Expert and union outline mental‑health crisis in policing; San Rafael programs singled out as model

The San Rafael Police Advisory Committee on Tuesday heard a 20‑minute presentation from psychologist Beth Dancy of the Public Safety Family Counseling Group and an overview of union‑run wellness and community programs from San Rafael Police Association President Sergeant Mike Mathis. The presentation summarized national research on officer mental health, described the department’s current peer‑support and wellness offerings and prompted committee members and public commenters to press for more local, San Rafael‑specific data and discussion of accountability and culture.

Dancy, who has worked with first responders for nearly four decades, reviewed multiple large studies and their findings. She cited Pew Research and a June 2020 Caliber Press survey (more than 10,000 responses) and the TRIPS (Training and Research Institute for Public Safety) mental‑health study. Dancy said the recent TRIPS screening found high prevalences of trauma and distress in law enforcement: she reported figures discussed in the presentation — “47 percent screen positive for PTSD; 29 percent for moderate to severe anxiety; 37 percent for moderate to severe depression” — and she described the links…