Impact of a Mindfulness Training Program among Denver 9-1-1 Communications Center Personnel

• In Event: Safety, Health and Wellness in Criminal Justice:  Data from 9-1-1 Operators, Police, and Correctional Officers

Abstract

Mindfulness is defined as a “neuro-restorative brain fitness program designed to improve executive function.” Mindfulness training is believed to cultivate focused attention and increased emotional regulation. A growing body of research illustrates mindfulness’ broad positive effects, both psychologically and physically; demonstrating an important role in improving health, well-being, and reducing chronic stress. Various mindfulness programs have been studied in diverse patient populations for the treatment of depression, anxiety, lowering blood cortisol, improving student performance, lowering blood pressure, increasing working memory, reducing healthcare utilization, and improving adaptation in highly stressful situations. Researchers at the Police Foundation and Eastern Virginia Medical School are evaluating this program using a block-randomized experiment to establish the efficacy of mindfulness training (provided by Denver-based nonprofit, Be Mindful) in predicting stress, sleep quality, psychological well-being, resilience, mood, health, and burnout of Denver 9-1-1 personnel. The stratified, randomized experiment controls for time of day of the shift, whether the employee works 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts, and whether they are call takers or dispatchers.

Authors

• Karen L Amendola, Police Foundation

• Charles Freligh, The Virginia Consortium