The warr;or21 program is a 21-day program designed to enhance a law enforcement officer’s resilience and mental health. The program entails daily practices to build inner strength supported by research. For each day, the participant is presented with a keyword (examples include grit, calm, empathy, adapt, and gratitude) to guide them with the practices. The daily practice includes the following:

 

• A keyword

• A quote related to the keyword

• Five minutes of breathing exercises

• A short reading detailing the importance of the keyword

• A reflection for the day on the reading and keyword

• An evening gratitude practice (a small notebook is provided)

 

The warr;or21 program  takes into account the busy life of the officer regardless of their profession. The daily practices take only between 10-15 minutes. Previous participants included government officials, law enforcement officers, doctors, students, athletes, executives, and more. Over the course of the 21 days, the four pillars of resilience are emphasized throughout the program:

 

• Awareness: Understanding the basics of psychology and its impact on your daily life as well as controlled breathing.

• Wellness: Both mental and physical health.

• Purpose: Goals that are for the self and also serving a greater good.

• Positivity: Having a positive outlook and relationships, realistic optimism, and expressing gratitude.  

 

The warr;or21 program provides the officer with an opportunity to become more effective at their police work and it importantly provides them with practices to be more positive, calmer, better management and controlling of their emotions, and being happier in their lives. There is nothing “soft” about those terms either. Quality of life is important and it is something everyone deserves regardless of their age or employment.

 

A facilitator introduces the program on “Day Zero” during a workshop (the day prior to starting). In addition to having the warr;or21 notebook, each morning the participants receive an email detailing the practice for the day.

 

The warr;or21 program was developed at Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute by Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Jeff Thompson, Ph.D. jt2768 [at] cumc.columbia.edu.