Healthy Officers Are Safer Officers: The Nexus Between Performance & Health

View the event recording

Slide presentations are available at the bottom of this page.

Resources:

Learn about the causes of police officer stress and fatigue, including the impact on performance: www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/officer-safety/stress-fatigue/welcome.htm

NIJ’s most recent research on sleep disorders and the impact of officer schedules, overtime and overnight shifts: www.nij.gov/nij/topics/law-enforcement/officer-safety/stress-fatigue/sleep-disorders.htm

Article in the NIJ Journal on sleep deprivation by panelist Bryan Vila: www.nij.gov/journals/262/sleep-deprivation.htm  

“Shifts, Extended Work Hours, and Fatigue: An Assessment of Health and Personal Risks for Police Officers,” a 2012 report by panelist John Violanti: www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=260001

NIJ Journal article “Sleep Disorders, Work Shifts and Officer Wellness” by Beth Pearsall, which explores recent work done by panelist Karen Amendola: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/238487.pdf (PDF)

Description:

Last year, 177 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty and 143 committed suicide. These deaths are devastating and unacceptable. The National Institute of Justice has developed a robust research portfolio to improve officer safety and wellness and, ultimately, save lives. The experts on this panel discussed some of the evidence-based practices and policies that law enforcement agencies can put into operation to reduce officer deaths and improve wellness and performance.

Panelists:

• Bryan Vila, Professor, Washington State University, will discuss his work on officer fatigue.
• Karen Amendola, Chief Operating Officer, Police Foundation, will discuss advantages and disadvantages of 8-, 10- and 12-hour shifts.
• John Violanti, Research Professor, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, will discuss the long-term impact of police work, including suicide.
• Theron Bowman, Chief of Police, Arlington, Texas, will comment on how police leaders can incorporate these research findings into their management and day-to-day work.

Moderator: Brett Chapman, PhD, NIJ Social Science Analyst.