Police Chief Magazine|Topics|Mental Health
Mental Health
A person stands alone in the middle of a dimly lit street at night. The scene is illuminated by several streetlights, casting an orange glow through the fog. The person is silhouetted against the light, making it difficult to discern any facial features or specific details about their appearance. Trees and buildings line both sides of the street, and a pedestrian crossing is visible beneath the person's feet. The atmosphere appears eerie and quiet, with no other people or vehicles in sight.
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The Science, Honor, and Dignity of Stories

There is a saying that “stories are science,” and this notion holds particular significance when conducting psychological autopsies to investigate police officer suicides among active and retired ...
Officer Safety & Wellness
a man with short gray hair seated in the driver's seat of a car. He is wearing a dark-colored shirt and has his left hand on the steering wheel while his right hand is placed on the back of his neck, suggesting discomfort or pain. The interior of the car is visible, including the headrest of the passenger seat and part of the dashboard. The background outside the car shows blurred greenery and structures, indicating that it might be parked near a residential area or similar environment. The man's face is visible, showing a neutral expression.
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Unseen Injuries

When an officer is involved in a shooting or another serious use-of-force incident, they are often sent for a fitness for duty exam (FFDE) prior to returning to work. If an officer is engaging in high...
Mass Casualty Attacks
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Leadership Insights: Navigating Crisis and Resilience

In an 18-month period, my agency in Dayton, Ohio, faced a series of unprecedented challenges: a significant water emergency due to a major pipe break, a large-scale white supremacist rally requiring t...
Officer Safety & Wellness
Happy couple riding bicycles outside, healthy lifestyle fun concept
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The Six Facets of Holistic Wellness

Police officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and upholding the law. Their profession demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to protecting and serving their communities....
Focus on Officer Wellness
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Focus on Officer Wellness: Addressing Traumatic Brain Injuries in Policing

Police officers face numerous challenges that extend beyond the immediate physical dangers of their jobs. One of the less visible yet profoundly impactful risks is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), inc...
Mental Health
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Officer Wellness Is Not Enough

In recent years, officer wellness has become a pivotal focus within agencies worldwide. Programs designed to support mental health, physical health, and overall well-being are essential, given the hig...
Focus on Officer Wellness
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Focus on Officer Wellness: Quieting the Chatter

The alarm goes off. You steady yourself as you acknowledge the poor inconsistent quality of sleep you experience night after night. In spite of it all, when you walk into the daily briefing, you feel ...
Education & Training
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Hybrid Officers for Holistic Public Safety

The criminal justice industry struggles to reframe itself and the roles it plays in the current sociopolitical landscape. Because of this, and because police departments need to reflect the communitie...
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