Eclipse Government

Los Santos: As we welcome the month of November, the Los Santos Police Department joins millions around the world in recognizing Movember, dedicated to raising awareness for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate / testicular cancer.

Movember encourages those who can to grow moustaches throughout the month as a light-hearted but powerful way, to raise awareness and support for prostate cancer research and men’s health initiatives. The Los Santos Police Department stands behind such an important cause and is encouraging all sworn personnel who are ready, willing and able, to grow their moustaches out and to do so for the duration of the month of November.

Chief of Police Phillipe Sanchez wrote: “Movember is more than just growing a moustache. It’s about starting conversations that can save lives. In law enforcement, we’re trained to look for danger and protect others, but we often overlook the silent struggles our colleagues and loved ones face. Men’s mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer affect both our ranks and our community. This month reminds us that checking in, speaking up, and getting checked are signs of strength, not weakness. Together, we can break the stigma and support the well-being of every officer and citizen we serve.”

Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar wrote:The Movember movement is a critical one when it comes to men's health, both physical and psychological. Law Enforcement Officers, due to the nature of their work, face a high likelihood of health problems, both to their physical and mental well-being. Movember provides us with an opportunity to break through the stigma surrounding men's health, specifically mental health, and allows us to remind our officers and men everywhere that seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. I implore everyone to check in with someone they haven't spoken to recently, just to let them know that you're there for them if they need it.

Assistant Chief Dezzy Bala wrote:“Movember isn't so much about the 'tache as it's about what it represents and the conversations that start. Over the course of my career, I've seen too many good dudes carry their pain in silence until it's too late. Yes, we wear that badge and put our lives on the line for it every day, but I think it's easy to forget in the environment that we're just people at the end of the day, not robots. So, each November, I like to see the guys celebrate just being guys, feeling like they can talk if they need to, and also, that we don't just have each other's backs in a patrol car or on a scene, but in the locker room and off duty too. It's okay to not be okay, but it ain't okay to stay like that.”

Deputy Chief Gareth Longford wrote:“Movember is not only an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research, but it is also an opportunity for all men to be reminded that regular health screenings are essential to ensure any future health risks are caught as early as possible. Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable when diagnosed in the early stages of development so please; no matter if you feel your best, get yourself checked regularly.”

The Los Santos Police Department encourages open dialogue about mental health, reminding all of our officers and members of our community that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should struggle in silence!

-