Bend Don't Break - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Building a Care Culture May 01, 2023

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the event that took place on January 23rd, 2023, when the Delta Police Department received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Jonny Morris, who reached out during the crisis faced on that bridge and extended his support through a long negotiation process that lasted 8 hours and also caused the closing of the bridge, which created discontent from the general population which was affected by this security measure.

The overall decision to close the bridge was complex but guided by the belief in the importance of preserving life, which first responders and committed officers achieved, saving this man's life and successfully assisting an individual with a mental health crisis.

Key Takeaways:

[4:15] Jonny Morris, CEO of the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins Chief Dubord.

[7:13] Jonny talks about his role and how he advocates for mental health.

[9:44] Jonny shares the successes accomplished and the services the Canadian Mental Health Association gives.

[13:35] Care to Speak and Care for Care Giver and their impact on stress management teams and first responders.

[16:33] Jonny talks about building psychologically safe environments and their work on preventive care.

[19:58] Jonny speaks of the Study in Blue and Gray, a report with many recommendations in cases of people confronting a mental health emergency.

[23:54] Jonny described the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace.

[32:40] Why is it so difficult for mental fitness to be on the same footing as physical health?

[39:08] Jonny expresses his gratitude.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Canadian Mental Health Association

Learn more about 13 Factors: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

Anxiety Canada

Call the crisis line: 3-10-6789

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

The Cost of Confidentiality Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Grayson Hawkings and Joel Thirsk from the Delta Police Department.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Grayson and Joel about their intervention in a case that had an unexpected turn and how they handled a complex and uncertain incident in the Ferry Terminal, displaying a magnificent team effort. Both Grayson and Joel share the impact the process that followed the event had on them since they were not able to talk to anyone about the incident for many months. They also speak of the strategies and tools they used to keep their psychological strength and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

[1:43] Grayson shares about himself

[2:07] Joel talks about how he joined the Delta Police Department.

[3:17] Reflection on a previous call involving Grayson and Joel. Four years ago, Joel and Grayson got a peculiar call about a child stuck in mud.

[4:09] Introduction of crisis call. Radio clip of the police communicating during the incident at the ferry terminal.

[7:50] Grayson talks about that call.

[13:05] Grayson had to run after the man that was driving the taxi.

[13:36] Joel shares what he knew about what was happening.

[14:39] Grayson and Joel were at the moment working by themselves, each in a one-person unit.

[14:55] Grayson explains the yelling in the radio clip.

[16:33] Joel shares how he got to support Grayson.

[18:30] Grayson finds out the man has a knife.

[20:55] Grayson talks about what happened after the man starts to harm himself..

[23:40] From de-escalation to applying first aid.

[24:40] Grayson distances himself from the scene to catch his breath.

[26:09] Joel shares the events after the man harmed himself and all the questions he had in his mind at the moment.

[28:12] Grayson returned to the office, and anxiety started to kick in.

[29:46] Grayson and Joel discuss the impact of being unable to speak with anyone about what happened.

[32:08] Grayson shares how upsetting it was for his belt to be taken from him.

[32:50] Joel did not sleep well after the event.

[35:34] How was it like to get back to work?

[36:55] Grayson and Joel did not know how long the process would be.

[37:50] They could speak to no one (not even the psychologist or teammates)

[40:57] Joel and Grayson discuss their strategies to continue working and staying positive.

[44:01] Months turned into years, what did Joel and Grayson do over that period of time?

[45:54] Eighteen months later, they have to talk about the incident. How fresh was it in their minds?

[47:42] There is a need to understand the process.

[49:45] Social connections are crucially important inside and outside of the police.

[51:42] Did they do anything to try to stop the event from repeating itself in their minds?

[54:09] Would there have been any advantage if they were allowed to tell the story sooner?

[55:13] Joel grew up in a police family.

[56:45] Chief Dubord summarizes the advice that Joel and Grayson provided.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

A Story of Resilience and Perseverance: We Need to Protect the Protectors Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Todd Mason from the Victoria Police Department. In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Todd about two tragic incidents that changed his career and affected him deeply, impacting his physical and mental health profoundly.

Todd boldly shares the struggles he endured being diagnosed with PTSD, major depression and anxiety and how he regained control of his life and has his PTSD in remission. Listen to Todd's inspiring story of transformation, resilience, and perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

[1:51] In September of 2021 Todd was a negotiator with the Victoria Police Department, he shares a critical incident he experienced on September 15th.

