Norfolk, Va. (NPD) – Norfolk Police has made a New Year’s resolution geared toward improving officer wellness and resiliency in 2020.
Starting in Spring 2020, Norfolk police will implement an evidence-based program that will be provided to all sworn members of the department. Back in December of 2018, the Norfolk Police Department in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and University of Pennsylvania became the first law enforcement agency in Virginia to receive nationally accredited Wellness and Resiliency training. Over the course of three days, officers of all ranks received training on how to improve their well-being, support each other, and make healthy decisions to promote success within their organization and everyday lives.
“The women and men of the Norfolk Police Department are faced with stressful and critical challenges each day” said Norfolk Police Chief Larry D. Boone. “And after a busy day, those challenges begin to affect your personal life, family, and ultimately your health. This program will assist my officers in dealing with the stressors of work and life which help builds a stronger organization.”
This program will be implemented by the Norfolk Police Peer Support Team with the goal of training all members of the department by December 2020. This program aims to improve an officer’s overall performance, and quality of life by providing emotional support and tactics to reduce anxiety on and off the job.
In November, 10 officers from the Norfolk Police Department attended the VALOR Resilience Train-the-Trainer Program to begin the implementation of this program throughout the department.
“Much like our nationally and internationally recognized community engagement programs, this wellness and resiliency program will be a success if we strive to build relationships within the organization and acknowledge our need for support on and off the street” said Chief Boone. “This process starts with me all the way to newest officer on the street.”
For more information on the VALOR Resilience Training Program, please visit: https://www.bja.gov/successstory/valor-pilot-puts-character-at-heart-of-resilience-training-for-law-enforcement.html?utm_source=announcements_bja.gov&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=successstories