Recently I posted an interview I did on Romanian TV when I visited Oradea. The host, Camelia Pascui, sent me an  email that contained some questions from her viewers. I thought you might enjoy my responses to her. Incidentally, the title of the original post was “Why Do Americans Eat Every Cop Donuts?” This was the translation of their website rendered by the Google translation software. I used it to attract viewers to the site. It in no way reflects the quality of the translation that was provided by Mihalea Pop. Quite the contrary. She did a most excellent job…!

Question 1: What are the methods used by American police officers for reducing professional stress and if you are aware of these issues of Romanian police officers regarding this?

My response: Many police officers use physical exercise as a way of reducing stress. It is also important to spend time doing positive activities that are not work-related, particularly if it includes spending time with their families. An overall wellness program that includes exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest and recreation are important. Some police agencies in America refer officers to psychologists if they are having certain types of stress-related problems, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after they are involved in a violent incident, such as shooting a suspect, or experience some other type of traumatic event. In recent years, we have implemented a program called Critical Incident Stress Debriefings where a psychologist or a team of specially trained police officers will meet in a group or individually with officers who have been exposed to stressful incidents such as the murder or suicide of a colleague. I believe that all of these programs are beneficial, but I also believe that officers with strong character are better able to keep their lives in balance and deal with the stresses of law enforcement.

Question 2: How do you comment the connection between the police office character within active duty and the character acquired from his parenting. Does this character can be modified over time as a result from working induced stress in more years?

My response: There is no doubt that much of our character and value systems are formed at an early age and that parents play a critical role. But I also believe that an individual can improve his character even as an adult. Some psychologists do not agree with that, but I have witnessed it first-hand. In fact, I know that my own character has improved as I have spent time learning more about the principles of good character, incorporating them into my own life, and promoting them in the lives of others. Police agencies can help by promoting good character within the organization itself. We teach leaders a five-step process: i) clearly establish the standards of good character; ii) communicate the standards through policies, training, etc.; iii) encourage the standards through praises and recognition; iv) model the standards through good leadership; and v) enforce the standards within the disciplinary process.

Question 3: How can corruption modify the character and health of a police office and his or her personal family?

My response: Corruption is a major concern with police agencies all over the world. I am currently working in Afghanistan which has one of the most corrupt police agencies on the planet. In my opinion, most police corruption comes from officers operating “out from under authority.” They fail to recognize that the authority they have has been delegated to them from others. And that their authority ultimately comes from the people they represent, particularly in a constitutional republic like Romania or America. When they fail to recognize this fact, it is very easy for them to reject the proper relationship with their authorities and seek to satisfy their own egos or accomplish their own agendas. This leads to an abuse of their authority which can include corruption. The central teaching of Police Dynamics is to encourage officers to properly respect their authorities and align themselves with the right principles.


Category: Police Dynamics

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One Response to The Connection Between Health and Stress

  1. […] legate de vizita sa in Oradea si despre prezenta sa la emisiunea Sanatatea Ta, de asemenea si aceste intrebari pentru a fi vizualizate de polistii din SUA si nu […]

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Sheriff Ray Nash

Sheriff Ray Nash

What Law Enforcement and Community Leaders Are Saying About Police Dynamics

“A few years ago, we brought the Police Dynamics program to the Cincinnati Police Division and were most impressed with the quality of the training and richness of the program.”
Mike Daly
Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

"I have attended training conducted by the Police Dynamics Institute in the past and know Ray Nash both personally and professionally. They have my whole-hearted endorsement…"
Sheriff Larry Williams
Orangeburg, SC

"I cannot tell you how excited I am to see this website. I was introduced to your video on the Dynamics of Authority through my father who is a police chaplain for the FBI and local law enforcement agencies here in Las Cruces. I have taught and applied the Dynamics model to my students when I was a teacher, and now to my department as a fire fighter."
Nathan Carr
Las Cruces Fire Dept.

