Reclaiming Time: How Officers & Leaders Can Make Space for Wellness
I’ve been told that I’m just a “Jiu-Jitsu bum” who happens to moonlight as a full-time cop. I can’t say I disagree with this description. I train Jiu-Jitsu just about every day, am one of the head instructors at my gym, and compete in the sport. For those who know me personally, they’ll probably shake their heads in agreeance (and possibly annoyance) as Jiu-Jitsu is all I talk about. However, even with all the time I spend at Jiu-Jitsu, my family is my first priority — and yes, I actually do work full time at the Westminster (Colorado) Police Department.
This is my normal, but when I speak with officers from other agencies around the country, I’ve learned that time, or lack thereof, is one of the main barriers to their physical and mental wellness. Just take a look at the recent “What Cops Want in 2024” survey conducted by Police1.
