EXAMINING THE IMPACTS OF MANDATORY ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Law enforcement officers experience high levels of occupational stress and are at an increased risk of burnout, substance misuse, and suicide. Mandatory wellness visits with mental health professionals have been introduced to promote well-being and reduce barriers to seeking mental health support; however, little empirical data exists on how these visits are received by the officers. Sixty-five law enforcement employees from seven small and rural Nevada agencies completed a survey evaluating their experiences and perceptions of mandated Wellness Visits. Participants reported positive attitudes, with over 90% describing their visit as positive and 89% agreeing that mandated Wellness Visits are a good idea. Officers expressed strong trust in confidentiality and high satisfaction across all procedural areas. Following participation, willingness to seek mental health services increased, and stigma-related beliefs decreased. Knowledge of mental health issues and available resources also improved. Overall, findings indicate that mandated wellness visits are well-received, enhance mental health awareness, and reduce stigma, supporting their use as a wellness strategy within law enforcement agencies.