RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study: Project Design and First Year Results

In 2019, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police launched a longitudinal study investigating post traumatic stress injuries. In a global first, psychological and physiological baselines with 960 cadets will be established as they begin their basic training. This was needed to measure changes that may occur over the first five years of deployment. The study design will be described and final results for the first group of cadets during their time in training will be discussed. Additionally, preliminary results will be presented for those who have been in the field for one year. We will present the effects that the pandemic has had on the mental health of cadets. We will also discuss the logistical challenges of conducting a study of this size both pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19.