The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is committed to providing training and resources to enhance the wellness of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. DCJS has expanded these training topics in an effort to take a holistic approach to first responder wellness.
For more information, visit https://vafirstresponderwellness.org/ or contact vafirstresponderwellness@dcjs.virginia.gov
Mission
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
- The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.
- The vision is to be the national leader and Virginia’s premier criminal justice agency, creating dynamic system-wide solutions for public safety.
Office of First Responder Wellness (OFRW)
- The mission of the OFRW is to adopt a public health approach to first responder wellness through primary prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery initiatives. This mission includes developing resources that save lives and improve the overall wellness of Virginia’s first responders.
Initiatives:
- Primary prevention through public service announcements, the creation of the First Responder Wellness website, and training opportunities.
- Early intervention through resource mapping, development of customized e-learning modules and evidence-based and data-driven training.
- Response assistance through funding resources and strategic partnerships.
- Recovery assistance through establishing a robust support system.
Importance of Wellness
First responders are often exposed to critical incidents and the cumulative effects of witnessing human suffering and tragedies. While trained to handle the most critical incidents like homicides, accidental death, natural disasters, and active shooter events, the daily accumulation of stress, anxiety, and trauma are rarely addressed. Such exposure can weaken the mental well-being of first responders and affect their ability to perform their duties to the public and live healthy lives outside of work. The potential long-term effects of trauma in first responders may lead to behavioral dysfunction such as substance abuse, aggression, and suicide.
- According to FBI statistics, between 5-10% of law enforcement officers experiencing a very traumatic event will develop moderate to severe PTSD.
- First responder resignation rates are much higher than other professions.
- Job-hopping is common.
- First responder divorce rate is 15-25% higher than the general population.
- Law enforcement suicides occur at twice the rate of line-of-duty deaths from felonious action.
- Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection (LESDC)
It is imperative that we encourage our first responders to reach out for assistance in order to keep them well.
