This article is based on research conducted as a part of the CA POST Command College. It is a futures study of a particular emerging issue of relevance to law enforcement. Its purpose is not to predict the future; rather, to project a variety of possible scenarios useful for planning and action in anticipation of the emerging landscape facing policing organizations.
The article was created using the futures forecasting process of Command College and its outcomes. Managing the future means influencing it — creating, constraining and adapting to emerging trends and events in a way that optimizes the opportunities and minimizes the threats of relevance to the profession.
By Captain Jeremy Jones
A long tone cuts through the radio, dispatching officers to a devastating car crash. As they race toward the scene, their hearts pound, their adrenaline surges and they push to get there as quickly as possible. Hazard lights illuminate the chaos ahead as twisted metal and shattered glass appear and the panicked cries of bystanders can be heard. They are directed to a mangled vehicle containing the nightmare every officer dreads having to witness: children trapped inside.
This isn’t just another call but a realistic example of the type of stress the law enforcement profession has to offer. It’s the type of stress that forges emotional connections between officers and tragedies and forever links them to devastating outcomes.
The unrelenting stress of everyday policing underscores the urgent need for better support systems within law enforcement. Across the country, agencies are grappling with demanding hurdles to safeguard the well-being of officers, both mentally and physically, as conventional wellness programs fail to meet the distinctive high-pressure requirements of the police.
In the ever-changing future of technology, using implanted microchips to improve officers’ mental and physical health could revolutionize how law enforcement agencies monitor and support officer well-being, providing real-time data on stress levels, fatigue and overall health. It would enable agencies to intervene early, offering personalized assistance to maintain the welfare of their personnel and improve operational performance – but at what cost? Such adoption would provide advantages but also come with obstacles.
Traditional wellness programs fall short
Historically, health initiatives in law enforcement have primarily tackled problems such as burnout and physical health concerns after they’ve already impacted officers. While these efforts are well-intentioned, they often fail to provide the early intervention necessary to prevent these issues from emerging in the first place. The stigma in law enforcement against seeking assistance only adds to the complexity of these hurdles. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, “This stigma, unfortunately, plays a significant role in officers not seeking or receiving treatment for their own challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Officers often do not reach out for help because of the stigma of being seen as weak.” [1]
Police officers encounter distressing situations and ongoing pressure regularly; however, there has been a belief that they should endure it without seeking help or support, which can have a detrimental impact on their mental and physical well-being. As these challenges grow more apparent, it’s clear traditional approaches are falling short.
According to a 2024 report from First HELP and the CNA Corporation, from 2016 to 2022, 1,287 law enforcement and corrections officers died by suicide. [2] Police agencies nationwide are facing a surge in problems among their officers like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), high suicide rates and physical health issues. Despite these developments, many wellness programs still lack the necessary tools and support to offer timely and complete assistance to officers.
The promise of advancing technology
In recent years, many police agencies have started incorporating technology into their wellness programs. [3] Devices like Fitbits, smartwatches and Oura rings have allowed officers to track important metrics such as exercise, heart rate and sleep patterns. While these tools represent a step forward, they also present challenges.
For these devices to be truly effective, officers must understand how to interpret the data they provide. Often these gadgets offer only a broad overview, with the information gathered being incomplete or sometimes inaccurate. Cason Ho, an ABC News science journalist, reported, “Smart watches generally struggle to accurately track metrics like blood pressure, stress levels and the quality of your sleep.” [4] In addition, the success of these technologies relies heavily on user engagement, which remains a significant obstacle. Participation in wellness programs is often low, particularly among veteran officers who may view them as ineffective or feel their agency lacks genuine concern for their well-being.
These challenges underscore the necessity for a comprehensive approach that harnesses the potential of emerging technology while carefully addressing the cultural and ethical implications of its implementation.
According to Welkin Health, a provider of care-management software, technology has accelerated the enhancement of preventive health care approaches in recent years and will benefit health care for years to come. [5] For example, cutting-edge imaging technologies now provide detailed views of internal organs and systems, enabling the early detection of potential issues such as tumors, heart disease and other conditions long before symptoms manifest. Today we are on the verge of even more groundbreaking innovations, such as the integration of microchips in health programs. Unlike wearable devices, these microchips could continuously monitor an officer’s health, stress levels and overall well-being in real time, offering a more precise and proactive approach to health management.
