Wellness

Program Budget Overview

Overview of Program:

The Wellness Program consists of several support teams including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Peer Support Team, Wellness Programs, and gym maintenance and equipment functions. Due to the numerous challenges faced by police officers and non-sworn staff, having a robust wellness program is imperative for retention, recruitment, and ensuring the mental and physical well-being of employees. The department utilizes outside entities to oversee the EAP program and Peer Support Team. Both are overseen by licensed Psychologists who specialize in police psychology. The Peer Support Team consists of over a dozen department members both sworn and non-sworn who consistently engage with their peers to ensure that needs are met, critical incidents are de-briefed, and that members know how to reach wellness resources. The Peer Support Team reports to the Deputy Chief of Operations.

Intended Outcomes:

In 2023, the main desired outcome of the Wellness Units is to engage with a higher number of employees. This will be accomplished by more outreach, departmental events like BBQs, informational sessions, and family events. The goal of all of these teams is to de-stigmatize the use of mental health resources and ensure a healthy and sound workforce.

2023 Activities:

In 2023, focus on bringing modern training surrounding health and wellness as well as wellness programs to the agency. As Wellness is one of the main pillars of the Police Master Plan and thus these teams will ensure that best practices are being used to support all of BPD staff.