Resiliency Training for Officers in Georgia
promotion were in the top 25 %.
Because of these findings , treating psychological injuries and disease by managing and building psychological strength became just as important as physical injuries and disease . A resiliency training program was created for military personnel to combat Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorders ( PTSD ) caused by stressful experiences .
This program has been adapted for law enforcement officers . The premise of the training is simple : just like soldiers , police officers experience high and extremely stressful conditions . This program focuses on helping individuals develop their sense of personal wellbeing and addressing stressful encounters with a better mindset .
Recently , representatives from Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council ( POST ), the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police ( GACP ), and Georgia Sheriff ’ s Association ( GSA ) attended a resiliency training program required for all officers in the State of New Jersey .
The New Jersey program is composed of 12 modules that are focused on four domains :
• Mental : The ability to effectively cope with unique mental stressors and challenges ;
• Physical : The ability to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors needed to enhance health and wellbeing ;
• Social : The ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall wellbeing and optimal relationships ;
• Spiritual : The ability to strengthen a set of beliefs , principles , or values that sustain an individual ’ s sense of wellbeing and purpose . 3
The program utilizes an interactive training format including role plays , videos , and discussions focusing on areas including :
• Learned Optimism
• Real-Time Resilience
• Signature Character Strengths
• Deliberate Breathing
• Managing Difficult Conversations 4
The goal of the program is to provide attendees with strategies and skills to manage stress , overcome challenges , and adapt to adversity . The training provides individuals with a set of tools that can be used in any situation , at any time . In turn , this provides persons with a stronger foundation to handle the residual aftermath of stressful events .
Research has shown officers completing resiliency training have an increased ability to regulate their response to stress at work as well as in off-duty activity . They experience reduced levels of negative emotions and depression along with increased feelings of peacefulness and vitality . This resulted in improved communications , cooperation , and relationships at work as well as with their families . 5
Seasoned officers attending the training reported they were literally changed by the course . Many noted they did not realize how the residual aspects of stress had affected them daily . Not only did the training enable them to address the past , they began to view the job as a positive and meaningful profession .
It is important to note resiliency training complements other programs including crisis intervention and peer support which are designed to provide an immediate response to help stabilize an individual . Based upon the premise it is ‘ okay to not be okay ’, the three programs provide a 360 degree approach to prevent , respond , and recover from the effects of stressful events . Talking to someone during those times is acceptable and encouraged .
54 FALL . 2020