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optimize the “SCSO Safety Protocols for Injury Risk Reduction”. Training Instructors were also encouraged to further their education in kinesiology and basic movement pattern analysis by taking the Functional Movement Screening certification. ■ Operation Thrive SCSO Operation Thrive is the agency’s signature 8-week annual Wellness Challenge. It supports employees to do their best and feel their best by helping them optimize their health. It equips and empowers em- ployees to make sustainable health improvements by providing guidance, tools and resources that make healthy habits practical, affordable and fun. It also intrinsically rewards participants for exercising, improving their nutrition, getting adequate rest, monitoring their blood pressure and losing weight. Wellness Program Manager Nice leveraged science-based research, published by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) , to design and customize Operation Thrive. The following progression was implemented according to WELCOA’s 7 benchmarks to success. ■ Step 1: Senior Level Support - Core Values: SCSO firmly believes that employees are its most valuable resource. Therefore, SCSO Operation Thrive was designed to demonstrate the agency’s appreciation and support for employee wellness and wellbeing. - Communication: Senior Command Staff was included in the planning and launch of this program, and have been proud supporters. ■ Step 2: Program Design - WELCOA Benchmarks 3, 4 and 5 involve collecting data, creating an operating plan and choosing appropriate health interventions. These steps were accomplished using a data- based Needs Analysis Study , which included employee preferences and interviews. The result was the design of a very dynamic program that is inclusive for all employees, all positions and all fitness ability levels. All employees are welcomed to participate and earn both individual and team- based awards. Points are accumulated for improvements in three health categories: (1) “Healthy Habits” of exercise, reduced sugar consumption, blood pressure readings and adequate sleep (2) “Weight Loss” and (3) “Waistline Reduction.” Employee support is provided onsite, offsite, online, hardcopy, and mobile devices. ■ Step 3: Fueling Success - WELCOA Benchmark 2 is to “Create a Cohesive Wellness

injuries, each takedown maneuver was assessed and then matched with new Safety Protocols. Basic examples of some of the Safety Protocols implemented include tactical athletic warm-ups, flexibility training and joint alignment training. All Safety Protocols were strategically woven into the class curriculum so as not to lengthen the total time of the class. The new Safety Protocols were originally implemented by the Wellness Program Manager, who then equipped and empowered all Training Instructors to implement them. Key research and resources used to design the Safety Protocols originated from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Gray Cook’s Functional Movement Screening (FMS). ■ Step 4: Implementation - Education: The Wellness Program Manager met with Training Instructors to share the new “SCSO Safety Protocols for Injury Risk Reduction” and review information about kinetic chain alignment, safe versus unsafe movement patterns and basic kinesiology. - Teamwork: Together, the Wellness Program Manager and the Training Instructors implemented the new Safety Protocols in each and every Defensive Tactics class (also known as Arrest and Control Technique class at SCSO). - Follow-Through: Fitness and nutrition tips were also shared throughout each class, and all employees were welcomed to schedule free onsite personal training consults with the Wellness Program Manager after class for further, customized exercise training instruction. ■ Step 5: Measurable Results and Sustainable Success ss - Records : Aggregate data was collected to track injury occurrences, severity and cost. All personal employee information was, of course, kept confidential per HIPPA. - Results: The $250,000 reduction of injury costs was calculated based on Worker’s Compensation claims, and does not include costs saved in absenteeism and presenteeism (i.e. the practice of coming to work despite illness, injury, anxiety, etc. often resulting in reduced productivity). Over 500 Deputies and Detention Deputies completed the class, and only 10 minor injuries occurred which resulted in less than $50,000 of medical care. That is a very significant reduction occurrence and cost compared to the year before, in which 40 injuries occurred (which quickly racked up approximately $300,000 of medical care costs). - Sustainable Success Plan: Data collected was used to further

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