Wellness at the Core: The Rise of Police Wellness Apps for Officer Mental Health

A law enforcement wellness app that offers health resources for police officers is extremely beneficial. In 2020, it was reported that 116 police officers had taken their own lives. Statistically, police officers are 54% more susceptible to suicidal thoughts than citizens. Most likely, this is due to the nature of an officer’s job. Resources such as counseling, training, and education regarding well-being can all help to decrease this statistic. Each of these resources is beneficial, but it can be challenging to keep a routine with some of these resources.

A Police Wellness App is a convenient way to maintain healthy living and a positive routine. A police app is useful for many different reasons including keeping health and wellness resources close by and accessible to officers. The more convenient a well-being resource is and the more readily available it is, the more likely a police officer will take advantage of the resource.

An application that includes a section for health tools offers police the best of both worlds. A police app connects police personnel directly with the public, and by including a law enforcement wellness feature in the app it expands the overall use of the application.

Taking care of their well-being is not always at the forefront of an officer’s mind as they are often preoccupied with caring for their society and keeping the peace. It is for this reason law enforcement and their supervisors need to take note of any behavior that may indicate a police officer may need assistance mentally or physically. To keep citizens safe and enforce public safety, law enforcement must ensure they take care of their health.

When it comes to health and wellness, law enforcement officers can benefit from maintaining both their physical and mental health. When the body is relaxed and healthy it improves focus, when an officer is focused, they are more alert. Being alert is imperative for a police officer and helps them maintain situational awareness. Situational awareness is crucial in every interaction a police officer has. This particular skill is a mindset that is a learned habit with time that both citizens and police officers can benefit from. The more situationally aware someone is, the better they can prepare if an incident occurs. For example, if a law enforcement officer is handling a domestic violence call and they are aware the arguing parties may be armed, the officers can prepare and better protect themselves and others on the scene. Likewise, if a citizen is walking through a parking lot late at night, they should be aware of any potential dangers. The more aware one becomes, the less likely an unfortunate incident will occur.

Situational awareness is a large part of law enforcement wellness. A police app such as UCP Police from StackBench includes the ability for law enforcement personnel to communicate with each other. This feature can enhance situational awareness as officers can receive alerts regarding a particular situation.

Prior to the development of apps for smartphone devices, police had to rely on communication systems the original way. First came radio use, and then as social media began to emerge, police agencies were able to use those popular platforms to relate important information and messages to the citizens of their community. Though these are all effective ways to communicate, these methods are not always as prompt or reliable as others. In addition, for the public, calling law enforcement to report suspicious activity may be intimidating.

When someone is mentally alert, they are more likely to pay attention to detail and to what is happening around them. Taking care of mental and physical health can promote mental alertness. For police officers, this is a large advantage in daily routine. The more alert an officer is the more likely they will be able to remain vigilant throughout the day. The more vigilant a police officer is the better they can maintain public safety for their community.

A law enforcement agency can help its personnel improve by implementing a police wellness app into their department. Police officers as well as other first responders are constantly busy responding to calls, writing reports, working odd hours, and going to court. Due to the nature of a police officer's job, an officer may become exhausted but have no time to recuperate. When a law enforcement officer does not have rest, it can affect their job performance, how they handle calls, and how they maintain public safety. When an officer does not take care of themselves, they cannot properly protect and serve their community.

Police wellness applications such as UCP Police offer law enforcement a way to connect to their community, communicate with other personnel, and have health and wellness resources available with the touch of a button. The more accessible these types of resources are, the more likely police officers will use them to their advantage. Law enforcement agencies can help their personnel keep on top of their health simply by offering their police officers a health resource in the form of an application.

Benefits of Wellness Apps

A Police Wellness App can improve a police officer's job performance. When a police application includes healthy lifestyle resources for physical and mental health, an officer can easily utilize these categories within the app daily. Improving mind and body will in turn improve job skills as well. For example, if a law enforcement officer has been working twelve-hour shifts for three days straight and they have to stay longer on duty to finish handling a call, the officer is not going to be as alert as they were on their first shift of that week. When an officer maintains their health and wellness they can put their best foot forward for their community.

As mentioned, it can be difficult for an officer to find the time to take care of their mental and physical well-being. However, police officers must take care of their minds and bodies regularly. A law enforcement wellness app is a convenient way for police officers to find local wellness resources and keep up with their health. An application such as this is an effective way for law enforcement agencies to offer their first responders resources too. This can be done in many ways including lists of wellness and healthcare professionals along with their contact information, webinars, and other videos with wellness advice.

With the UCP Police App, a first responder's designated partner/spouse can refer to the application for health and wellness resources as well. This is another positive aspect of implementing this type of application into daily operations. Heath and wellness-focused applications promote well-being. A police application with the option to add a customizable health category is an excellent tool for law enforcement. The more positive influences an officer has in an app, the better it can strengthen the police officer both mentally and physically.

The UCP Police app includes a First Responder Wellness app that includes a wellness podcast, videos, and other resources designed specifically for police officers. For example, the wellness resources included in StackBench's application offer tools and advice for officers who may have PTSD, anxiety, or depression. These are common challenges those in law enforcement face, and having a tool in the palm of their hand may assist police with any of these types of struggles.

Choosing an App for Police and Citizens

When choosing a police wellness app, it is wise to pick one that suits the community and the department the best. A customizable application allows police departments and the public they serve to get the most out of the law enforcement wellness app. The ability to choose specific features to include in an app is a game changer.

The UCP Police app serves as a solid form of communication between police and the citizens they serve. An app such as this can bring law enforcement closer to citizens and can build trust and rapport. When a community is supportive of its local police department, it can help boost morale. When law enforcement has a positive outlook it enhances job performance.

UCP Police is a great option for a Police Wellness App. Take a look at StackBench's website and see the numerous benefits the UCP Police can bring to a department and the community they serve. Choosing an application that suits citizens and law enforcement will result in a positive outcome for all who use it. It is a convenient way to connect law enforcement and citizens to helpful resources that can potentially save lives.

Mental and physical health go hand-in-hand and can enhance a police officer's ability to maintain public safety for themselves as well as the community they protect. The UCP Police app offers law enforcement a convenient way to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Take a look at how the UCP Police app can enhance law enforcement wellness.