The amazing team of positive psychology scientists, Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. James Pawelski, have set an ambitious moonshot goal: 51 percent of the world flourishing by 2051. As someone who spent a full career in law enforcement before transitioning to positive psychology, where I now bridge the two, I believe this 51 percent goal must include our community protectors—our law enforcement officers. For they are the lifeblood of our communities and our constitutional republic. For those who may not have a positive view of law enforcement as a profession in light of some current challenges, I encourage you to consider how those interactions may be different if we improve individual and agency well-being.

There is a well-documented mental health crisis in policing, and the job stress, combined with neurological changes from prolonged and repeated trauma exposure, is a significant factor. As a result, officers struggle with failed relationships, substance use disorder (primarily alcohol), sex addiction, anxiety, depression, anger, and suicide. The statistics are sobering: Police officers are 3.8 times more likely to die by suicide than be killed in the line of duty and 54 percent more likely than the civilians they serve. While this reality is staggering and tragic, suicide represents only one symptom of a much larger problem.

Here's what most people miss: Suicide is not the only predictor of failing to thrive. It is a devastating and final act, and........

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