Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Wright - Although policing can be a hugely satisfying and rewarding form of public service, it can also be stressful, exhausting and otherwise challenging for all police officers, reserve police and support staff.

The BPS has made progress in recent years to place more emphasis on wellness support for our staff and today, the official opening of the new Occupational Health Unit (OHU) represents a significant leap forwards in terms of elevating the importance of that support.

We now have a physical space that is fit-for-purpose in that its provides a single location for the amalgamation of our Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and our clinical support services as well as space for health and wellness seminars and group consultations.

But, having a useful physical space is only part of the solution. The opening of the OHU is a testament to the ongoing excellent work provided by Dr. Ingemann and the 28 dedicated volunteers that provide essential and internationally-accredited CISM support.

In conjunction with many of our external partners here today, their commitment is to working every day to contribute to the overall health of us all. Wellness is a blessing and sometimes we all need a little extra help to remain strong. There is a saying that: ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.

Our people are our most important asset and the objective here is to help each other to stay healthy and well so that we can continue to deliver quality policing services.

The new Occupational Health Unit doesn’t mean that the work is done and the mission has been accomplished but it represents good progress and a continued commitment to the wellness of our staff and I am delighted to cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony today.

OHU Coordinator, Sergeant Raoul Ming - I want to say that it is indeed an honour and privilege to stand here today in the offices of the Bermuda Police Service’s Occupational Health Unit and Critical Incident Stress Management team. This reality has been the long-term goal of our Welfare Officer, Dr. Mira Ingemann.

I want to express sincere gratitude to the Senior Management of the BPS who understands the necessity of the welfare needs of our members.

To the volunteers of the CISM programme which include serving police officers, retired officers and our dedicated team of civilians in the mental health profession, I thank you for your dedication.

And to my mentors, Doris DeCosta, Richard Austin and Dr. Mira Ingemann who have been a great source of inspiration and support, this is truly a great day as you have held the torch from day one!

Upon assuming the role as coordinator, I identified specific areas where concentrated and dedicated attention would greatly assist our members’ needs. Those specialty areas include:

General Law Enforcement

Family and Marriage

Natural Disasters

Firearms

Spiritual and Pastoral Services

Between 2013 – 2014, the CISM team dealt with twenty-seven (27) major or significant incidents and several other incidents on a smaller scale. CISM team members have provided group and one-on-one (peer support) interventions.

During the mentioned period, the CISM team provided Mutual Aide to our sister service, the Bermuda Fire Service when they dealt with the death of a serving member.

There has been an increase for our services and the CISM team will continue to answer the call, however training is a must as we need to increase our numbers.

Continued training for existing members and the need for additional support will be required to respond to the volumes of concerns from our members.

Each of those issues entail supplementary funding which we remain ‘extremely’ hopeful of however our committed members will press on as we have done because we care.