Building Resilience in Law Enforcement Through a Mental Wellness Program

Historically, few resources exist for law enforcement that promote mental wellness in officers, leaving departments deficient in how to promote such an important aspect of wellness. Failure to promote and engage in mental health programs for law enforcement can result in mentally unwell officers. An unhealthy officer potentially poses a risk not only to himself but also to his fellow officers and the community as a whole. Furthermore, officers who are impaired open themselves to the possibility of making rash and impulsive decisions, thus jeopardizing the safety of others. The following article will discuss the importance of a mental wellness program for law enforcement and how to implement a program into departments. This process involves a formal departmental policy, leadership from within the department, a culturally sensitive and trained mental health professional, and a structured mental wellness plan.