Bringing Grit to Law Enforcement: Using Sports Psychology to Enhance Officer Performance

Traditionally, performance—or “sports”—psychology has been used to enhance the physical and mental abilities of athletes. However, there is significant overlap between the roles and performance expectations of athletes and law enforcement officers. Recognizing this, the Michigan State Police Office of Behavioral Science (MSP OBS) has begun integrating sports psychology concepts into its services. In collaboration with the psychological team of the Detroit Lions and the Performance Psychology Program at West Point, MSP OBS developed several initiatives: performance-focused group therapy for current members, a five-week performance psychology workshop for recruits, and personalized performance plans for struggling probationary troopers and motor carrier officers. Following a comparison of sports and police psychology, this session will describe each of these programs as potential models for agencies seeking to improve officer performance and retention.