Every January, we’re faced with the same question: What can I do to make this year better than the last? For police officers, those answers often come with the weight of the badge, the responsibility to serve and protect, and the desire to improve not only yourself but also your team and your community.
To help kick off 2025, we asked our columnists — seasoned law enforcement professionals and thought leaders — to share the top priorities police officers should focus on this year. From personal wellness and mental health to professional development and mastering new skills, these actionable commitments can make a tangible difference in your life and police career.
This isn’t about setting lofty resolutions destined to fade by February. Instead, it’s a practical guide designed to help officers thrive in their roles, improve their wellbeing and strengthen the communities they serve. From improving your health to fostering better relationships on and off duty, here are 25 commitments every police officer should make in 2025. Because when you excel, the people around you benefit — your family, your colleagues and your community. Let’s make 2025 a year of impact.
Personal wellbeing
1. Take care of your family
Decades ago, I read a study out of the UK on “tenure” and “thinking” — the gist of which was that, over time on the job, your perspective changes. With respect to an officer’s commitment at the start of the New Year, my focus has certainly evolved over the years.
In the 1970s, my priority was officer safety. By the 1980s, it shifted to knowing and following policy. In the 1990s, I emphasized ensuring all personnel were committed to training. In the early 2000s, professionalism in every aspect of my work became my focus. By the early 2010s, I turned my attention to preparing for retirement. And now, here we are in 2025. All of those priorities remain important, but my commitment today is clear: taking care of your family. When all is said and done, that is the most vital thing you can do — taking care of your spouse, your partner, your children, and, for many, the mom and dad who took care of you so many years ago.
I still believe you are serving in an incredibly noble profession, and taking care of your communities remains significant. But please, take care of your family. Spend as much quality time as possible with those you love and who love you. — Gordon Graham
| WATCH: Bringing wellness home: How supporting the family enhances officer resilience and retention
2. Commit to improving your health
Most people would expect me to encourage officers to commit to improving their firearm skills in 2025. I think this is important, and officers should improve in this area. However, if you want to make life improvements during and after your career, you should commit to improving your overall health and wellness in 2025. It’s no secret our profession is bad for our health. Officers are at increased risk for stress-related illnesses including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, sleep issues, cancer and immune system disorders. Worse, researchers have found officers have a life expectancy that is 12 years shorter than the average and die within six years of retirement. Commit to improving your health in 2025 and reap the benefits now and after retirement. — Todd Fletcher
| READ: The wake-up call that changed a responder’s health post-retirement
3. Make preventive health a priority
Officers should prioritize comprehensive preventive health screenings like skin cancer checks, colonoscopies and mammograms to catch potential issues early. It’s all about tackling small problems before they turn into big ones that could end your career — or worse, your life. Keep it proactive, folks! — Amy Perez
| RESOURCE: First Responder Heart Health
4. Put your happiness first
You’re a dedicated professional with a high drive to do your job to the best of your ability. However, you must make your health and your happiness a priority in life personal and professional. Make the time to take care of your mental and physical health. Sleep, regular exercise and time off are critical to your wellbeing. Spend quality time with friends and family. — Duane Wolfe
| BOOKMARK: 24 wellness tips for law enforcement officers
5. Let go of negativity
It’s a scientific fact that constant negative thoughts can “rewire” your brain, leading to a state of self-imposed misery. Here’s one way to break that cycle: If you find yourself fixated on something negative, give yourself permission to immerse yourself in it. This technique might sound counterintuitive, but give it a try. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed and focus solely on that one issue for 10 minutes. You’ll soon find that you can’t concentrate on it for more than a few minutes before your mind drifts elsewhere. Soon, this thing that seemed so important will fade to the back of your mind. Note: This advice is intended to address minor issues only. For immediate and confidential support please call 1-800-COPLINE (1-800-267-5463). — Warren Wilson
| READ: Why our brains fixate on the bad (and what to do about it)
6. Take control of your breathing
At least once a day, find the time and space to take control of your breathing. Deep, intentional breathing is an under-utilized and easy way to get yourself back into your body, reduce anxiety, and center your mind and nervous system. Babies and children naturally belly-breathe, but as adults, we often cut our breaths short, not even inflating the lungs to their full capacity. Practice closing your eyes and taking five of the deepest breaths you can — completely inflating your lungs and belly — for a quick reset. You deserve a moment! — Janay Gasparini, Ph.D.
| PRACTICE: Box breathing exercise
7. Strengthen your core
Do strength-building exercises, especially your core. Low back pain affects 67.7% of the law enforcement population. A strong core promotes spinal health and lowers your chances of pain and permanent injury due to your EDC load out and the way it is distributed. Talk to your command staff about the use of external duty vests and a thigh holster, which have been proven to increase comfort and reduce back pain — but only if properly fitted on an officer with a strong core. — Ron LaPedis
| RESEARCH: Load-bearing vest vs. duty belt
8. Connect with civilians
Policing can be exciting, tedious, dangerous, frustrating and meaningful. It can also be corrosive to relationships and the soul. Not the lights-and-sirens calls, although bad ones can cause PTSD, but the everyday calls for people being jerks to one another — and to you — those calls wear you down. You begin to believe that, except for cops, everyone’s an asshole. Unchecked, you become jaded, irritable and isolated (other people avoid jaded and irritable). To stop this slide, commit to doing whatever brings you joy with people who aren’t cops. The activity doesn’t matter. What matters is that it brings you joy and that you do it with civilians. — Patricia (Pat) Robinson, retired cop
| TAKE THE CHALLENGE: There’s no denying that policing takes a toll on officer health; this 30-day challenge can help you get your life back.
