Being in law enforcement can not only be rewarding but can also be stressful physically and mentally. That is one reason why the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has put a huge emphasis on physical fitness and mental health with a new initiative that is quickly gaining momentum. 

The voluntary initiative known as the CCSO Wellness Program began last year for full-time employees after Major Adam Carnal, also CCSO undersheriff, attended the FBI National Academy in 2023 and saw up close how a health and wellness curriculum functioned. He brought the idea back home and began to develop a program which immediately garnered support and was approved last year. 

“Employees may voluntarily participate in physical fitness testing, selecting three exercises from four categories (core strength, muscular endurance/max strength, anaerobic power, cardiovascular fitness),” Carnal said. “They can earn performance-based incentives ranging from $200–$500. Employees also attend two mental health sessions per year, earning an additional $500 incentive.”

Some of the key benefits of the program are to provide a healthy way to stay in shape and keep the mind mentally sharp, reduce burnout and strengthen empowerment. Carnal says such programs are popular in other areas and other agencies but more unique to Missouri.

“The CCSO considers wellness a strategic priority,” he said. “The purpose of this program supports member well-being through physical fitness, mental health and overall wellness, preparing employees for the demands of public safety work. We want to have mentally and physically healthy employees that are capable of serving the community, helping fortify the image of a law enforcement professional, and keeping safe the county that many of us call home.”

Since the inception of the program, Carnal said involvement has expanded and “improved morale by rewarding participation and performance.” Additionally, Carnal says the program is a win-win that champions health and fitness. Some future goals for the program include breaking or lessening stigma surrounding mental health care, widening wellness resources, and gathering data on performance impact. 

“We would also like to make annual physical testing mandatory twice a year with the option to participate in the incentive program to encourage employees to improve their physical health,” Carnal said. “Funding is always dependent on expanding the program, however offering testing for cardiac health, physicals, reimbursement for gym memberships and other preventive health testing would be other options to add to the program. Having healthy employees reduces sick time, injury, and workman’s compensation claims, saving the county money.”