UC San Diego and POST collaborate on California law enforcement wellness program

In a pivotal meeting held by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) on June 4, 2025, discussions centered around the ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of law enforcement personnel through the POST Organizational Wellness Program. The program, launched in partnership with the University of California, San Diego, aims to provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to foster a culture of wellness among their staff.

Raymond Nadaego, from POST, introduced the program's achievements, highlighting that it has successfully enrolled 60 agencies since its inception in 2022. The initiative has reached its maximum capacity, with an additional 48 agencies expressing interest but unable to participate due to contract limitations. The program includes training for wellness coordinators, mentorship for agencies, and the development of a new online platform called 720 Health, which offers personalized wellness resources.

Dr. Cassandra Beaton from UC San Diego emphasized the growing need for wellness programs in law enforcement, noting that the approach must evolve to treat wellness as a continuous skill, akin to physical training. The program has provided extensive training and resources, including a new organizational wellness coordinator course, which has been well-received by participants.

The meeting also addressed challenges faced during the program's rollout, particularly regarding technology integration and the need for ongoing leadership support. Commissioners voiced concerns about ensuring consistent communication and engagement from agency leaders to maintain momentum in wellness initiatives.

As the current funding from the state legislature approaches its end, POST officials assured that they are exploring future funding opportunities to sustain and expand wellness programs. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to prioritizing mental health and wellness in law enforcement, with the potential for California's model to influence similar initiatives nationwide.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among various stakeholders, including police unions and city managers, to create a unified approach to wellness resources. The emphasis on shared responsibility reflects a growing recognition that the well-being of law enforcement personnel is a critical component of effective policing and community safety.