Behind the Shield: A Journey from Undercover Ops to Mental Health Advocate

Bend Don't Break

Summary Bob Stenhouse, a former undercover police officer, shares his journey from undercover work to being a whistleblower and the impact it had on his mental health. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, avoiding cynicism, and surrounding oneself with good people. Stenhouse also highlights the need for wise leadership in policing, with a focus on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and accountability. He encourages young officers to be trauma-informed, compassionate, and empathetic. Stenhouse's story serves as a reminder that taking responsibility for one's mental health and creating a respectful workplace are crucial for the well-being of police officers. Takeaways

• Maintain balance, avoid cynicism, and surround yourself with good people in order to thrive in the police profession.
• Wise leadership is crucial in creating a respectful and psychologically safe workplace for police officers.
• Take responsibility for your own mental health and well-being, and seek therapy if needed.
• Be trauma-informed, compassionate, and empathetic towards others, including those who may be engaging in negative behavior.
• Create a workplace culture that supports and holds officers accountable while also providing support for mental health challenges.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:01 Bob Stenhouse's Career and Transition to Corporate Investigations 05:19 From Small Town Drug Enforcement to International Undercover Work 06:42 Bob Stenhouse's Experience in the Counterintelligence Team 08:36 Working on Project KISS and Dealing with the Hell's Angels 11:43 The Whistleblowing Incident and Career Trajectory Change 23:26 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Stress Levels 25:43 Finding a New Identity and Pursuing Personal Growth 31:07 Advice for Young People Entering the Police Profession 33:31 Creating a Respectful and Psychologically Safe Workplace