Interdepartmental collaboration integrates physical practices into law enforcement training
In an exciting collaboration with CMU’s Dance Program, CMU Tech’s Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) Academy recently piloted a workshop focused on self-care for law enforcement officers. The workshop, held at Panorama’s Mos Performing Arts Center Dance Studio, included exploring somatic movements and strategies for stress reduction and postural ease under the guidance of Dance Program Director Kathy Diehl. His 17 enthusiastic cadets gathered.
Somatics is a field focused on learning from the living, moving body and involves movement practices that strengthen body awareness, sensation, and the mind-body connection. Amid the demanding nature of law enforcement careers, the health needs of police officers are receiving increasing attention. Long hours, adrenaline rushes, personal equipment loads, and exposure to repeated critical events contribute to the significant physical and mental strain experienced by police officers. In response, incorporating physical practices into your training not only complements your existing program of fitness, nutrition, and stress management, but also equips you with a comprehensive health toolbox for your career.
Cadets recognize the importance of self-care practices for stress reduction and recovery in the midst of intense training regimens that include rigorous physical training and personal sacrifice. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of personal exercise habits and introduce experiences focused on relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
Throughout the session, cadets explored physical practices integral to Deal’s dance curriculum, including postural adjustments, respiratory support, spinal movements, and gentle stretching. Deal recognized the potential of physical work to improve the overall well-being of law enforcement professionals and expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with her cadets.
“Police officers have a very stressful job, and somatic work can be a way to not only manage stress, but also improve your overall sense of well-being and health,” Diehl said. Stated. “I have wanted to teach a workshop like this for years, so I was really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the cadets today. It was truly an honor and I enjoyed every moment! ”
“Police officers have a very stressful job, and somatic work can be a way to not only manage stress, but also improve your overall sense of well-being and health. I’ve always wanted to teach a workshop like this, so I was really looking forward to having the opportunity to work with the cadets today. It was truly an honor and I enjoyed every moment. !” – Kathy Diehl, Dance Program Director
Cadets were found to move from a more alert state to a more mentally calm state with the practices explored in class. They also discovered tension in their bodies that they hadn’t noticed before. Post cadet and criminal justice major Tessa Berry was surprised at how much stress her body was under.
“Practicing mindfulness has helped me become more aware of that tension, and the exercises have helped me relieve some of it,” she said. “By the end of the class, I felt much more relaxed and more aware of my posture and body movements. To reduce stress on my body and maintain physical health, I learned You’ll be able to take advantage of some of those things.”
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the pilot program supports its potential for integration into future curriculum offerings. POST Academy Director Mike Diehl envisions the possibility of integrating multiple sessions of somatic learning into the Academy’s wellness training.
CMU and CMU Tech pave the way for long-term success in law enforcement by providing cadets with a variety of tools to help reduce and cope with stress, providing the self-care and self-care essential to meet challenges. Fostering a culture of resilience. Occupation.
