Aug. 28, 2024

Clinician’s Guide to Police Wellness with Dr. John Violanti | S4 E35

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police, where he served in various capacities including trooper, criminal investigator, and coordinator of the State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP). We discuss the pressing issue of health among police officers in America, and Dr. Violanti's insights into the psychological toll of policing, examining both the immediate and long-term impacts of stress and trauma on officers' mental well-being.

In this information-packed masterclass episode for clinicians and savvy first responders, we sit down with Dr. John M. Violanti, PhD, a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Violanti brings a wealth of knowledge from his 23-year tenure with the New York State Police, where he served in various capacities including trooper, criminal investigator, and coordinator of the State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP). His distinguished career in law enforcement is matched by his prolific academic contributions, having authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles and penned or edited twenty books on stress, trauma, and suicide.

We discuss the pressing issue of health among police officers in America, exploring why the incidence of police suicides surpasses line-of-duty deaths (LODD) annually. What systemic and individual factors contribute to this alarming trend? Dr. Violanti's insights offer a deep dive into the psychological toll of policing, examining both the immediate and long-term impacts of stress and trauma on officers' mental well-being.

Additionally, we discuss the findings from Dr. Violanti’s pivotal 2021 article on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and police mental health, which reveals that police officers have higher ACE scores compared to civilians. What are the implications of this disparity for recruitment, training, and support within law enforcement agencies? Dr. Violanti provides a comprehensive analysis and suggests evidence-based strategies for mitigating these risks, underscoring the importance of a proactive and informed approach to mental health in policing. This episode is essential listening for anyone invested in the health and safety of our frontline officers.

Episode Sponsor Lightning Digital Entertainment:
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Episode Sponsor Shepherds and Sheepdogs:
Website: https://www.shepherdsandsheepdogs.com/

Episode Sponsor Fire Service Psychology Association:
Website: https://www.firepsychology.org/


Contact Dr. John Violanti
Email: violanti@buffalo.edu

 

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John Violanti Profile Photo

John Violanti

Author | Retired State Trooper | Full Research Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health

John M. Violanti, PhD is a Full Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, N.Y. He is a police veteran, serving with the New York State Police for 23 years as a trooper, criminal investigator, and later as a coordinator for State Police Psychological Assistance Program (EAP). Dr. Violanti has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles on shift work, stress, and PTSD. He has also written and edited twenty books on topics of stress, trauma and suicide.