OSW 101: Foundations of Officer Safety and Wellness with a Focus on Sleep

Sunday, October 19, 2025

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MT

Location: Mile High Ballroom 1CD, Colorado Convention Center

Officer safety and wellness (OSW) is a foundational priority for law enforcement agencies, yet many programs overlook a critical component: sleep. This introductory workshop explores the science of sleep deprivation and its far-reaching effects on cognitive function, decision-making, physical health, and emotional resilience among officers. Attendees will learn why adequate rest is essential to officer safety and wellness, how sleep interacts with other wellness components, and why addressing sleep must be a foundational step. The session also introduces broader IACP OSW initiatives that support holistic wellness strategies, empowering participants to foster healthier, safer work environments within their agencies.

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Eric Drifmeyer

Senior Project Manager
IACP
Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Speaker(s)

Paul Nystrom, MD

Physician/Police Officer
Plymouth Police Department
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Rex Scism

Captain (Ret.)
Missouri State Highway Patrol