The City of Falls Church, Virginia, Police Department (FCPD) is addressing the safety and wellness of sworn and professional staff by integrating yoga and mindfulness practices into the culture of the organization. There is evidence that mindfulness-based programs can mitigate the impact of stress on physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.1 Mindfulness practices also help build resilience, increase the capacity of practitioners to respond soundly under pressure in the face of extraordinary challenges, and help individuals connect meaningfully with each other. What started as a positive and profound personal experience for one officer has been incorporated into the strategies and work plans of the agency; mindfulness is quickly becoming integral to the culture of the FCPD.
