May 19th, 2026
Submitted by McRae Dugger
Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation
The Mobile Police Department continues to strengthen its commitment to employee wellbeing through the ongoing development of its Officer Wellness Program, a comprehensive initiative focused on promoting both physical and mental health awareness among sworn personnel and public safety dispatchers.
The mission of the Officer Wellness Program is to develop a culture of physical and mental health awareness while promoting total employee wellbeing through education, resources, and wellness initiatives. The program aims to improve the overall health, resilience, and readiness of the men and women who serve the Mobile community.
A major component of the initiative is the program’s physical wellness strategy, which is designed to improve the overall health and operational readiness of sworn personnel. Department leadership recognizes that improved physical fitness benefits both officers and the community by helping prevent injuries, reducing sick leave usage, lowering healthcare costs, improving mental wellbeing, and strengthening the stamina, resilience, and focus required in a law enforcement career.
In 2025, the department partnered with University of South Alabama to develop and administer a comprehensive physical fitness assessment for all sworn officers. During the first year of implementation, the department observed an approximate 10% increase in overall physical fitness performance, demonstrating strong participation and the effectiveness of the initiative. Annual assessments will continue to assist in evaluating progress and guiding future wellness objectives.
The program’s goals for 2026 include implementing organized group fitness activities at no cost to officers and installing blood pressure kiosks in multiple department facilities to encourage routine health monitoring and preventative care.
In addition to expanding physical wellness efforts, the department is also enhancing access to free confidential mental health services for sworn officers and public safety dispatchers through a partnership with Mobile Counseling Center. Funding for these services is being provided by the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation as part of its continued commitment to supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of Mobile Police Department personnel.
The initiative recognizes the unique stressors, trauma exposure, and emotional demands experienced daily by law enforcement professionals and emergency dispatch personnel. Services offered through the program include professional counseling, trauma-focused treatment, stress management support, and specialized therapeutic services designed to address the impact of critical incidents, cumulative stress, and occupational trauma.
These services will be provided by licensed professionals at Mobile Counseling Center, including counselor Melinda Rader, who will be directly involved in delivering confidential counseling and therapeutic support to participating officers and dispatchers.
“These officers and dispatchers serve this community under extraordinary pressure and often experience traumatic situations as part of their daily work,” said Melinda Rader. “This partnership is about ensuring they have access to confidential, compassionate, and specialized care when they need it most.”
The counseling services are designed to be easily accessible while maintaining strict confidentiality. Sworn officers and public safety dispatchers can contact the Mobile Counseling Center directly and will be matched with a therapist based on their individual preferences and needs. Services are provided at no cost, ensuring that support remains accessible to all eligible personnel.
In addition to funding confidential counseling services, the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation has also supported the department’s broader wellness initiatives by funding race entry fees and department basketball team uniforms, further reinforcing its investment in employee wellness and long-term health initiatives.
Together, these partnerships and initiatives reflect a shared commitment to prioritizing physical wellness, mental resilience, and long-term support for the sworn officers and public safety dispatchers who serve and protect the Mobile community every day.
For additional information or to access confidential counseling services, contact the Mobile Counseling Center at 251-298-8084.
About the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation
The Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the men and women of the Mobile Police Department through funding, advocacy, community engagement, and wellness initiatives. The Foundation works to enhance public safety by investing in officer wellness, specialized equipment, training opportunities, and programs that strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the Mobile community.
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MOBILE POLICE DEPARTMENT