Family Observations of Wellness in Police

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Law enforcement mental health continues to be a national concern, and while important efforts have been developed to support police officers, the impact on their families continues to be understudied. Supported by a grant from the Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Act Program, and as part of a larger study on a comprehensive wellness program implemented at the Lubbock Police Department, using a qualitative approach we aimed to Identify 1) family perspectives of police wellness, and 2) aspects of a wellness program that can be improved. Six female participants (over 18yrs old), partners of a sworn or non-sworn officers are included in this preliminary analysis (data collection ongoing projected for N=20). Results showed generalized stress on families due to limited coping skills to support partners, lack of support groups for families and children to socialize and connect with similar families, and the need to increase education and training opportunities to improve wellness for families as well as officers. The wellness program (if known) was positively perceived by participants as it could improve family dialogue about mental health and provide resources and services for officers to support their well-being. Best-practices and practical implications for police officers’ families will be discussed

Authors

• Rula Zaru, Texas Tech University

• Narges Hadi, Texas Tech University

• Brandy Piña-Watson, Texas Tech University

• Megan Thoen, Texas Tech University

• John Willhelm, Lubbock Police Department

• Misti Snodgrass, Texas Tech University

• Steven Bergen, Texas Tech University

• Andrew Young, Texas Tech University

• Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo, Texas Tech University