Professional development
9. Invest in lifelong learning
As we begin 2025, I encourage every officer to embark on a renewed commitment to intellectual growth. Whether it’s pursuing a degree, taking specialized tactics courses, or joining a professional leadership development program, we each have a responsibility to keep learning. Policing today is so much more than about showing up — it’s about bringing intellect, passion and a desire to learn into everything we do. In the 21st century, the most effective police officers are lifelong learners who continuously seek to challenge their minds to learn more. When we invest in our personal development, we not only strengthen our careers and our organizations but also the communities we’re sworn to serve and protect. — Hunter Panning
| READ: Why a cop’s ongoing education is a matter of job security
10. Master human performance factors
In 2025, officers should commit to prioritizing a deep understanding of human performance and limitations in the context of critical incidents. This commitment involves refining their ability to articulate their roles during high-stakes situations, through statements and reporting — fostering self-awareness about their cognitive processes during an incident. Officers must invest in training that emphasizes how human factors influence decision-making, enabling them to accurately report their actions while recognizing that their perceptions in the heat of the moment may not align with the evidence gathered later. Understanding these potential misalignments is essential for navigating the complexities of critical incidents and enhancing overall accountability in law enforcement. — Sgt. Jamie Borden (Ret.), Critical Incident Review
| ACCESS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: How neuroscience can transform police decision-making
11. Focus on key training priorities
There are two skills officers should focus on in 2025. As a firearms trainer, I’ve observed that we don’t train enough for shooting from a vehicle. Drawing and engaging quickly from the driver’s seat is a perishable skill. Requiring this training regularly would encourage agencies to evaluate their safety equipment and its practical application. The second skill is just as crucial and its impact is clear. Statistics show that officers trained in verbal alternatives to the use of force face fewer complaints. Better training equips officers to choose the right tool for the situation. The best officers are lifelong learners. — Lindsey Bertomen
| WATCH: Gordon Graham on emotional intelligence in de-escalation
12. Build your data skills
In the rapidly evolving landscape of law enforcement, police officers must commit to continuously developing skills to use and interpret data effectively. This commitment is crucial as artificial intelligence and other advanced police technology reshape our approach to public safety. Data interpretation and analytics take time to master so officers should start learning the basics as soon as possible so that when they are promoted, they will have the leverage they need to understand and harness the power of data-driven insights. — Joshua Lee
| ACCESS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: How to use advanced analytics to supercharge your investigations
13. Embrace AI responsibility
Officers should embrace AI by continuously educating themselves, use AI-driven tools that reduce backend lift, and utilize automated data dashboards to help guide decisions and increase accountability. Ongoing collaboration with technology experts is just as essential as other continuing education. They should ensure ethical and responsible use by mitigating bias and respecting privacy, and seek continuous feedback for improvement from all stakeholders. This approach will enhance efficiency, improve crime prevention and foster community trust. — Chief Phillip Lukens
| READ: Real-world applications and limitations of AI in law enforcement
14. Own your actions and attitude
Police must commit to agency. Not their departments, but personal agency — the internal ownership of their actions and attitudes. After several tumultuous years, the trend is finally moving in a positive direction. To build on this momentum, officers must recognize their power to choose to be their best. No more excuses. No more toxic attitudes or victimhood. We are part of many teams — squads, departments and the broader policing profession. By committing to optimizing our sense of personal agency, we can achieve the best possible outcomes. Each of us has a choice: to adopt a fixed, limited mindset or one filled with growth and possibility. When everyone chooses to contribute positively, the result is a profession that reflects those same values. — Eric Tung
| LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: What it takes to be the leader your officers need
15. Prioritize your training
In 2025, officers need to prioritize their training. Agency budgets and training time, already tightened or reduced, are facing even greater constraints with increasing overtime requirements. This necessitates officers taking more initiative regarding their own training in many cases. Whether enrolling in a BJJ gym, outside firearms training, attending training conferences, or subscribing to industry journals, officers need to invest in their development personally from quality instructors who understand the law enforcement arena, not simply a popular name. Finally, officers need to share the knowledge and skills they learn with others so we can all grow. — Robert Carlson
| 2025 SKILL DEVELOPMENT: The training guide you need to stay ahead
Community and team engagement
16. Treat each other with respect
Officers should commit to treating one another with dignity and respect within the police department. Research shows that the primary source of officer stress often originates from within the department itself. Let’s pledge to treat each other with the utmost respect and kindness. This commitment must extend to administrators as well, ensuring that everyone — regardless of rank — is treated with dignity. Ultimately, we all want to see our colleagues enjoy long and fulfilling retirements. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment that helps make that possible. — Chief Booker Hodges
| READ: Why the silence of leaders is the greatest trauma for many LEOs
17. Know the people you serve
Resolve to learn one thing a day about the people and places on your beat. For example, on day one, you discover the corner liquor store is family operated and owned by “Rosco.” On day two, you find out he has been robbed six times in the past two years. On day three, you uncover he now legally carries a Glock, concealed at all times. On day four, you find out Rosco wears a red vest so officers can easily identify him, during a robbery. Resolve that the better you know the people on your beat the better you can serve them. — Lt. Dan Marcou
| READ: Why foot patrol matters (and how to do it well)
18. Build community engagement
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of tactical and strategic roles within policing, witnessing firsthand the transformation of American law enforcement over the past four decades. The journey of the last five years, in particular, has been marked by profound reflection and change — challenging for some, but deeply galvanizing for others.
