Working in law enforcement, whether sworn or civilian, requires sustained focus, accountability and the ability to function under pressure. LASD employees support public safety in different ways, but we are all exposed to stressors such as high workloads, time pressure, exposure to critical incidents and the emotional weight of the work. On-duty self-care is not about disengaging from responsibilities; it is about maintaining mental and physical readiness so we can perform our roles effectively and consistently.

One of the most practical on-duty tools for managing stress is controlled breathing. When stress increases, the body shifts into a heightened state of alert, affecting concentration, communication and emotional regulation. A simple breathing pattern (inhaling for four seconds, then exhaling for four to six seconds) can be completed in just a few minutes and used in almost any circumstance. Whether between calls, during administrative tasks or after a difficult interaction, controlled breathing helps slow the nervous system and restore focus.

Another effective strategy is grounding, which keeps attention anchored in the present moment. It is not uncommon to carry mental residue from previous tasks or incidents, which can interfere with accuracy and decision-making. Grounding techniques use sensory awareness to reset attention. Taking a moment to notice what you can see, hear and physically feel in your immediate environment helps reduce mental overload and supports task focus. This approach is especially useful during high-call volume periods, tight deadlines or emotionally charged situations.

Brief mental check-ins and cognitive reframing are also valuable on duty. Stress often shows up as self-criticism, tension or racing thoughts. Pausing briefly to ask, “What am I dealing with right now?” can help identify unnecessary stress responses. Reframing internal messages, such as replacing “I can’t make a mistake” with “I’m staying steady and handling what’s in front of me,” supports emotional regulation and reduces burnout. These small cognitive resets help prevent stress from accumulating throughout the workday.

Physical strain is another shared challenge across law enforcement roles. Long periods of sitting or standing, wearing equipment or repetitive tasks can contribute to muscle tension and fatigue. Five minutes of light movement, such as stretching, standing, walking or adjusting posture, helps release tension and improve circulation. Physical reset supports mental clarity and reduces the physical discomfort that can amplify stress and irritability.

Finally, self-compassion is an important and often overlooked skill in law enforcement environments. Acknowledging that this work is demanding and that stress response is normal helps reduce emotional exhaustion. Simple internal reminders such as, “This is hard work and I’m handling what’s mine to handle,” reinforce resilience and professionalism. Self-compassion supports long-term engagement and helps employees stay effective without becoming emotionally depleted.

Five-minute self-care practices will not remove stress from law enforcement work, but they can significantly reduce its cumulative impact. When used consistently, these evidence-informed strategies support focus, accuracy and well-being for all law enforcement employees. Taking short, intentional moments to reset on duty helps sustain performance, protect mental health and support career longevity across sworn and civilian roles.

And while these quick practices make a meaningful difference, no one is expected to manage the demands of this profession alone. Our Department has free and confidential support offered by our Peer Support Program, Chaplain Program and LASD police psychologists, all available to help you navigate the challenges of this job. You can connect with any of these programs by calling the Psychological Services Bureau at (213) 738-3500. Staying connected and using the resources available to you strengthens both individual resilience and the health of our entire Department.