Self Care

Law enforcement professionals only have so much mental and physical energy available to them for use each day. Participating in activities outside of work can help them to refresh and refuel physically, mentally, and emotionally. This process is similar to how taking a day off from the gym can help your body rest and recover so you can train even harder the next day when you hit the gym again. Prioritizing taking periods of rest and relaxation can make law enforcement professionals even more alert and effective when they go back on duty.

Of course, this same advice applies to forensic psychology professionals, who also have stressful jobs in which they regularly encounter difficult situations. In other words, you must practice what you preach by learning to take care of yourself. Only by taking your mental health seriously and prioritizing a healthy work–life balance yourself can you successfully train law enforcement personnel to do the same.

Based on the two articles you selected, consider what you think are the most important points related to self-care techniques for forensic psychology professionals supporting law enforcement departments in times of crisis.