HISTORY:

In 2021 the Dallas Police Department recognized the need to increase overall wellness for its personnel. Although Peer Support and the Psychological Services Unit were available as reactive resources, the department felt they were being underutilized and decided to invest in additional dedicated resources. An exploratory committee was formed with a focus on a proactive approach to wellness with resources offered in a more efficient manner.  The Dallas Police Department is committed to its personnel's professional growth as well as their emotional health and wellbeing by pioneering several innovative, law enforcement specific, wellness initiatives.

The DPD Wellness Unit was established in 2022. The O.W.L. (Officer-Wellness-Longevity) initiative began with the development and implementation of the Wellness Unit Standard Operating Procedure and Checkpoint program. Shortly thereafter, the Wellness Unit was featured in Police Chief Magazine as a blueprint for other Law Enforcement agencies to follow:

Dallas Police Department Wellness Unit | Police Chief Magazine

MISSION:

To provide DPD personnel resources through education, family support, on-scene critical incident response, and post-incident follow-up, as needed. Law enforcement officers and support staff face significant physical and emotional challenges while carrying out their duties. The daily stresses and trauma that come with policing can take a toll on officers' well-being, which can lead to high rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (PTS). The Wellness Unit helps create a healthier and more resilient work force, which improves the quality of service provided to the community. The Wellness Unit mission will be achieved by managing all department help services including checkpoint personnel, the peer support program, alcohol rehabilitation procedure, and emotional health leave. The Wellness Unit is dedicated to officers' wellbeing by serving with empathy, compassion, and support. 

Wellness Unit: 214-671-4716 | email: dpdwellness@dallaspolice.gov |  @dpdwellness