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 Sergeant 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 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.

The mindfulness program is designed to help officers reduce stress and be in a good mental state before returning home.

Patrol teams may participate in mindfulness at the end of their shift, gathering in a room at the agency for the final 15 minutes and using a phone app that focuses on breathing, reflection, and being present in the moment. After the session, officers go home for the day.

Mindfulness helps ease anxiety, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance physical and mental health. Participation is voluntary.

When a new officer is hired at the Bend Police Department, we assign a mentor officer to support them. During the training process, Police Training Officers (PTOs) evaluate, guide, and train new officers.

This program provides additional resources for newly hired officers and peer support from a co-worker. It helps new officers acclimate to their position and learn the culture of the agency.

The Central Oregon Police Chaplaincy serves as a support system for law enforcement in times of crisis.

Chaplains assist officers with issues such as burnout, stress, and trauma. They also respond to police calls when a death occurs, helping with death notifications and supporting staff with life stressors or personal challenges.

This program was designed for spouses of Bend Police officers and employees to receive accurate information and build positive communication and relationships.

The spousal group organizes events such as picnics, hikes, and family nights out to foster connection and interaction. Spouses often share community resources and recommendations for doctors, dentists, and other services.

This program recognizes that spouses make sacrifices and are just as dedicated to this profession as the men and women of the agency.

This program helps employees with personal or work-related problems that may affect job performance, health, or mental and emotional wellbeing.

Employee Assistance Program counselors are independent and have no ties to the Bend Police Department. All employees are provided with a phone number to reach Employee Assistance Program counselors, who offer free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.