(The Center Square) — Washington state law enforcement now has access to a mobile application focused on their well-being.
The CORDICO app from Lexipol provides anonymous on-demand access to wellness techniques, suicide prevention, resilience, physical fitness, nutrition and other behavioral health support to agents. According to Lexipol, users can conduct self-assessments and view updated videos, guides and articles on more than 60 behavioral health topics. There is also access to peer support, therapists, and chaplains for officers.
The app is a result of the Washington Law Enforcement Officer Mental Health Task Force Report published in 2021. The report found that law enforcement officers’ exposure to trauma and substance abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and an increased risk of suicide. .
The Washington State Legislature allocated $1 million in funds for the app to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs last year. According to the association, it is now available free of charge to active and retired law enforcement officers, corrections, broadcast professionals, and their dependents/households.
Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-28) sponsored the original funding for the app after learning more about the need for welfare support from officers following a ride with Steilacoom Police Chief Tom Yabe.
“We deeply appreciate the support of Rep. Leavitt and her legislative colleagues for this important and critical support for our state officials, deputies, troopers, corrections officers, communications center professionals and their families,” said Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and police chiefs. “It’s needed now more than ever.”
Suquamish Police Chief Mike Lasnier, Shelton Police Chief Carol Beason, Bothell Police Chief Ken Seuberlich and Langley Police Chief Tavier Wasser worked with the association in selecting the CORDICO app to provide services to officers in Washington State. Center Square has reached out to Seuberlich for comment on the app, but he was unable to comment at the time of this publication.
Lasnier said in a statement that while an average person may experience a handful of critical incidents in their lifetime, police officers are on hand for hundreds of them.
“While officers are expected to function flawlessly during intense moments of danger, loss, violence, horror and death, such incidents can have a lasting impact,” Lasnier said. “Officers and their families need ways to shrug off the stress and horror they see so they don’t end up going through with it. This app will provide first responders with resources to keep them healthy and fit to continue serving.