As you move through your own careers, understand that the measures of success in policing are evolving. No longer are we solely judged by the number of arrests we make, the force with which we pursue suspects, or the tickets we issue. What once drew many of us — including myself — to roles in SWAT, anti-crime units, or narcotics enforcement is no longer the sole benchmark of our impact.
Today, success is increasingly defined by what didn’t happen under our watch, by the trust we cultivate, the engagement we foster and the moments we step out of our vehicles to connect personally with our communities. It’s about seizing opportunities to understand the people we serve better and to strengthen those vital relationships.
We are not just enforcers of the law — we are partners, protectors and agents of social change. Let your actions reflect a commitment to building bridges, fostering understanding, and leaving a lasting legacy of trust, respect and service. — Paul Goldenberg
| LISTEN: Effective strategies for community engagement in policing
19. Open up about family planning
In 2025, one key action officers should take is to foster open communication and normalize conversations about family planning and pregnancy within their departments. By creating a culture of support and understanding, agencies can retain talented officers while empowering women to thrive both personally and professionally. It’s about building workplaces where the realities of managing both a career and a family are not just acknowledged, but embraced as part of the job. — Julia Clasby
| READ: ‘How do you do it?’ Addressing the mother-cop dilemma
20. Influence within your circle
We can’t all be Police1 writers, YouTube stars and TikTok influencers with thousands of followers, but each of us can be salt and light within our circle of connection. We can never truly know the impact a word of encouragement, advice, or caution might have — not just on an individual, but on everyone they influence. You are an influencer! — Chief Joel Shults
| WRITE FOR POLICE1: Access our author guidelines
Practical and long-term planning
21. Audit your priorities for the new year
The first month of each year is a great time to hit the reset button and conduct an internal audit. As a visual person, I’ll scribble it out in a pie chart to list my priorities — family, health, recreation and work. Include goals for each and make a plan. Add checkpoints as reminders to your calendar to keep on track. Use the calendar to schedule time and events for family outings, health and fitness goals, training for a 5k or for an upcoming promotion. Write an article for publication. Be your best you in 2025. — Jim Dudley
| MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME: A police officer’s step-by-step guide to a balanced life
22. Make micro-commitments
New year, new you? LEOs from around the country have been bombarded with officer wellness training. Additionally, there are countless free articles and podcasts describing evidence-based protocols to live a healthier life. In 2025, officers should commit to one micro habit that is going to improve their health. Once that one small habit is mastered, add another, and then another, and then … well, you get the picture. Chiefs and sheriffs cannot make you healthier. Officer wellness programs fall short when officers do not participate. You owe it to yourselves, your families, your partners and your communities to commit to your wellbeing. Be safe! — Christopher Littrell
| READ: What it takes to excel as a police officer
23. Understand your benefits
Officers should commit to scheduling a visit with HR to verify what benefits are available to them, and then get explanations (or professional counsel) to make sure they understand them. Waiting till you are old, sick or injured to find out how your retirement plan works, whether your department participates in Social Security or what you can expect from workers’ compensation and disability insurance is guaranteed to be frustrating and disappointing. Get ahead of that. — Kathleen Dias
| RESOURCE: The critical HR questions every police candidate should ask
24. Become financially fit
Retirement may come sooner than you think. Even if you’re not planning to retire in 2025, it’s a good idea to start working on your game plan. Pay down — or, better yet, pay off — any unsecured debt. Carrying credit card debt into retirement will only drain your available funds. This is especially critical if you’re transitioning from a biweekly to a monthly income as a retiree. Consider getting a few payments ahead on your mortgage or car loan. Delays in receiving your first retirement checks can happen, so it’s wise to be prepared. Additionally, set aside some savings for unexpected house or auto repairs that might arise between paydays. Transitioning to retirement can feel overwhelming, but taking these steps can help make the process smoother and less stressful. — Andrew Butts
| READ: Financial wellness is key to officer well-being
25. Master the four steps to your best self
Make it a daily priority to focus on these four critical elements: physical health, mental health, sleep and diet. By improving at least one area each day and all four each week, you’ll become the best version of yourself by the end of 2025 — for your wellbeing, your department and your community. — Tyson Kilbey
| WATCH: How officers can improve the quality and quantity of their sleep
