Law enforcement has never been more demanding. Across the country, officers consistently report that job-related stress is having a significant impact on their mental health. Yet, a staggering 90% of officers say cultural stigma prevents them from seeking help for emotional or behavioral challenges. When stress goes unaddressed, it can lead to harmful behaviors and poor decision-making, including excessive use of force.

At the Bentonville Police Department, we are dedicated to not only serving and protecting our community but also ensuring the health and wellness of our employees. We understand that addressing stress is critical to both individual and organizational well-being. Research highlights three key areas that help reduce stress within law enforcement: Physical Fitness, Peer-to-Peer Support, and Spirituality/Religion. With this in mind, we've worked to provide resources that support our officers in handling the everyday stressors that come with their work.

Cordico App

In 2021, the Bentonville Police Department introduced the Cordico Wellness App, created by Lexipol, to help officers manage their mental and physical health. This confidential app is available not only to police officers but also to telecommunicators, professional staff, and their families.

The Cordico app offers instant access to wellness resources developed by leading experts. It includes peer-to-peer support, physical fitness programs, nutrition tips, self-assessment tools, and much more. The app is continually updated, providing articles, videos, and guides on over 60 wellness topics, ensuring our team always has access to the latest tools and information.

Fitness

Studies have shown a clear link between physical and mental wellness. Regular exercise is proven to help combat stress and anxiety, especially in high-pressure environments like law enforcement. For our officers, staying physically fit is not just a matter of health—it’s essential for managing stress and maintaining peak performance on the job.

While many police agencies only focus on physical wellness during hiring, the Bentonville Police Department goes a step further. In 2024, we introduced a new initiative that allows officers to schedule workout sessions during their shifts, as long as manpower and call volume permit. This program helps officers stay physically prepared for the demands of their work while ensuring they maintain a professional and healthy presence in the community.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Peer-to-peer support is a crucial element of mental wellness in law enforcement. These programs provide officers with a safe space to talk to colleagues who understand their unique experiences. This shared connection helps reduce feelings of isolation and allows officers to open up about their challenges without fear of judgment.

In 2024, the Bentonville Police Department took its Peer-to-Peer Support Program a step further by adding a local peer group to complement the Cordico app. Several department members have undergone peer-to-peer training and are available 24/7 to offer support and guidance to their colleagues whenever needed.

Chaplain Program

The Bentonville Police Department Chaplain Program is designed to provide more sensitive responses to the public in times of crisis and to provide members of the department with any personal assistance they may require. Furthermore, the chaplain program fosters relationships between law enforcement and the public by accessing community resources and creating partnerships with community members and leaders, local hospitals, organizations, and businesses.Positive emotions play a key role in building resilience, and religion often helps foster these feelings. Studies suggest that spiritual support can serve as a buffer against mental health challenges like PTSD, helping individuals find meaning and hope even in difficult situations.

To further support our team, the Bentonville Police Department offers a Chaplaincy Program, providing confidential spiritual guidance and counseling. This program is a valuable complement to the Employee Assistance Program and peer-to-peer support, offering our staff an additional layer of support when they need it most.

By offering these resources, the Bentonville Police Department is committed to the overall well-being of our officers. We recognize that mental and physical health are essential to the work we do, and we strive to ensure that our staff has the tools and support necessary to thrive both on and off the job.