By Police1 Staff

LAS VEGAS — The UNLV Tourist Safety Institute launched an eight-week emergency responder resilience program in August, designed to help Nevada State Police Highway Patrol officers improve their social and emotional wellness. The training focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, attention control, and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships to help officers manage the stresses of their profession.

George Togliatti, director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety, praised the program, noting the challenges law enforcement officers face.

“[Our officers] are in an interesting profession, and it is a challenging profession where they are exposed to tragedy and trauma and negative things in life,” Togliatti said.

He emphasized that the program helps address the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement.

The program was developed by researchers at UNLV’s Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. Troopers voluntarily signed up for the in-person training, which is tailored to the specific demands of law enforcement.

According to Steven Pace, a former FBI hostage negotiator and assistant professor of criminal justice at UNLV, the training helps officers be more present and make better decisions in high-stress situations.

Nicholas Barr, assistant professor at the UNLV School of Social Work, explained that mindfulness techniques can help officers regulate their emotions and improve their relationships with colleagues and the community.

“Neuroscience research shows us that exposure to prolonged stress can produce negative effects impacting physical, mental, and social health,” Barr said.

The program also has broader community benefits, as explained by Joel Lieberman, professor of criminal justice at UNLV.

The UNLV Tourist Safety Institute, approved by the Nevada Legislature in June, continues to work on various public safety research projects.

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