Calling for Backup
The words transmitted on the police radio convey the intensity of the situation: "10-33, emergency traffic, officer needs assistance!" Or the request might be rather low-key, lacking any urgency in the officer's voice: "Send me another squad." Regardless of the phrasing, those listening to such broadcasts understand the imperative statement: "help, please!"
The response to such a plea affirms a core belief of our existence: you are not alone. There are others who are willing, ready, and able to assist you. Calling for help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, seeking assistance demonstrates a level of leadership maturity, a desire for the intervention and wisdom from others.
In terms of officer safety and wellness, we routinely call for help from experts beyond the policing profession. For the body, we are fortunate that a majority of employers provide access to healthcare coverage and networks of providers who are skilled in treating the myriad of physical ailments that affect police officers. Either through proactive medical examinations and fitness evaluations, or reactive care for an injury or illness, the policing profession has long emphasized the importance of physical health and performance necessary to fulfill the role of a law enforcement officer.
At the spiritual level in times of need, people will frequently call upon a higher power for assistance with the simple plea, “God, help!” Especially with the soul-darkening warfare of our current society on the policing profession, God can be a first call for help for law enforcement officers when faced with the weighty challenges of this this world. Regardless if proclaimed audibly or silently spoken internally, calling for backup from God can positively influence officer wellness of the spirit.
Many police officers have both individual and corporate practices to address the health of their soul. Whether through private prayer and study of scripture, or gathering in a faith community to express gratitude, connect with others, and learn more, spiritual healthcare is an equally important initiative for modern officer safety and wellness. Soul-care left unaddressed can lead to health issues affecting both the body and mind.
Mental health is equally important to our functioning as human beings, just like our focus on physical and spiritual health. The daily traumas experienced in the policing profession can influence the overall health of an officer. Just as broader culture has worked to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, law enforcement should promote that it is okay for police officers to call for backup when they need help in this area of officer wellness. We are losing too many law enforcement officers as a result of mental health issues, whether they exit the profession or end their life.
When an officer needs physical help, they are trained to call for backup. Law enforcement should similarly promote the need to ask for assistance when it comes to matters of the mind and spirit as well. Calling for backup should become a routine part of police officer safety and wellness. Whether through Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, providing routine mental health evaluations, promoting police chaplaincy initiatives, offering mindfulness and resiliency training, or other agency-led healthcare efforts, there are a variety of steps that law enforcement professionals can take to address whole-officer safety and wellness for the body, mind, and soul.
- Tony Paetznick, Director of Public Safety | Advisor, CCC