Rebuilding Trust with Communities | A Former Cop’s Wake-Up Call
Content note: This episode includes suicide, trauma, and difficult experiences within law enforcement. If you’re struggling, please see resources linked below.
Linnsey sits down with Jason Lehman — former Long Beach police officer, leadership coach, and founder of the nonprofit Why’d You Stop Me — for a candid conversation about trauma in law enforcement, moral injury, officer suicide, and what real accountability looks like when someone chooses to change. Jason shares the pivotal moments that shifted his perspective as an officer and ultimately reshaped his mission.
They dive into what departments are — and aren’t — doing to support officer wellness, why “hurt people hurt people” can show up so intensely in policing, and Jason’s practical 3-step reset for de-escalating yourself before things spiral.
Why’d You Stop Me focuses on bridging the gap between communities and law enforcement by teaching communication, procedural fairness, and conflict navigation skills — helping both officers and civilians build trust, accountability, and safer interactions from both sides.
In this episode:
* Trauma + power + “missing skill sets” in policing
* Moral injury, adrenaline chasing, and why it turns destructive
* Law enforcement suicide: what the numbers really look like
* The origin story and mission of nonprofit Why’d You Stop Me
* A simple 3-step de-escalation tool you can use anywhere
Guests
Jason Lehman | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jasonlehman64?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]
Why’d You Stop Me | Website [https://wysm.org/]
Why’d You Stop Me | Contact [https://wysm.org/contact-us]
Show Host
Linnsey Dolson | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/linnseydolson?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]
🎙️ Know Someone With a Story That Needs to Be Heard?
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Whether it’s you or someone you know, send a DM to Linnsey on social media and tell share why they’d be a perfect guest on Bare It All With Linnsey.
No filters. No fluff. Unfiltered voices— unforgettable stories.
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1. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988
📞 Dial 988 (U.S.)
Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.
* Offers confidential emotional support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or emotional distress.
* Call, text, or chat online.
* Free and available across the United States.
👉 https://988lifeline.org/
[https://988lifeline.org/]
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
📞 1-800-950-6264
💬 Text: “NAMI” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
🌐 https://www.nami.org/help
[https://www.nami.org/help]
NAMI provides:
* Emotional support
* Referrals to local mental health services
* Education and guidance for individuals and families
* Peer-run support groups
Texting 741741 connects you with trained volunteers through the Crisis Text Line, available 24/7.
3. Badge of Life / Blue H.E.L.P.
A dedicated resource network for first responders including law enforcement.
* Provides peer support, crisis resources, and mental health education specific to officers and first responders.
* Blue H.E.L.P. has a robust online support community.
👉 https://www.bluehelp.org/
👉 https://www.badgeoflife.org/
4. California Peer Support (Law Enforcement)
A statewide resource for officers and staff in law enforcement looking for peer support or mental health referrals.
* Connects law enforcement personnel with trained peer supporters.
* Can offer guidance on counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness programs.
* Often organized by county and agency.
👉 Search: “California Law Enforcement Peer Support” and your county (e.g., LA County, Orange County, San Diego County, etc.)
5. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) – Officer Wellness Resources
National organization providing wellness guidance and connections to support networks.
* Offers toolkits, best practices, and mental health program recommendations tailored for police agencies and officers.
* Resources cover trauma, stress management, and organizational culture.
👉 https://www.theiacp.org/resources/mental-health
6. California Wellbeing & Crisis Support Services
California Peer-Run Warm Line / County Behavioral Health Hotlines
These are statewide support lines that offer non-clinical support for people struggling emotionally but not in immediate crisis:
* California Warm Line (Peer Support):
📞 Call or text: 1-855-845-7415 (Mon–Fri, peer support for emotional health)
* County Behavioral Health Access Lines:
Every county in CA has a behavioral health hotline that can connect you to crisis services, therapy referrals, and support programs.
➡ Search: “ Behavioral Health Access Line — California”
Example (Los Angeles):
👉 https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/
[https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/]Example (San Diego):
👉 https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/ [https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs/]
📌 Bonus: Peer Support / Officer-Focused Therapy Networks
• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
Supports officers, families, and survivors of line-of-duty tragedy.
👉 https://cops.org/
[https://cops.org/]
• The Blue Courage Training & Support Community
Offers wellness-focused training and mindset resources for officers and departments.
👉 https://www.bluecourage.com/
[https://www.bluecourage.com/]
