Our agency hired a therapist who works up to 10 hours per week at the Bend Police Department. The therapist does not have a set schedule and spends time doing ride-alongs with officers, checking in with staff around the department, attending trainings with police, and being present and available as a resource. The therapist also provides education and support for identified physical and mental health problems. The therapist does minimal counseling and refers staff members to the appropriate resources. All information is confidential.

In 2023, the Bend Police Department began offering all members, including nonsworn staff, up to four hours each week (one hour per shift) for wellness workouts. This time is considered on-duty training and does not require trading breaks or lunches.

We have scheduled times for patrol teams to do team workouts when shift coverage allows. These workouts promote cohesiveness, teamwork, relationship building, and motivation. Employees may also choose to do individual workouts during their shifts if staffing permits. Participation in this program is voluntary. In the past, our agency has also offered yoga and other group classes to employees.

This program was created in memory of Sgt. John Lawrence, who died in 2014 due to a medical issue. Our training division developed a comprehensive health screening program conducted every other year to address cardiac health, diet, sleep, injury prevention, and mental health.

The program includes a sleep study and evaluation, physical function screening, PTSD screening, blood screening, cardiac health assessments, and more. The goal is to help first responders become physically and mentally resilient. Dangerous situations, shift work, poor diet, high stress, and traumatic experiences contribute to high mortality and heart disease. Many of these conditions are preventable, so we aim to test for medical issues to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and promote a healthier lifestyle.

This program allows officers working night shifts to take a restorative resting period during breaks, including their lunch break, for up to one hour total. There are a variety of rules for how our officers can participate in restorative rest, while understanding that staying up all night is not natural, and we want officers thinking clearly and performing at their best.

This team actively helps with training and assistance related to critical incident stress management. It is available for support, encouragement, or counseling if needed.

Team members include chaplains, police officers, our therapist, and other staff members. Conversations are judgment-free and confidential. ORS 181A.835 protects sworn employees with peer support counseling, making sessions confidential and not disclosable to any person or judicial proceeding. This program offers additional resources and counseling to employees when needed.