“One of the greatest seminars I have ever attended in the 33 years I’ve been a Deputy.”
Walter Bolinger
Sergeant
Marion County Sheriff’s Office, IN

"I was so impressed by the (Police Dynamics) program that I purchased your video tape series. All Grand County Sheriff’s Employees subsequently viewed the tapes, and I have also mandated that all new Sheriff’s Employees watch it as well."
Glen Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County Sheriff’s Office

"It is with much enthusiasm that I encourage senior law enforcement executives to make attending the Police Dynamics seminar a key training priority for your agency."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK
former 2nd VP - National Sheriff's Association

"I am convinced of the benefits of the Police Dynamics program."
Jerry Martin
Sheriff
Delores County, CO
former Pres - County Sheriff's of Colorado

"Honestly, I’ve not been more impressed with a police training that I’ve attended in the last 20 years..."
Tom McClain
Chief of Police
Willard, MO

"I am a firm believer that Police Dynamics and Character First! equip the men and women that work for the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office to do their job and do it better."
John Whetsel
Sheriff
Oklahoma County, OK

"If you believe that good character is an essential element in policing, you will want to send your key staff to Police Dynamics."
David Williams
Sheriff
Tarrant County, TX

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"This course was one of the best training sessions that I’ve been through. This concept will benefit me and the staff in my division."
Police Dynamics participant

[We have] more awareness of the preventative benefits of a character initiative as opposed to the typical reactive approach to situations. There is a sense of excitement by organization leaders as they begin to see a change in their culture. Bob Powell
Character Council
Fort Collins, CO

"[The Police Dynamics training] brings us closer together, more like a family … it reminds us of why we’re out there and what it’s about.”
Captain John Decker
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, SC

"This class gave me the vocabulary that I have been looking for to praise and motivate my employees."
Police Dynamics participant

"We’ve built a much better relationship with each other. We’ve seen a decrease in complaints. We’ve become a family instead of a place to work."
Sheriff Howie Godwin
Highlands County, FL

“This shows us a new approach to recognize employees’ character traits - and to acknowledge them for those good traits versus, 'You did an excellent job…' It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"The Police Dynamics training that Ray Nash brought teaches the things that are at the core of being a good police officer – being trustworthy, being of good character…"
Sgt. Julie Shearer
Cincinnati Police Div.

“In the Police Dynamics training seminar, the officers are able to set a standard in their own lives of the kind of character they want to see in their community."
Chaplain Carl Nelson
Colorado Springs Police Department

"Character is the solution to the real problem in our community of crime. Character supplies the answer."
Hon. F.A. Schad
Former Judge
Burleson, TX

“I want you to know that my international and national career was very much influenced by your lessons and knowing you was of paramount importance for my job and career. Many Romanian police officers are grateful to you and to Character training."
Teofil Parasca
Assistant Superintendent
Arad County Police
Romania

"I would like to work more toward management by principles instead of rules – with an emphasis on character and guiding principles."
Chief Lynn Williams
Chickasha, OK

“We need to return to our basic character traits that made this country great. Ray Nash has the program to do it."
Police Dynamics participant

"This shows us a new approach to recognize those employees’ character traits and to recognize and acknowledge them for those good traits versus, “You did an excellent job…” It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"Absolutely fantastic! It reminded me of why I wanted to be a peace officer."
Police Dynamics participant

"the finest value-added training anywhere."
Sheriff David Williams
Tarrant County, TX

"We continue to benefit from your teaching and hire with a strong emphasis on character."
Chief Tom McClain
Willard, MO

"Once again, I feel absolutely indebted to you for the program you have developed and your desire to change the world through the building of better law enforcement officers."
Glen P. Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County, CO

"Sheriff Ray Nash is an internationally recognized speaker that you and your staff will learn powerful principles from, while enjoying the lesson."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK

"Very comprehensive, a great resource manual for the future. The seminar was dynamic in every way. What a great resource for people throughout their day-to-day routines.”
Doug Carter
Trooper
Indiana State Police