NCJ Number
248707
Date Published
July 2014
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This is a summary of the issues addressed by the Officer Safety and Wellness (OSW) Group at its meeting on February 4, 2013, which focused on officer psychological health.
Abstract
The OSW Group recognizes that improving officer psychological health is a challenging and long-term effort for law enforcement agencies. It requires understanding the full range of issues involved with officer health, stress response and management, and organizational management. The discussion at the meeting addressed advancing research, improving the response to officer stress, and reducing the risks of related disease. After a full day of deliberation, the OSW Group identified points for consideration regarding gaps in research, areas for improved training, reviews of policies and procedures, and practices that improve the psychological wellness of officers. The discussion of research on the impact of police officer stress considered the following issues: the mind-body nexus in police stress and health, the assessment of health risks in law enforcement cohorts, and resilience and fatigue. Police agency psychological health initiatives are described for the Austin (Texas) Police Department, the Columbus (Ohio) Division of Police, and the Fresno (California) Police Department. A proposed discussion and action agenda addresses leadership, research, policy, training, and practice/programs. 65 references
Date Published: July 1, 2014
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