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Determinants of Wellness Program Utilization Among Law Enforcement Personnel: A Focus on Psychological and Physical Health

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Previous studies have identified distinct groupings of law enforcement personnel based on their psychological and physical health, but further investigation is needed to understand how these factors influence participation in wellness programs. Survey data from 1216 sworn and civilian personnel across nine law enforcement agencies were analyzed using latent class analysis and logistic regression. Three distinct groups emerged: the healthiest (47% of the sample), those with moderate health (38%), and those with the most severe health challenges (15%). Participation in wellness programs were examined for counseling, mental health, physical health, mentorship, family, and other types of programs. While participation in physical health and other types of wellness programs were similar across all groups, differences were identified in the others. Notably, mental health and mentorship program participation levels for individuals with the most severe health challenges were found to be comparable to those with the best health metrics and never emerged as the leading group in any of the program usage categories. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the profound wellness concerns of this group, despite their comparable participation rates in certain programs.

Source: Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology

DOI: 10.21428/cb6ab371.2fc85e6c

Authors: Daniel S. Lawrence, Jessica Dockstader

Institution: Center for Naval Analyses

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Health and Well-being

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance