Wellness and Spirituality: Beyond Survival Practices for Wounded Warriors

• NCJ Number: 227097
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 78 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 2-8
• Author(s): Samuel L. Feenster M.Div., J.D.
• Date Published: May 2009
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines how spirituality enhances law enforcement practice.

Abstract

During a week in June 2008, leaders from the law enforcement, academic, and faith communities discussed the compelling issues surrounding wellness practices for law enforcement officers whose exposure to crime have harmed the brain, as well as relationships. All agreed that merely surviving the rigors of the law enforcement profession no longer can be the goal for those in the profession. Conference findings concluded that spirituality in law enforcement constitutes a vital key to wellness practices for those wounded law enforcement officers exposed to long-term exposures to crime and its perpetrators. Although armed and vigilant for the protection of the innocent and defenseless, as well as their fellow officers and themselves they sustain wounds through the persistent assault of human predators. As an invisible weapon, spirituality does not weaken the best aspects of policing; rather, it greatly accentuates them. Spirituality matters to effective practice and performance in seven primary ways: it nourishes the inner being; unleashes vitality; heals the deepest, most invisible trauma; provides an antidote for the toxicity of evil; nurtures longevity; enhances intuitive policing, emotional intelligence, and stress management; and strengthens brain functions. Sworn personnel must acknowledge that the act of protecting and serving their communities is endemically spiritual. It involves a sacred trust between the officers and those communities they protect. Conference participants embraced the agenda to facilitate this effort, future initiatives entail developing a working group that will devise curriculum, define or clarify key concepts, assemble requisite bibliographies, coordinate relevant research, and market or disseminate findings to appropriate audiences. 1 exhibit, 1 table, and 5 endnotes