requests not to be updated, they should be kept in the loop. This practice not only fosters trust but also gives officers a sense of agency over their own narrative and public image. Equally important is respecting an officer’s comfort level with being publicly identified. In today’s climate, where the image of law enforcement is often scrutinized and politicized, officers may wish to have their photos removed from websites or media publications. Honouring such requests is not just a matter of privacy – it’s a reflection of an organization’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of its members. Ultimately, a police service is only as strong as the health and morale of its officers. By ensuring they are informed, supported and respected in the wake of high-profile incidents, agencies reinforce a culture of care and integrity. Transparent communication and image autonomy are not just best practices – they are essential pillars of modern policing. BREAKING THE STIGMA In recent years, police services across the country have seen a growing wave of public support – especially when they engage in “soft” policing strategies. These approaches, which include community outreach, mental health support and partnerships with social services, have proven to be essential in building trust and fostering safer, more resilient communities. However, within the culture of policing itself, there remains a persistent stigma surrounding these roles – particularly those held by media officers and members of community engagement units. These professionals, who often serve as the bridge between law enforcement and the public, are sometimes undervalued or dismissed by their peers. The perception that “real” policing is defined by high-risk, enforcement-heavy work continues to dominate internal narratives, overshadowing the critical contributions of officers working in less confrontational capacities. This internal bias can manifest in subtle ways: a lack of recognition, exclusion from key decision-making processes or even overt displays of arrogance from officers in more tactical or enforcement-focused units. Such attitudes not only undermine morale, but also hinder the evolution of policing toward a more holistic, community-centred model. It is time to challenge this outdated mindset. Media officers play a vital role in shaping public perception, promoting transparency and humanizing the badge. Their work helps demystify police operations, highlight positive community initiatives and foster meaningful dialogue between law enforcement and the people they serve. Similarly, officers involved in mental health response teams, youth outreach and victim support services are often the first line of defense in preventing crises and building long-term community resilience. Valuing these roles equally is not just a matter of internal fairness – it’s a strategic imperative. As public expectations shift toward more empathetic and inclusive policing, services must evolve to meet those needs. Recognizing and supporting the full spectrum of police work, including the essential contributions of media and community officers, is key to building a modern, trusted and effective police service. Let’s move beyond the outdated notion that danger defines value. Let’s embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to serve and protect. Constable Amanda Steenson serves as a Public Information Officer with Peel Regional Police. She previously worked for several years at 11 Division in Mississauga, where she gained frontline experience before transitioning to Corporate Communications following a significant injury sustained in the line of duty. She is a strong advocate for officer mental health and well-being, with a particular focus on supporting members affected by critical incidents, and promoting respectful and compassionate treatment in their aftermath.