EMPLOYEE WELLNESS CONSIDERATIONSAND STRATEGIES...Mike Goldstein, Public Safety Director/Police Chief, Plymouth Brian Podany, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief, Blaine EMPLOYEEWELLNESS

Mike Goldstein, Public Safety Director/Police Chief, PlymouthBrian Podany, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief, Blaine

EMPLOYEE WELLNESSCONSIDERATIONS AND STRATEGIES

PurposeToprovideapracticalapproachforthesupport,establishmentandongoing

maintenanceofcomprehensivewellnessandtrainingprogramsforpublicsafety

professionalspredicateduponirrefutabledata.

Outline

• TheNeed:FactorFiction

• ALeadershipPhilosophy:ServantLeadership

• The21stCenturyPolicingTaskForceReport

• AComprehensiveApproach

• FutureRecommendations

Outcomes

• Learnit

• Practiceit

• Actualizeandsharethedeservedsuccess

The Need: Fact or Fiction


• Whatarepostalcarriers?• Whataredoctors?• Whataredentists?• Whatarecelebrities?• Whatarepoliceofficers?• Whatarebusdrivers?• Whataremembersofthearmedservices?

RiskFactorJeopardy1


Lawenforcementisconsideredoneofthemostdangerous,

stressful,andhealth-threateningoccupations.2

The Need: Fact or Fiction• A2011studyfoundthat98%ofU.S.lawenforcement

agenciesdonotrequiretheirofficerstomeetphysicalfitnessstandardsafterbeinghired.9

• TheCooperInstituteconductedacomprehensiveassessmentof1,700lawenforcementofficersacrosstheU.S.andfoundthemtohavelowerthanaveragefitnesslevelswhencomparedwiththegeneralpopulation,basedonaerobicfitness,strength,andbodyfat.3

• Itisestimatedthateachin-servicemyocardialinfarctioncosts$400,000to$750,000.4

The Need: Fact or Fiction• Theeffectsofjobstressarewellstudiedandinclude

increasedlevelsofpsychologicaldisorderssuchasanxiety,depression,andpost-traumaticstressdisorder(Gershon etal.,2002),andphysiologicalconditionsincludinghypertension(Frankeetal.,2002;Ramey,2003),andCVD(Backe,Seidler,Latza,Rossnagel &Schumann,2011).5

• Morethan200,000daysofworkforpoliceofficershavebeenlosttomentalillhealthinthelastfouryears.Thereasonsforabsenceincludeanxiety,depression,insomniaandpost-traumaticstress.8

The Need: Fact or Fiction in Minnesota

• InMinneapolis,67,000hoursofworktimewerelosttosickofficersorthoseinjuredondutyin2017,resultinginapproximately$2.7millioninovertimeandworker’scompensation-relatedcosts.9

• InMinnesota,disabilityretirementsforbothphysicalandpsychologicalinjuriesforpoliceofficersrosefrom128(2009-2012)to240(2013-2016)to224 (2017-2019).Moststrikingistheincreaseindisabilityretirementsforpsychologicalinjuries,whichrosefrom27retirements(2009-2012)to70retirements(2013-2016)to113retirements(2017-2019).6

The Need: Fact or Fiction in Minnesota

• PTSDclaimssince2013total$18.6millioninincurredclaimcosts;claimsfrompublicsafetypersonnelaccountfor$18.1millionofthis.12

• PTSDpoliceincurredcostshaverisenasashareofallpoliceworkcompincurredcosts:12• 2013:2%ofallpoliceworkcompcosts• 2019:39%ofallpoliceworkcompcosts

• WehaveseensignificantdevelopmentinPTSDclaimcostssincetheendof2019(alljobclasses):12• TotalnetincurredcostsonpublicsafetyPTSDclaimssince2013rose

roughly87% fromDecember31,2018toDecember31,2019.• $4.1millionoftheincreasewasduetonewclaimsin2019.

The Need: Fact or Fiction• https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/off-duty-nypd-officer-found-

with-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound-to-head-police-sources/1504111/

• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alarming-number-of-officer-suicides-prompts-outreach-in-chicago/

• https://www.wcpo.com/news/our-community/widowed-by-suicide-first-responders-wives-help-others-fight-ptsd

• https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-cop-shoots-self-dies-20190126-story.html

The Need: Fact or Fiction• https://www.wfla.com/news/highlands-county/highlands-county-

deputy-mourned-following-suicide/

• https://www.propublica.org/article/pulse-shooting-first-responders-ptsd-diagnosis

• https://theofficernextdoor.com/2018/12/20/cincinnati-police-sergeant-found-dead-by-fellow-officers/

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2018/11/28/suicide-survivors-loss-family-friends-support/1248006002/

The Need: Fact or Fiction• SubstanceUseandAbuse• SleepDeprivation• Obesity• ChronicPain• Divorce• Depression,AnxietyandPTSD• Suicide• MorbidityandMortality

