Date
2-21-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Services
Abstract
A career in Law Enforcement allows people to build partnerships with community members to work towards a common goal of enhancing public safety through collaboration and trust. It's a rewarding yet often challenging career because officers must make split-second decisions in high-stress situations while working long hours and missing family events. Over time, police officers experience stressors from their jobs and personal lives that become overwhelming and difficult to navigate due to the unforeseen challenges of their chosen career in law enforcement. These challenges make it crucial for officers to find approaches that enable them to overcome these challenges that oftentimes can be prevented or worked through with the necessary resources and guidance from their department. This paper examines the value of implementing and actively revamping wellness programs and initiatives to empower police department personnel to adequately care for themselves as they navigate their careers and lives. A review of research and scholarly articles reveals the need for proactive approaches to overcome poor officer health, habits, and mindset and the impact police culture, leadership, and policy have in shaping officer wellness and the success of these initiatives.