Struggle Well Case Study: Tucson PD

Case Study Goals & Approach

Explore this Case Study

The purpose of the case study was to understand the Impact Struggle Well training has had on Tucson Police Department, share key findings, and provide a roadmap for other agencies and departments.

​Case Study Goals

  • Cultural Change: Understand organizational level saturation and cultural change
  • Challenges: Understand key challenges including staffing shortages, low morale, internal and external trust and connection

​Theory of Change

  • Systematic Cultural Change: Systems inside Police & Fire departments are complex. If SW is central to a broader initiative that reaches all levels and staff throughout their careers, culture change will occur
  • Translation of Findings: Success of SW at TPD offers a roadmap for SW adoption by other departments and agencies nationwide

Research Approach

  • Participant Observation: Attended and observed a 5-day Struggle Well training in Tucson, AZ
  • One-on-One Interviews: Conducted a series of one-on-one interviews via Zoom to gather information from various people and perspectives
  • Anecdotal Analysis: Conducted qualitative thematic data analysis

Reviewed Archival Data

  • Reviewed information provided by TPD to assess impact. This included:
    • Individual Training Surveys conducted at the beginning and end of SW training (as measured by the PTGI & Cantril Ladder measurements)
    • TPD’s Early Intervention Program data  EIP is a system of tracking behavioral indicators of potentially dangerous levels of stress among officers