How state police agencies are addressing the issue of wellness

Reports the findings of an earlier study which was conducted to determine the comprehensiveness of wellness programs provided by the 50 state police agencies/departments of public safety for their commissioned law enforcement officers. The study also focused on the attitude of the personnel directors about the effectiveness of their wellness programs. A national survey was sent to each personnel director of the 50 state police agencies/departments of public safety. The survey, with an overall return rate of 98 per cent, addressed five components of wellness: physical fitness, stress management, psychological and mental health, nutrition and dietary related issues, and alcohol and chemical dependency. Although 29 agencies stated they had a wellness program, none offered all five of the wellness components identified above. Of the 20 agencies which stated they did not have a wellness program, all provided at least some aspect of one of the five wellness components. Also identifies areas in which more emphasis should be placed in order to establish a comprehensive wellness program. It can also serve as a basis for an expanded study in the area of wellness.