Innovative advancements are needed to develop action-based initiatives to look after the number one priority in policing—the people serving in policing agencies. Research has shown that experiencing awe, when viewed as a strategy to enhance resilience, can benefit police officers in their work and in their personal lives. The concept that awe can play a pivotal role in people’s lives might catch some off guard, yet that is one of the many positive attributes of awe—it can promote open-mindedness.

In comparison to the public, law enforcement officers have higher rates of mental health conditions such as alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Suicide rates in policing remain alarmingly high, and organizational stress is often listed as a leading wellness challenge for officers. Stress and its associated conditions not only negatively impact officers’ personal well-being, but can also adversely influence officers’ ability to serve the public effectively.

Now that the obvious (or what should be the obvious) has been stated, the question becomes—what can be done about it to support the workforce in a meaningful way? This is especially important for those police personnel working in specialized units such as homicide and special victim investigation. Given the nature of their work, these officers are often confronted with the worst of humanity on nearly a daily basis. This includes being exposed to death, seeing the victims of horrific mental and physical attacks, interrogating those suspected of these crimes, and interviewing victims and witnesses. Additionally, these investigators bear the burden of being the ones responsible for closing the case.