The Need: Fact or Fiction• MoralandEthicalObligation

• DeliberateIndifference

• Negligence

• Liability– ParkerversusDistrictofColumbia:“Duetotheofficer’slackofphysicalfitness,theofficerwasunabletouseless-harmfuldefensetacticsandresortedtousinghisfirearm,causingthesuspecttobecomeparaplegic.”Verdict:“TheD.C.MetropolitanPoliceDepartmentwasfoundtobedeliberatelyindifferent.”7

A Leadership Philosophy:Servant Leadership

A Leadership Philosophy:Servant Leadership

“Aservantleaderisapersonofcharacter,whoputspeoplefirst,whoisaskilled

communicator,acompassionatecollaborator,whopossessesforesight,isasystemsthinkerandwholeadswithmoral

authority.”11

Servant Leadership:Putting People First

Aleadermustexhibitfairnessandcivilityatallcostswhendealingwithanorganization’smostimportantassets– itspersonnel!

Servant Leadership:Mission Driven

Youmusttakecareofyourtroopsifyouwanttocarryoutyourmission.

(Militaryadage)

The 21st Century Policing Task Force Report

ACalltoAction

The 21st Century Police Task Force Report

• InfluentialDocument

• SixPillars

• OfficerWellnessandSafety:“The‘bulletproofcop’doesnotexist.Theofficerswhoprotectusmustalsobeprotected– againsttheincapacitatingphysical,mental,andemotionalhealthproblemsaswellasagainstthehazardsofthejob.”10

A Comprehensive Approach

A Comprehensive Approach

• PhysicalFitness*

• MentalFitness*

• SpiritualFitness**Forofficers,civilianpersonnelandfamilymembers

Mental Fitness• MentoringProgram• In-ServiceTraining• CriticalIncidentStressManagement(CISM)• ConcernsofPoliceSurvivors• AcademyTraining• FinancialFitness• PeerSupportPrograms• CheckUpsfortheNeckUp

The Study

The Study• Comprehensiveandunique• Ledandaffirmedbyaleadingacademicresearchscientist;

fundedbytheLeagueofMinnesotaCitiesInsuranceTrust• Goal:ToreducetheriskofPTSDandotherconditions,while

optimizingperformanceunderstressusingbiometricfeedback

• Theestablishmentofapersonalizedstressindexisrequiredandachievable

• Conditioningcanimprovetheindexandasaresult,improveperformance

• Morestudiesarewarranted

Recommendations• Calltoaction– paynoworpaylater• Generatestatewideawarenessbasedonempiricaldata• Deviseandshareevidence-basedwellnessandtraining

programs(pre-serviceandin-serviceconsiderations)• Funddevelopmentandprogrammingthroughgrantoptions

(moniesappropriatedthroughtheMinnesotaLegislature–federalgrantscumbersomeandtypicallyreservedforlargeagencies)

• Conductanalysestoassessthebenefitsandoutcomesofprogramming

Final Quote

AsJohnAdamsonceansweredtothefollowingquestion:

“Ifwedoallofthis,willwebesuccessful?”

“No,Ican’tassuresuccess,butIcanassureyouthatyouwilldeservesuccess.”

Beginning Quote!

RichardBranson-“Trainpeoplewellenoughsotheycanleave,treatthem

wellenoughsotheydon’twantto.”13

Mission Statement:As proud members of our community,

we, the members of the Blaine Police Department, strive to enhance the quality of life in Blaine

by serving with integrity, respect, and professionalism.

Core Values:Integrity: We will maintain the highest moral standards by embracing the principles of trust and honesty.Respect: We will treat others with dignity, and guarantee the Constitutional rights of all.Professionalism: We will take pride in our actions, duties, appearance, and professional growth.

BLAINE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Financial Implications• Averageof85%ofbudgetisspentonpersonnel(rangeof

61-98.5%),accordingtoPERF14

• LMCData:(L.Gould,personalcommunication,September9,2019)• 2012-2015:PTSD=6%ofallclaims• 2016-2019:PTSD=28%ofallclaims• Since201388LEclaims,total13.3million,69%of

claimscostsgotowardslosttimebenefits• 15.8milliontotalPTSDclaims,15.7millionpublicsafety

personnel• 2019:PTSDclaimsrose62%

Financial Implicationscontinued

• 4,250policeofficerscoveredbyLMCIT,16,000firefighterscoveredbyLMCIT

• 80%ofPTSDclaimsarepoliceofficers• Delayedreporting:• 92%ofallWCclaimsreportedwithin1month• 43%ofPTSDwithin1month• 34%ofPTSDwithin6months• 9%ofPTSDwithin1to2years• 8%ofPTSDwithin3+years

Policy and Programming

• Avoidcollectivebargaining

• Inter-departmentimplementation• HR• Finance• Governingbody

• Culturevs.benefitspackage

• Costdata

Multi-tiered Response

• Preparation

• Action

• Response

Preparation - Action - Response

• Culture

• Recruiting

• PsychologicalExams

• Backgrounding

• Employeeonboardingwellnessintegration

• Newhiresinitialconsultation

• Familyworkshop• Departmentoverview• Personalintro• Expectations• WillsforHeroes• Therapistpresentation


• P.O.W.E.R.- PoliceOfficerWellnessbyEnhancingResiliency

• Retaineroverview• AlaCarteoptions• Annualwellnesscheck-ins


• Therapysessions

• On-callexamplesofP.O.W.E.R.

