LPD offers mental health training to help officers ‘spiral up rather than spiral down’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In the last few years, policy changes and national events have altered how many in law enforcement view their job.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, it has increased the stress of those who protect our community.

That’s why grant money went toward several programs this year, including Resilient Minds on the Front Lines, to support employees in their stress and trauma.

“You hear it said very frequently that ‘it’s what they signed up for,'” LPD Assistant Chief Michon Morrow said. “I do agree with that. However, there’s really little that prepares you for what you see and experience as an officer. Bringing this program in here is really to help support them, work through the traumas they see and how to process that and stay very grounded and positive.”

So far, 60 people have completed the training over the last three months.

The Resilient Minds program includes understanding how the brain interprets triggers that interfere with performance and relationships.

“Law enforcement is faced with three to five traumatic events per month, so take that and multiply those times 12 times 25 years,” said Diana Pellegrino, president of Resilient Minds on the Front Lines. “There’s a lot of trauma going on. Then we expect them to be able to just snap back from that and deal with everyday life. It’s not that easy, so we need to support our law enforcement. We need to give them the tools to be able to navigate through this thing we all call life and be able to spiral up rather than spiral down.”

The program has made lasting impressions on some within the force. One captain was inspired to join Resilient Minds once she retires in two weeks after serving 38 years on force.

“It’s something that I really wished that I would have had early on in my career, just because I think it is going to do our officers a lot good and be a lot of benefits for them,” Capt. Jeri Roeder said. “It’s my hope that I will eventually be a trainer for them and help spread the word. I want to stay connected with law enforcement and continue to spread Resilient Minds.”

Those in the department say this has made officers want to pay it forward by supporting fellow officers and co-workers in the future.

Currently, there’s a waiting list for those wanting to participate in the program.

Two sessions are scheduled for October and November, giving another 40 staff members the chance to be a part of it.

LPD said it will continue the program until all who want to participate can participate.