Importance of prioritizing wellness in police families
Family wellness is a key aspect of an officer’s overall well-being. Familial relationships are diverse, and the term “family” can mean different things to different people. Throughout this website, “family” refers to anyone the officer considers part of their support system, which may include a spouse or partner and children, as well as parents, siblings, and friends. Because of the meaningful role these relationships play in an officer’s life, families—however defined—are important allies in promoting officer well-being. Similarly, the term “officer” is used here, but wellness efforts should include all sworn and non-sworn personnel at any level of seniority.
Job stressors may affect home life, and vice versa, so it is helpful to think about officer wellness both on- and off-duty. Certain aspects of police work also affect the family. For example, a rotating schedule consisting of long hours and non-traditional days off can impact life at home. When officers and their families have the appropriate tools to navigate these circumstances together, officers, families, agencies, and, ultimately, communities, benefit.
Often, spouses and other family members are the first to notice when something seems amiss with their officer. Knowing what signs to look for and where to turn for help can equip families as the first line of defense in officer wellness. Educating and providing resources to an officer’s family can help mitigate unwanted outcomes such as emotional detachment, burnout, exhaustion, and unhealthy coping strategies. Strong and secure familial relationships promote a healthier mentality resulting in increased safety, wellness, and job performance.
A variety of family wellness resources are available throughout the following pages: