Mindfulness Training: Does it Improve Officer Well-Being?

Mindfulness-based training teaches individuals to focus on the present moment with awareness and without judgment, helping them manage stress by developing skills like observation, emotional regulation, and non-reactivity. Police officers who participated in mindfulness-based training experienced small to moderate improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout compared to those who did not receive the training. Mindfulness training could be a valuable tool for improving officer well-being and fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health, helping to reduce stigma and encourage officers to seek support.