Vincent Scotto: What 20 Years at NYPD Taught Me About Officer Wellness That No One Is Talking About
Explicit content warning
03/10/25 • 60 min
What happens when the badge comes off? In this powerful conversation, former NYPD officer Vincent Scotto takes us behind the blue wall of silence to reveal the deeply human struggles of life in law enforcement. After serving 20 years with the NYPD and being retired for 13 years, Scotto brings rare perspective on how police work fundamentally transforms those who wear the uniform.
"People who join law enforcement go in wanting to change the world and they get out with the world changing them," cutting to the heart of why officer wellness matters. He shares his personal journey through dark times and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to become an advocate for mental wellness in the law enforcement community. With unflinching honesty, he addresses the cultural barriers that prevent officers from seeking help and the systemic issues that leave them feeling unsupported.
The conversation takes us through the psychological impact of constantly switching between high-alert policing and family life, the power of authentic communication amongst officers, and why many department wellness programs fail despite good intentions. "Cops see through the bullshit," Scotto explains, highlighting why authenticity matters more than flashy initiatives. His stories about using humor to process trauma and his regrets about not sharing his experiences with loved ones offer profound insights for officers and their families alike.
Whether you're in law enforcement, love someone who is, or simply want to understand the human beings behind the badge, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to protect both the public and the protectors themselves.
Website:
Contact:
LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto
Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
What happens when the badge comes off? In this powerful conversation, former NYPD officer Vincent Scotto takes us behind the blue wall of silence to reveal the deeply human struggles of life in law enforcement. After serving 20 years with the NYPD and being retired for 13 years, Scotto brings rare perspective on how police work fundamentally transforms those who wear the uniform.
"People who join law enforcement go in wanting to change the world and they get out with the world changing them," cutting to the heart of why officer wellness matters. He shares his personal journey through dark times and how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to become an advocate for mental wellness in the law enforcement community. With unflinching honesty, he addresses the cultural barriers that prevent officers from seeking help and the systemic issues that leave them feeling unsupported.
The conversation takes us through the psychological impact of constantly switching between high-alert policing and family life, the power of authentic communication amongst officers, and why many department wellness programs fail despite good intentions. "Cops see through the bullshit," Scotto explains, highlighting why authenticity matters more than flashy initiatives. His stories about using humor to process trauma and his regrets about not sharing his experiences with loved ones offer profound insights for officers and their families alike.
Whether you're in law enforcement, love someone who is, or simply want to understand the human beings behind the badge, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to protect both the public and the protectors themselves.
Website:
Contact:
LinkedIn: Vincent Scotto
Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
Previous Episode
From Addiction to Advocacy: Alan and Amy's Story
What happens when a law enforcement officer confronts the demons of addiction and infidelity, and emerges with a mission to transform mental health support within the force? Listen to the compelling story of Alan Hendrickson, who, alongside his wife Amy, turned personal adversity into a pillar of hope for law enforcement officers struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. Alan and Amy open up about their personal journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that sparked their dedication to mental wellness for officers and their spouses.
Amy's support through Alan's recovery offers a realistic perspective on love, strength, and the power of a strong support system. As Alan returned to his law enforcement career, he faced obstacles due to his past. He found acceptance and a second chance with an agency who acknowledged his growth in overcoming his personal challenges. Their story is a testament to the themes of redemption and how it can have a profound impact. They discuss how openness and support can overcome personal struggles and maintain a healthier home and workplace environment.
Tune in to hear about the implications of mental wellness and support systems within law enforcement. From personal experiences that cultivate trust and mentorship to the role of spouses in policing wellness, Alan and Amy's experiences emphasize a holistic approach to mental health. They share their vision of spreading their wellness course beyond their home state of Alabama, aiming to touch lives across the nation. Listen in for valuable resources and a reminder that no one on this journey is alone. Alan and Amy continue to advocate for the mental health of officers and their families with raw, authentic, and honest transparency of some of the real struggles we all can face during our career.
Programs Mentioned:
- Axonaid.com
- Boulder Crest Foundation
Contact:
LinkedIn: Allen Hendrickson
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
Next Episode
Robie Poynter: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma with Psilocybin
Ever wondered what happens when traditional mental health approaches fail our first responders? In this groundbreaking episode, I speak with Rob Poynter, a retired deputy sheriff, who took an unconventional path to healing the wounds left by his law enforcement career.
Rob's story begins with his upbringing as the son of a homicide detective who was an active father but struggled with alcoholism. He decided to follow in his dad's footsteps and after nearly 15 years of service, a motorcycle accident forced his medical retirement, leaving him to confront how his career had affected his relationships with his wife and son. Despite trying various wellness practices – from yoga to talk therapy – nothing seemed to break through the emotional armor he'd built up over years of service.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Rob describes his journey with the Siren Project, a nonprofit organization that facilitates psilocybin therapy retreats specifically for first responders. With remarkable candor, he details his experience with plant medicine in a ceremonial, medically-supervised setting in Mexico, and the profound insights he gained about his relationships and behavior patterns. Most surprisingly, he discovered his issues stemmed less from traumatic calls and more from childhood issues that had shaped his adult relationships.
What sets this episode apart is Rob's perspective as someone who once enforced drug laws now advocating for the healing potential of plant medicine. He emphasizes that he's "not some wavy gravy guy" but a typical law enforcement officer who found healing through an unconventional path. The lasting changes he describes – from daily meditation practices to newfound clarity in his relationships – challenge our assumptions about mental health treatment for those who serve.
Whether you're in law enforcement, another first responder field, or simply interested in alternative approaches to mental health, this conversation offers valuable insights into healing pathways that might not be found in traditional settings. Join us as we explore this aspect of first responder wellness and consider what it might mean for those struggling to process trauma in high-stress professions.
Ready to challenge your assumptions about healing? Listen now, share your thoughts, and help us continue this important conversation about mental health options for those who serve and protect.
🧰 Listener Resources from the Episode:
🌿 The Siren Project
A nonprofit organization offering plant medicine retreats for first responders
Website: www.thesirenproject.org
📬 Connect with Rob Poynter:
- Facebook: Rob Poynter
- Instagram: @rawb_zone
- Twitter: @RobZone1
- LinkedIn: Rob Poynter
- Email: [email protected]
Let us know what you loved about this episode!
Fit For Shift is a first responder focused wellness app for health, fitness, and community. Sign up now for a 3-day free trial. First responder credentials are required to join.
Chapter Blue - Vincent Scotto: What 20 Years at NYPD Taught Me About Officer Wellness That No One Is Talking About
Transcript
Welcome to Chapter Blue , the podcast where we discuss the world of law enforcement through an honest conversation on tough or controversial topics , real stories , perspectives and experience from officers all around the world . Whether you're here for insights on mental health , self-care , work-life balance , getting into law enforcement , getting out of law enforcement , or just try
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