Tip Sheets

NYPD’s mental health move a step in the right direction

Media Contact

Lindsey Knewstub

The NYPD recently announced they revised their fitness-for-duty policy and will no longer automatically strip police of their badges if they are dealing with mental illness.

Bill Sonnenstuhl, associate professor of organizational behavior who specializes in employee assistance programs and workplace culture, says this is a positive step to avoid penalization for those seeking help.


Bill Sonnenstuhl

Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior

“I think that this is a good decision. We know from workplace studies that employees seek assistance from employee assistance programs for a wide range of mental health issues ranging from the benign to the serious.

“We should not penalize them for seeking help by taking their badges and guns. That decision should be made based upon the seriousness of their problems and their ability to meet their job responsibilities.”

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