Struggle Well Case Study: Tucson PD
In 2021, the Tucson Police Department (TPD) was facing a severe crisis. Amid the pandemic, civil unrest, severe staffing shortages, and a surge in violence, the breaking point came when two employees took their own lives within two months. Despite having a robust Mental Health Support Team, a Behavioral Sciences Unit, a department psychologist, and two sergeants, it became evident that these resources were not enough.
In response, TPD partnered with Boulder Crest Foundation to implement an organizational change initiative — Struggle Well — focused on creating a culture of trust and supporting staff wellbeing.
Key Findings
Struggle Well Impact & Benefits
The case study revealed some key findings, observations, lessons learned, and benefits of Struggle Well training at Tucson PD.
What Made Struggle Well Work at TPD?
Tucson PD took key steps to successfully integrate Struggle Well into the department. This section outlines the strategy, approach, and process taken by TPD to achieve successful program saturation.
Key Indicators Your Agency Could Benefit
There are a number of key indicators that an Agency can benefit from Struggle Well training. This section outlines those important markers.
Best Practices for Agencies
There are key steps that needs to be taken to successfully integrate Struggle Well into your department. The following outlines a roadmap for success.
We were dealing with the Pandemic, the civil unrest, as well as significant staffing shortages, and then on top of that some record breaking violence. Our turning point was the Summer of 2021 when we had two employees take their lives within two months.
Background
History of Partnership
How did Boulder Crest partner with Tucson Police Department for Struggle Well?
Case Study Methodology
Explore our case study goals, approach, and methodology.
Download the Highlights
Download this recap of the Case Study findings and frequently asked questions.
Cultural Transformation
In 2021, Tucson PD knew they needed to make a change to better serve their officers and community. That led to a partnership with Boulder Crest Foundation and the adoption of Struggle Well — a Posttraumatic Growth based program focused on normalizing the struggle those in law enforcement experience in their lives, both personally and professionally.
There’s been a great complement to what we in BSU do because not everything needs peer support or psychological intervention. We know that some people just feel more comfortable going through the wellness versus the behavioral science route.
The Impact of Struggle Well In Arizona
70%
In Posttraumatic Growth after Struggle Well was launched with TPD
86%
Increase in Deeper Relationships after Struggle Well was launched with TPD
59%
Increase in New Possibilities after Struggle Well was launched with TPD
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day Struggle Well programs
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