Officer Safety and Wellness

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Officer Safety and Wellness

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logo Support for officer safety and wellness is vital to the field and community, as well as the wellbeing of their colleagues, agencies, and families. The IACP believes in prioritizing officer safety every shift, every day. Explore the collection of IACP resources that support the safety, health, and wellness of every officer, and use these resources when developing comprehensive officer safety and wellness strategies. Learn about building resilience, injury prevention, peer support programs, physical fitness, proper nutrition, stress, mindfulness, suicide prevention, and more.

Officer Mental Health and Resiliency

The stressors that police officers face can have serious implications for overall health and wellness. Supporting officer mental health is essential for the wellbeing of officers and their colleagues, agencies, and communities. The IACP offers resources and guidance for every officer on and off the job, and across every rank. Learn how to navigate adversity, thrive in the face of challenges, and maintain mental health in policing.

Tools and Resources

Videos and Virtual Events

Policy Papers

(Note: access to most Model Policies is limited to IACP members only) 

Current IACP Initiatives

From the Field: Police Chief Magazine Articles

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

 

Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention

Officers experience job-related stressors ranging from interpersonal conflicts to traumatic events. This cumulative exposure may affect officers’ mental and physical health, contributing to problems such as post-traumatic stress symptoms, substance misuse, depression, and suicidal ideation. One officer suicide is one too many.

The IACP has long been committed to preventing officer suicide and supports the culture change required to provide help to officers who may be struggling. Browse through available resources and tools to raise awareness of and prevent officer suicide.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out.

Tools and Resources

Videos and Virtual Events

Policy Papers

(Note: access to most Model Policies is limited to IACP members only) 

Current IACP Initiatives

From the Field: Police Chief Magazine Articles

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

Physical Health

Officers can enhance their physical health through diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Maintaining good physical health can reduce officers’ risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, cancer, degenerative joint diseases, and diabetes. Those who maintain a healthy weight, or an active lifestyle, can reduce their risk and severity of injury. The resources below will be helpful for an agency seeking to build out their physical health and nutrition education programs.

Tools and Resources

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is an important factor in the job performance of police officers. This Nutrition Infographic includes tips for making proper eating and nutrition a priority for officers and families and contains ideas on how to make eating and preparing food more family friendly.

Eating Well On-The-Go Fact Sheet – This fact sheet provides information on how agencies can provide education and support to improve officer nutrition and well-being, highlighting the impact nutrition has on an officer’s performance, ranging from long-term effects to shift-by-shift consequences.

Eating Well On-the-Go Officers Guide – This pocket-sized brochure gives officers nutritious options for meals on the go, including guidance on which items to choose and which to skip for breakfast, snacks, and a main meal.

Sleep

Sleep deprivation takes a toll on an officer’s wellbeing. This Sleep Infographic reviews the effects on the body and other dangers associated with sleep deprivation and offers helpful suggestions for families of law enforcement.

Physical Wellness

Fitness Considerations Guide – Fitness and wellness programs are an important part of reducing officer injuries on the job. This guide provides law enforcement agencies with tips and recommendations on how to start a fitness/wellness program within an agency.

Reducing Officer Injuries Resource Series

Medical Care

Doctor’s Visit Checklist

Policy Papers

(Note: access to most Model Policies is limited to IACP members only) 

From the Field: Police Chief Magazine Articles

Nutrition
Sleep
Physical Wellness
Medical Care

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

Tactical Safety

It is essential for police officer to be prepare with tactical skills, knowledge, and tools to protect and serve their communities to the best of their abilities. The IACP offers the following resources and considerations regarding the tactical safety of officer in the field.

Tools and Resources

Videos and Virtual Events

Policy Papers

(Note: access to most Model Policies is limited to IACP members only) 

Current IACP Initiatives

From the Field: Police Chief Magazine Articles

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

Family Wellness

Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to stressful, demanding incidents that challenge them both physically and mentally. While an officer’s individual health and wellness is important, the lifestyle and culture of policing affects far more than just the officer. Spouses, partners, parents, children, and companions of law enforcement are an essential support system for their loved one when they return home after every shift. These families and friends also need support to respond to the unique challenges they and their officer face on and off the job.

Tools and Resources

Videos and Virtual Events

Policy Papers

(Note: access to most Model Policies is limited to IACP members only) 

From the Field: Police Chief Magazine Articles

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

For more information, please contact osw@theiacp.org.

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