When we picture police officers, we usually think about bravery, discipline, and keeping our communities safe. But what often goes unseen are the challenges they face behind the scenes, especially when it comes to mental health and resilience. In a heartfelt episode of “When The Call Hits Home,” Tom Rizzo, a seasoned law enforcement leader, opens up about the realities of life in the police force and what it takes to support officers and their families.

The Hidden Struggles in Law Enforcement

Tom Rizzo has spent 24 years in law enforcement, traveling the country, speaking about leadership, wellness, and resilience. On the show, he shares that while police officers are trained to help others, they sometimes fail to help themselves and each other. Tom believes that “a lesson learned should be a lesson shared,” and he isn’t afraid to talk honestly about the struggles police face (from his own experiences with mental health, loss, and feeling overwhelmed by work).

He points out that while the public often worries about the dangerous parts of the job—like confronting crime or responding to emergencies—a lot of the real pressure comes from within their own departments. “Nothing comes even close to the stress and anxiety that I’ve experienced as to the right and to the left, to the top and to the bottom of the people I work with,” Tom explains.

Why Culture and Leadership Matter

Tom also talks about a problem he sees too often: departments “eating their own.” This means officers sometimes feel unsupported, unappreciated, or even betrayed by their own leadership. He shares that mission statements and policies might get posted on walls, but are often forgotten or pushed aside by politics and fear. Even as support programs like peer counseling grow, a lack of honesty from leadership can block real progress.

Tom calls for leaders to show vulnerability. “If you give me just a little bit and you see me hurt, you see me stressed… I’ll give you 10 times the energy back as an employee,” he says. He encourages supervisors to admit when they’re struggling or don’t know all the answers, because “people will adore you if you can walk in and say, ‘I genuinely care. I just don’t know how to be good at this. Can you help me help you?’”

Building True Resilience

Building Law Enforcement Mental Health and Resilience is about more than having programs or policies. It’s about listening and caring for people as human beings. Tom urges mental health professionals and administrators to be honest about what is and isn’t working. He recommends focusing on open communication, not just between officers and counselors, but also at home with families. Officers can protect their mental health by connecting with loved ones, sharing their feelings, and supporting one another at work.

Family: The Real “Why” Behind the Badge

For Tom, his greatest pride is being a father. He says, “I don’t say it, I do it.” By making his kids an open part of his decision-making process and showing up for their important moments, Tom models what family resilience looks like. He believes families should be treated as partners in this “business,” understanding together what each new job or challenge will mean for everyone. This honesty helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps family bonds strong even in tough times.

Final Thoughts

Tom Rizzo’s story reminds us that law enforcement isn’t just about badges and bravery—it’s about people. Departments, leaders, and families can all play a role in protecting the mental health of officers and building resilience. As Tom says, “All we’re looking for is to be treated like human beings in return.”

By breaking the silence around law enforcement mental health and resilience, we can create a safer, stronger community for everyone—officers and families alike.

The When The Call Hits Home team would like to extend another thank you to Tom for joining us on the podcast!

If you would like to learn more about Tom, his work, and grab a copy of his book  “Copikaze”!

Check out his website: https://www.thomasrizzo.com/

If you would like to explore our resources page or other episodes