[6:58] Todd took a week off after the shooting.

[8:11] Todd talks about the events that happened on September 27th.

[13:27] How fast did the car hit Todd?

[13:50] Todd talks about the several injuries resulting from the incident.

[15:23] How did Tom get to the hospital?

[17:37] What happened after Todd got released from the hospital?

[21:15] Todd talks about the impact this incident has on his psyche.

[25:30] Medication helped Todd a lot.

[25:55] Todd speaks of his wife's unconditional support.

[28:54] Todd confesses that he did not know what was happening to him at the time.

[31:23] Todd heard about a program dedicated to helping people with PTSD.

[34:09] Treatment at Ravensview felt like a full-time job to Todd.

[35:04] Todd was out for three months, and he talks about what was different when he came back.

[36:00] Depression is a daily battle.

[36:43] What is the prognosis for Todd?

[37:55] Was Which of the physical or mental injuries was the hardest to get over with?

[39:12] What happened to the person that tried to run Todd down?

[42:31] Todd shares some of the things that worked for him.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Homewood Ravensview

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and Chief Neil Dubord on Linkedin

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

Todd MasonSizzle Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

'10-33' - Officer Down: RCMP Sgt. Laurie White's Story of Being Shot in the Leg and Her Return to The Front Line Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

This week Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Laurie White. Laurie graduated from the RCMP training academy, 'depot', in 1996 and was posted to Kitimat, B.C.

Less than three years into her career she was shot in the leg while executing a search warrant at the home of a sex offender. Laurie shares her incredible story of losing her leg, her physical and mental recovery and her heroic return to work as the first police officer in Canada to return to full, unrestricted policing duties, with an artificial leg.

Laurie and Chief Dubord discuss how the injury sent her to a dark place mentally, and how she struggled with constantly being told 'you are lucky to be alive', while at the same time feeling incredibly angry.

Laurie went on to have a full career and write a book about her experience after her retirement in 2020. (Link Book – 10-33 Officer Down)

https://www.amazon.ca/10-33-Officer-Down-Steps-Back/dp/1039115748

This is a story you won't want to miss.

Skewed World View: How Policing Affects Your Perspective Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chief Neil Dubord speaks with retired LAPD Chief Psychologist Dr. Kevin Jablonski. Kevin discusses how, in 25 years with the LAPD, he observed policing distort and skew how police officers view their world - becoming increasingly negative.

Kevin also challenges police officers to explore their own world view and challenge it, noting that while black and white thinking might serve a purpose on the job, life outside of policing has many more shades of grey.

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] Kevin talks about his background and how he became a psychologist working with police officers.

[5:58] Kevin learned in a very short time that his prejudgements and stereotypes about law enforcement officers were not valid.

[6:30] Kevin became the Chief Police Psychologist at LAPD.

[8:35] Kevin talks about the stereotypes regarding policing.

[13:33] Kevin shares an example from a particular consultation a police officer brought to him.

[19:11] How can our worldview be balanced between awareness and hypervigilance?

[22:47] Black-and-white thinking is still really predominant and it is true that on the job this kind of thinking can be life-saving.

[26:51] It is crucially important to connect with a psychologist before a major event happens.

[27:13] How does a psychologist help clients to get perspective around their worldview?

[30:32] Kevin emphasizes the importance of open communication.

[32:04] Kevin talks about organizational stress.

[36:20] Kevin shares a piece of advice to expand a constricted worldview.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

The Unreasonable Ask: Supporting Police Officers Fighting the Emotional Toll of Their Jobs Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Steve Joordens, a Professor at the University of Toronto where he teaches psychology, and Sgt. Dave Haynes, a Police officer who has been working for the Toronto Police Services for 21 years.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Steve and Dave about how they put together a course for police officers to help face the stress and anxiety that come with their very challenging jobs. Steve explains how this course became an amazing opportunity to give back to the community by helping officers in need. Steve and Dave share how their course fits with police culture, while at the same time, acknowledging the often unrecognized psychological challenges police officers have to face.

A Journey into PTSD with Nathan Kapler Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by Nathan Kapler, who has his own podcast called Ten Thirty-Three, where he tells some of his experiences through extremely challenging situations as a Police Officer. Nathan shares in his show how he learned to handle his emotions, and also deal with his own unresolved trauma.

