Issues related to law enforcement resilience, wellness, and recovery have become the center of attention in both Israel and the United States.  For many years, indeed decades,  the emotional and mental health toll resulting from law enforcement duties experienced by officers on a daily basis were not only ignored but minimized—-if not ridiculed.  “Toughing it out” was the order of the day and coming forward with mental health concerns was a sign of weaknesses that could adversely impact your career.

 

Thankfully times have changed.  There now exists an understanding of the complexities and unique stresses associated with a law enforcement career.  From the stress that accompanies real or potential physical harm to the consequences associated with the daily exposure to the worst that mankind has to offer, the law enforcement officer is expected to respond with courage, empathy, and within the limits of the law. The fact that overwhelmingly police officers fulfill their responsibilities without serious consequences to themselves the fact that some suffer from the difficulties of their duties.

 

Much is being done to prepare officers for what they will encounter during their careers as well as developing treatment protocols and programs.  Both Israel and the United States are world leaders in addressing PTSD and related psychological disorders associated with police work and public safety. 

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The terrorist attacks of 10/7/23 resulted in the deaths of 57 Israeli police officers who were killed in the line of duty while carrying out their responsibilities as first responders.  Rushing to the various scenes of violence, in most cases armed only with their sidearms, they fought valiantly and prevented the terrorists from advancing further into the interior of the country. 

The consequences of that day and those that followed are still with many of the survivors.  Cases of PTSD and worse, suicide, have dramatically increased.  While Israel struggles to meet this challenge American law enforcement faces similar circumstances.  The suicide rate among American law enforcement officers is higher than that experienced by the general public and PTSD has become a significant problem in the ranks of police agencies.

 

In recognition of the immediate, important needs, LEST has planned an initial program designed to address the psychological needs of INP officers suffering from their 10/7 experiences.  Equine therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD.  In partnership with the Collin County TX Sheriff’s Office LEST is sponsoring a week long intensive  equine therapy program in Fort Worth TX.  This program, which is planned for January of 2026 will bring ten Israeli police officers, selected by the INP based on their assessment of needs to the US.

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Additionally, LEST aspires to convene  a conference bringing together leading experts, specialists who are dealing with PTSD and related psychological issues in their respective law enforcement communities PTSD specialists from both countries to compare notes, assess treatments and most importantly build on the expertise of both countries