• Safecallnow.org

• 1-206-459-3020

• Wrestlingforlife


Police Officer Wellness by Enhancing Resiliency

• PublicSafetyPeerCounseling

• MNStatute181.973


Police Officer Wellness by Enhancing Resiliency

AddictionRehabilitationServices

• AddictionStatistics15• Almost21millionAmericanshaveatleastoneaddiction,yetonly10%ofthemreceive

treatment.

• Drugoverdosedeathshavemorethantripledsince1990.• From1999to2017,morethan700,000Americansdiedfromoverdosingonadrug.• AlcoholanddrugaddictioncosttheU.S.economyover$600billioneveryyear.• In2017,34.2millionAmericanscommittedDUI,21.4millionundertheinfluenceofalcohol

and12.8millionundertheinfluenceofdrugs.

• About20%ofAmericanswhohavedepressionorananxietydisorderalsohaveasubstanceusedisorder.

• Morethan90%ofpeoplewhohaveanaddictionstartedtodrinkalcoholorusedrugsbeforetheywere18yearsold.

• Americansbetweentheagesof18and25aremostlikelytouseaddictivedrugs.


• LawEnforcementAddictionStatistics16• 1in4officershasalcoholordrugabuseissue• Substanceusedisordersestimatedbetween

20-30%versus10%forthegeneralpopulation



• Pro-activetreatmentprogram

• Programtraits• Preservation• Voluntary• Nocost• FMLA• Cooperativepartnership



• Scope

• Eligibility

• Selectionprocess



• Details• Nonegativeconsequences• Nosalarylapse• Basewages• Participationrequirement• Noleaveusage• Benefits



• Details• Withholdings• Posttreatment• Supervisorflexibility• HIPAArelease• Programconfidentiality• Relapse



• Programconcerns• Otherconsiderations


FinancialWellness

• Employerfunded• Benefitspackage?• Initialconsultation• Ongoingplanning


Summary

References• 1LawEnforcementFamilySupportNetwork,(2010).

www.lawenforcemenfamilysupport.org

• 2Hem,E.,Berg,A.&Ekeberg,O.(2001).Suicideinpolice—ACriticalReview.Suicide&Life-ThreateningBehavior,31(2),224-233.

• 3Quigley,A.(2008).FitforDuty?TheNeedforPhysicalFitnessProgramsforLawEnforcementOfficers.ThePoliceChief,75(6).

• 4Smith,J.,&Tooker,G.(2005).HealthandFitnessinLawEnforcement:AVoluntaryModelProgramResponsetoaCriticalIssue.TheCommissionforAccreditationforLawEnforcement(CALEA).87.

References• 5Hartley,T.,Burchfiel,C.,Fekedulegn,D.,Andrew,M.,&Violanti,J.International

JournalofEmergencyMentalHealth.HealthDisparitiesinPoliceOfficers:ComparisonstotheU.S.GeneralPopulation.(2011);13(4):211-220.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ar@cles/PMC4734372.

• 6MinnesotaPublicEmployeeRetirementAssociationDisabilityRetirementData,(2016).ExtrapolatedbyRisvold,M.,WayzataPoliceDepartment.

• 7Quigley,A.(2008).FitforDuty?TheNeedforPhysicalFitnessProgramsforLawEnforcementOfficers.ThePoliceChief.75(6).

• 8https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17326597.more-than-200000-police-days-lost-to-mental-ill-health/

References• 9http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-weighing-newfitness-

standards/503770622/

• 10President'sTaskForceon21stCenturyPolicing,FinalReportofthePresident'sTaskForceon21stCenturyPolicing(Washington,D.C.:OfficeofCommunityOrientedPolicingServices,2015),pp.61-68,http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf (accessedJanuary5,2015).

• 11Sipe,J.,&Frick,D.,(2009).SevenPillarsofServantLeadership:PracticingtheWisdomofLeadingbyServing.Mahwah,NewJersey:PaulistPress.

• 12LeagueofMinnesotaCitiesInsuranceTrustPostTraumaticStressDisorderData,(2019).

References• 13https://www.goalcast.com/2018/02/01/top-15-richard-branson-quotes/

• 14PERF,PoliceDepartmentBudgeting:AGuideforLawEnforcementExecutives(Washington,D.C.:PoliceExecutiveResearchForum,2002),p.6,https://www.policeforum.org/assets/docs/Free_Online_Documents/Budgeting/police%20department%20budgeting%20-%20a%20guide%20for%20law%20enforcement%20chief%20executives%202002.pdf (accessedJanuary6,2019)

• 15https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics

• 16https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sure-recovery/201803/police-and-addiction?eml