In this episode, Chief Dubord speaks with Nathan about how he grew up in a small town in Northern Alberta wanting to be a caring and compassionate policeman. He shares the beginning of his career when he only was 21 years old, and how, several years later, his mental health started to suffer, developing PTSD and later, facing addiction. Nathan, bravely, openly, and unapologetically, shares his journey through PTSD, its origins, and its consequences, so others know they are not alone.

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Nathan shares what motivated him to become a Police Officer.

[3:25] Nathan speaks about the early years of his career.

[5:01] Nathan talks about some of his first experiences when he was only 21 years old.

[6:41] Nathan elaborates on the impact that had on him to face other people's trauma.

[8:42] Did Nathan have any tools to help him deal with his emotions?

[10:09] Nathan talks about what post traumatic stress was for him.

[10:52] Nathan confesses that what he thought was a healthy way of coping turned out not to be that way.

[12:01] How did Nathan get diagnosed with PTSD?

[13:27] Nathan confesses he did not know how to talk about his emotions.

[14:05] Nathan was a General Duty Police Officer from 2007 to 2011, and later entered a drug section until 2014 and then became part of the Federal Service Organized Crime.

[15:36] Nathan did not take any time off due to PTSD until 2017.

[16:03] Nathan talks about the treatment plan he started following when received the diagnosis of PTSD.

[18:30] Nathan talks about the most critical years for him: 2017/2018.

[20:53] Nathan explains how he became interested in medical cannabis to treat his symptoms while dealing with the stigma of cannabis being a drug.

[22:54] Nathan openly shares his problems with addiction.

[26:08] Nathan realized in 2019 that he has developed an addiction and that he needed to go on leave.

[28:18] Nathan openly shares the fears he had in regard to how his career would be impacted by taking time off to heal.

[30:16] Nathan chose to stop policing, he could not be a part of any more trauma.

[32:45] Nathan was off for two and a half years.

[34:13] Nathan shares his message: Embrace the vulnerability early on.

[35:41] Nathan gives his suggestions to everyone trying to own their own mental health.

[36:28] What does Nathan miss about the job?

[38:46] Nathan talks about his podcast: Ten Thirty-Three.

Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Coffee Co.

Listen to Ten Thirty-Three Podcasts

Visit https://www.tenthirtythreeco.com where Nathan provides more support to First Responders!

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more Bend Don't Break episodes on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.

(Part 2) Tragedy in Mayerthorpe Alberta: Supt. James Hardy's Story of Investigating the Murder of 4 Mounties while Caring for his Team Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined again by James Hardy who has been in policing for more than 4 decades, he was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police then over to the Calgary Police Service, and later developed a consulting career.

This episode is the second part of an amazing conversation with James. He shares how a large team of police officers investigated the murder of 4 RCMP officers on a rural property in Alberta in 2005. In addition to investigating the murder, James was one of the senior members in charge of making sure the mental health of his team was taken care of, and he speaks of the increasing importance of continuing to care for officers mental wellness 17 years after the tragedy

Maintaining Professionalism in the Face of Tragedy: Retired RCMP Supt. James Hardy Shares his Story of Leading Through Crisis Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

This week, Chief Neil Dubord is joined by James Hardy who has been in policing for more than 4 decades, he was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police then over to the Calgary Police Service, and later developed a consulting career.

This episode is the first part of two, where James speaks about his 40 years of career in policing and how hard it was to retire. He also shares two major incidents that happened during his vast career that impacted him forever. James shares in detail both events and how he managed to balance professionalism and pay attention to his emotions.

Stay tuned for part 2, where James talks about his role as a Team Commander in the Mayerthorpe tragedy that took the lives of four RCMP officers.

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] James talks about his career.

[9:18] James shares how difficult was for him to retire, feeling guilt for abandoning this team that became his family.

[13:40] How was James connected to the incident that happened in Stony Plain Alberta? James shares the entire experience.

[20:42] How was James taking care of himself?

[22:58] James compares what happened 17 years ago in Stony Plain to the event that took place in Mayerthorpe in regard to how officers were supported.

[27:48] James shares what he means when he says: Words matter.

Looking for More Episodes?

You can find more episodes of Bend Don't Break on iTunes, Google Play, and most other major podcasting platforms.

Connect with the Delta Police Department:

Follow the Delta Police on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Visit their website at DeltaPolice.ca.