When we think about police officers and sheriff’s deputies, we might imagine brave men and women helping keep our communities safe every day. But what about their own safety—especially when it comes to their mental health? On the recent episode of “When The Call Hits Home,” Chief Deputy Justin Miller from the Kenosha Sheriff’s Office opened up about how law enforcement mental health and leadership culture shift are changing for the better.

Opening Up About Mental Health in Law Enforcement

For many years, talking about mental health in law enforcement wasn’t something people did. Chief Deputy Miller shares that in the past, there wasn’t much help available for officers going through tough times. After experiencing difficult events in his own life and seeing his team go through trauma, Miller realized something needed to change.

He gave an example from early in his career when an employee needed help, but there was no Employee Assistance Program (EAP) left in the budget. The only thing he could do was try to help the person himself. That moment made him determined to improve mental health support in his agency.

Building a Culture of Wellness

Chief Deputy Miller believes that being a good leader today means looking after the mental wellness of your team. He remembers moments when officers were involved in traumatic incidents, like officer-involved shootings, and were told to go back to work almost immediately, with no time provided to heal or talk about what happened.

Now, things are slowly changing. Miller is passionate about creating a culture where officers feel safe to talk about their struggles. The department is working hard to provide resources, like peer support groups, financial wellness programs, and even a special app (Cortico) that connects officers directly to health resources.

Leading By Example

Miller also talks about the importance of leading by example. He starts conversations about mental health openly and is not afraid to share his own experiences. He joins his team in morning workouts, reminding everyone that leaders can also be regular people. By being approachable, he hopes to break down the stigma around asking for help.

He teaches new officers about not just the challenges of their work, but also about taking care of themselves—mentally, physically, and financially. Miller says that wellness isn’t just about talking to a therapist. It includes finances, family, fitness, and spiritual health, too. When an officer is struggling in any part of life, it can affect everything else, including their job.

Redefining Law Enforcement Leadership

Miller believes that the old way of leadership—where leaders were distant, tough, and didn’t listen—needs to change. Instead, he encourages leaders to be humble, keep learning, and have emotional intelligence. He wants leaders in law enforcement to see themselves as “servant leaders”—people who help their teams succeed, not just give orders.

He also welcomes new ideas from all members of his agency and tries to make everyone feel heard, from supervisors to entry-level officers. Miller recognizes that culture change isn’t easy, and it takes everyone working together to make a difference.

Bringing Families into the Conversation

Families of law enforcement officers face unique challenges, too. Miller is working to include families more in wellness programs, offering them access to resources, and looking for ways to educate them about what their loved ones do every day.

He knows he can’t do it all alone. His hope is that by inspiring others, more people will join the effort to create healthier, more supportive environments for everyone connected to law enforcement.

Conclusion: A Positive Shift for the Future

Chief Deputy Justin Miller is leading the way in law enforcement mental health and leadership culture shift. By being honest, compassionate, and open, he’s showing how new leadership styles and a focus on wellness can create a safer, stronger department. Miller’s story is proof that even in tough professions like law enforcement, positive change is possible when people care about each other and are willing to lead the way.

Resources Mentioned:

• Cortico Wellness App

• Smart Dollar (Ramsey Solutions)

• The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson

• The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

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