The International Association
for Human Values
Copyright 2007 International Associaton for Human Values
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
All rights reserved
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
All rights reserved
"Most of police officers who learnt the breathing have reported great reduction in their worry, fear and anxiety, better sleep and greater openness to feeling, laughter and joy. As for myself, AOL Program has made a significant impact in my life.
I feel increased awareness, enduring energy and my daily duties have become much more joyful and fulfilling.
I feel increased awareness, enduring energy and my daily duties have become much more joyful and fulfilling.
Washington DC Metro Police Department
Stress-Management for Law Enforcement Pilot Study - 6/2003
Stress-Management for Law Enforcement Pilot Study - 6/2003
In an effort to identify effective tools to combat stress, Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey decided to pilot the International Association for Human Values Stress Management workshop with a cross section of MPD staff.
Individuals selected for participation in the program were generally referred by supervisors based upon a perceived difficulty in dealing with personal or professional stress. Several participants were on restricted duty and/or anti-depressant medication, and a number of participants also appeared to demonstrate symptoms of grief and/or Post-traumatic stress (due to a recent/pending divorce or the death of a loved one).
Paradigm Consulting Group of Tulsa, OK was contacted to provide outside process and qualitative evaluation services, technical assistance in selecting and implementing pre-post measures of effectiveness, and to prepare this written report.
Data analyses indicates the program was well received and successful in reducing the levels of stress and depression among this population. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all selected measures. These included:
1) Significant reductions in perceived stress levels (as measured by the Index of Clinical Stress).
2) Significant reductions in depression (as measured by the State-Trait Depression Inventory).
3) Significant improvement in the ability to fall and remain asleep, and to feel refreshed upon awakening.
(as measured by self-report surveys).
4) Significant improvement in digestion (poor digestion is a symptom of stress, as measured by self-report surveys).
Individuals selected for participation in the program were generally referred by supervisors based upon a perceived difficulty in dealing with personal or professional stress. Several participants were on restricted duty and/or anti-depressant medication, and a number of participants also appeared to demonstrate symptoms of grief and/or Post-traumatic stress (due to a recent/pending divorce or the death of a loved one).
Paradigm Consulting Group of Tulsa, OK was contacted to provide outside process and qualitative evaluation services, technical assistance in selecting and implementing pre-post measures of effectiveness, and to prepare this written report.
Data analyses indicates the program was well received and successful in reducing the levels of stress and depression among this population. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all selected measures. These included:
1) Significant reductions in perceived stress levels (as measured by the Index of Clinical Stress).
2) Significant reductions in depression (as measured by the State-Trait Depression Inventory).
3) Significant improvement in the ability to fall and remain asleep, and to feel refreshed upon awakening.
(as measured by self-report surveys).
4) Significant improvement in digestion (poor digestion is a symptom of stress, as measured by self-report surveys).
Participants also reported (via satisfaction survey results and participant comments) enhanced feelings of well-being, improved focus, and an expectation that they would be better able to deal with daily stress once returning to their regular duties.
Results from this Stress/Self Management pilot program suggest that it has the potential to become a valuable tool for addressing such stress related problems (including stress related illness and stress leave time) within MPD.
Independent 3rd party evaluation and summary prepared by Paradigm Consulting Group of Tulsa, Inc.
Reports from Breath Workshops for Police Units
"As a doctor working in the Jordan UN Special Police Unit in Kosovo, I have always wanted to offer the best to the police officers, and with the AOL Program this is now possible. I encourage all the police officers who did not take the training to learn the AOL practices and I encourage all those who have learnt it, to continue regularly with their practices in order to improve overall quality of their life."
Dr. Yahya, Special Police Unit Jordan
Dr. Yahya, Special Police Unit Jordan
Jordian Special Police Unit, United Nations Contingent serving in Kosovo
…"In Sept. 2004…imparted AOL Stress Management training to almost 100 Special Police Officers from Pakistan who are part of UN Special Police Unit… (Kosovo). They have learnt how to alleviate and gradually remove the consequences of stress.
During and after training the Officers have experienced mental relaxation, increased emotional stability, agility and enthusiasm."
During and after training the Officers have experienced mental relaxation, increased emotional stability, agility and enthusiasm."
"I personally attest that the breath program has brought life-changing influence with me as well as other police officers who took the training. I have been incorporating Art of Living Program into my daily life. I have found this program as the best means to keep me free of stress."
- DR JOSE ROLAND
Special Police Unit Argentina
Special Police Unit Argentina
…"Almost 100 [Jordanian] police officers have taken the training and they reported release of negative emotions, increased energy and vitality. I have also taken the AOL training and I found it very efficient and helpful to release stressful situations."
Rahahleh Mazen Contingent Commander
Special Police Unit Jordan
United Nation Mission in Kosovo
Rahahleh Mazen Contingent Commander
Special Police Unit Jordan
United Nation Mission in Kosovo
- Col. Khalid Nawaz Contingent Commander
United Nations Special Police Unit from Pakistan
United Nations Special Police Unit from Pakistan
Pakistan Police Unit at Breath Workshop
600 United Nations Police Officers
Took the Breath Workshop
Took the Breath Workshop
Experiences: Veterans l Police l War Surviviors l Prisons l Research l Relief work l Video l Resources
- Kancerski Krzysztof
Deputy Commander of Special Police Unit Poland
Serving with United Nations Kosovo Contingent
Deputy Commander of Special Police Unit Poland
Serving with United Nations Kosovo Contingent
"I believe this program has the potential to improve productivity, health and reduce stress of the police officers and I, highly recommend it to everyone."