Beyond stress monitoring, microchips could track crucial health metrics such as blood glucose, cholesterol and other vital biomarkers. This real-time data would allow early detection of abnormal spikes or drops, prompting immediate action and potentially preventing serious complications. By continuously monitoring these metrics, microchips have the potential to transform health management from a reactive to a proactive approach. Researchers have even developed a novel blood-powered chip that can continuously monitor a person’s health, eliminating the need for external power sources like batteries. [6]
Now let’s use our imagination for a moment. Consider an officer just finishing a high-stress situation, with their cortisol levels being monitored in real time. If their cortisol spikes beyond safe limits, the chip will alert both the officer and a wellness support team that’s available 24 hours a day. This team, which would include trained medical professionals employed by the police department, could then assess the data and intervene if necessary, offering immediate support to help the officer manage their stress effectively.
This proactive approach not only enhances individual wellness but also challenges the longstanding stigma that officers must remain tough and avoid seeking help. However, ethical concerns around privacy, data security and compliance with health information regulations need to be addressed.
Strategic integration of microchip technology
Law enforcement organizations looking into integrating microchip technology should take a planned and strategic approach. Some recommendations to achieve this include the following:
- In the initial phase, law enforcement agencies should implement voluntary pilot programs to test new technologies in a controlled environment, allowing them to evaluate both the benefits and potential drawbacks. These pilot programs should remain optional, with participants fully informed about how the technology functions and its potential impacts. As technology expert D. Keith Casey Jr. explained, “Pilot programs provide relevant examples of the technology’s use within the organization, helping to present it as less of an unknown and, therefore, less of a significant or threatening change.” [7] By reducing uncertainty and fostering familiarity, these early trials can pave the way for smoother adoption across the department.
- To ensure privacy is protected, law enforcement agencies should collaborate with health care professionals from major providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Health Net. These organizations have extensive experience managing patient data and addressing privacy concerns in health information sharing, particularly under regulations like HIPAA. Learning from their effective data management strategies will help law enforcement navigate potential privacy risks while ensuring officers can trust how their personal information is handled. By adopting best practices from the health care sector, departments can build transparency and confidence in the use of new technologies.
- To develop a comprehensive policy to address privacy, data security and compliance with health regulations, it is crucial to thoroughly vet all potential issues to ensure the legal integrity of the program and protect against challenges. As technology continues to evolve, regular updates to these policies will be essential to keeping pace with new developments.
- Leaders must advocate for microchipping not as a means of surveillance but as a way to enhance officer health and safety. Through open communication and addressing concerns proactively, leaders can shift the culture within their agencies and foster broader acceptance of such innovations. With effective leadership guiding this transition, microchipping could evolve beyond health monitoring, potentially unlocking more transformative applications in the future. Sergeant Marcus Barbour, union president with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized, “The idea of microchipping in law enforcement isn’t about tracking or control – it’s about protecting our officers. In high-stress, high-risk environments, having real-time data on an officer’s health could be the difference between life and death. By focusing on health monitoring and safety, we can reassure our teams that this technology exists solely to support them, not to invade their privacy. With the right safeguards and transparent communication, I believe this is a natural evolution in keeping our officers safe on the job.”
A healthier tomorrow for law enforcement
Incorporating microchipping technology into wellness initiatives for law enforcement offers a glimpse into a future where officers are not only healthier and more robust but also better prepared to serve their communities effectively. Nevertheless, organizations must approach microchipping thoughtfully by balancing the advantages it brings with the importance of respecting privacy and ethical standards. In the era of technological advancements in law enforcement, leaders must embrace these innovations and steer their agencies toward a brighter and healthier tomorrow. By taking this approach, they can establish a workplace where officers are physically prepared for their jobs and live their lives to the fullest.
References
1. Dismantling mental health stigma in public safety. Mental Health First Aid USA. Mental Health First Aid. August 2023.
2. Lawrence DS, Dockstader J, Solomon K, Schlosser LZ, Willis J. Law enforcement deaths by suicide. CNA Corporation. 2024.
3. Rogers T. How technology helps law enforcement officers manage mental health. Officer.com. May 2024.
4. Ho C. How accurate are smart watches, and are they good for your health? Australian Broadcasting Corporation. January 2024.
5. How technology is advancing the future of preventative care. Welkin. November 2022.
6. Innovative blood-powered chip enables real-time health monitoring. Knowridge. July 2024.
7. Mader S. Why run a technology pilot? StewartMader.com.
About the author
Jeremy Jones is a captain with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in California, currently serving as the assistant division commander of the West Valley Patrol Division. With over 14 years of law enforcement experience, Jeremy has worked in multiple roles, including field training officer and K9 handler. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is a graduate of POST Command College Class Number 73. Jeremy is passionate about integrating technology into law enforcement to enhance officer wellness and operational performance.