Beyond Survival
Beyond survival. What does that mean? Unthinkable and horrific events have occurred in recent years that have affected this country’s first responders in ways previous disasters, whether natural or man-made, cannot compare. September 11, 2001, ushered in the age of terrorism from abroad that shocked Americans by its vicious intensity. April 16, 2007, brought the specter of death looming across the serene setting of a university campus that destroyed the last vestiges of innocence in its wake. The valiant law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel who responded absorbed greater amounts of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma than ever should be inflicted upon anyone.
All courageous guardians of peace and justice who willingly place themselves in harm’s way in these types of events and, indeed, in everyday duties, such as separating mangled bodies at the scene of traffic fatalities or facing ruthless criminals with murderous intentions, must not just survive such devastating exposures but fully recover and return to their professional and family responsibilities as whole, healthy individuals. Merely surviving is not enough. It is not enough for them and not enough for this country, whose security rests upon their shoulders. If its first responders are not healthy in mind, body, and spirit, America cannot endure the onslaughts of today’s world and remain a vibrant nation.
To discuss these vital concerns, an eclectic assembly of law enforcement professionals, academics, and members of the clergy came together under the auspices of the FBI Academy’s Behavioral Science Unit for the first annual Beyond Survival: Wellness Practices for Wounded Warriors conference. During a week of intense and stimulating debate, the group wrestled with many weighty matters. This focus issue contains articles from five of the members that offer a wide range of ideas. These articles represent a significant departure from the normal fare presented in the FBI
Law Enforcement Bulletin and may come as a surprise. However, if approached in the same vein of open-mindedness as this issue is offered, readers should find the contents enlightening.
All of the articles contain one unifying message: first responders must be allowed to do more than just survive their chosen profession. This focus issue of the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin stands as an initial effort to draw attention to this crucial matter, and future editions will continue to explore ways of helping first responders fulfill their duties while remaining strong and vital human beings. In addition, the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI Academy has begun the Beyond Survival Toward Officer Wellness (BeSTOW) initiative to educate law enforcement executives who attend the FBI National Academy about how to protect themselves and the officers they lead from the toxic effects of their profession. The dedicated men and women who willingly place their lives in jeopardy every day deserve such attention to their plight because without their selfless commitment, the United States will not remain a secure and free nation.
May 2009 | FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
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