Officer Wellness and Resilience

• In Event: Policy Panel: Health Justice Policy

Abstract

Creating a department that has physical, emotional, and mental wellness are the building blocks for creating more resilient officers. Most people who are properly equipped can be resilient after suffering loss or trauma. However, what happens when a person or a community is unable to bounce back from a critical incident or traumatic event. How does the person or community “show up” and function daily, how is their ability to problem-solve or critically think impacted?

Research has shown police officers in the first five years sees or is exposed to an exponential amount of stress and critical incidents. Ms. Rodriguez will discuss how officer wellness plays an integral role in the morale and culture of an organization, particularly those that are involved in high-profile incidents. She will delve into the pillars of a comprehensive wellness program, review best practices in building wellness programs within police agencies, and discuss ways in which improving officer wellness can improve community and police relationships.

Author

• Denise Rodriguez, Police Reform and Innovation, LLC