Fargo Police Survey Finds Reluctance to Seek Mental Health Support Persists

Despite increased investments in officer wellness programs, stigma is still keeping many police from seeking mental health care, a new Fargo Police Department study shows. Surveying just over 100 officers, researchers found that 53% believe most cops view treatment for mental illness as a sign of personal weakness, while 60% say peers wouldn’t disclose a condition to a colleague and nearly three-quarters think they wouldn’t tell a supervisor. Even with expanded resources like counseling, peer support, and a newly hired wellness coordinator, usage remains low. Experts say changing organizational culture is as important as funding programs if departments want officers to feel safe getting help.