Officer Safety and Wellness

This workshop will present innovative initiatives in prisons and jails which are increasing the effectiveness of wellness programs for their staff. Don’t miss out on learning how correctional associations, external government agencies and universities can assist corrections to improve staff wellness and a sustainable staff workforce.
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to explain how staff wellness programs support a sustainable workforce and improve recruitment and retention efforts.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is continuing to prioritize the safety and wellness of law enforcement officers, their families, and professional support staff. BJA has compiled, updated, and expanded various resources associated with enhancing officer safety.  In a recent blog post, titled Ensuring Officer Health and Wellness During Difficult Times, BJA outlines the various resources to help bolster efforts to ensure officers are physically and mentally prepared to carry out their daily work.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police, in association with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, has developed the Officer Health and Wellness Agency Assessment Tool and Action Planning Roadmap as a resource for law enforcement agencies who seek to establish or enhance officer wellness programming.

This meeting allowed the consortium to have a directed discussion about agencies policy following an officer suicide.

This conference workshop presentation provides guidance for law enforcement officers and agencies to develop and enhance an agency wellness program. Policing is a difficult and stressful job, with higher physical and mental health risks than many other professions. In response to the physical and mental challenges that law enforcement officers face, many agencies are beginning to provide wellness services and resources to their officers.

The National Consortium convenes to discuss the experiences in the field since the last meeting. Discuss culture change if any and recent practices in the field.