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De-escalation from the Inside-Out: Stress Tolerant Practices for the First Responder
SESSION INFO
Monday, February 27, 2023
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses, but when that stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on our bodies. The autonomic nervous system has a direct role in our physical response to stress and is divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When the body is stressed, the SNS contributes to what is known as the “fight-or-flight” response. The body shifts its energy resources toward fighting off a life threat or fleeing an enemy. As the autonomic nervous system continues to trigger physical reactions, this chronic stress causes wear-and-tear on the body. It’s not so much what chronic stress does to the nervous system, but what continuous activation of the nervous system does to other body systems that becomes problematic. Science and medical research have proven that we are built to reduce stress by directly influencing the sympathetic nervous system. Understanding our body dynamics and shifting our attention and daily practices (breath work, wellness, hydration, nutrition, mindfulness, peak performance strategies, etc.) will consciously transfer our body’s energy resources from a constant operating state of fight-or-flight back into balance, into rest and digest. This influence over the SNS reduces crippling fear and anxiety at critical action moments requiring clear decisions and responses. This helps increase endurance and the ability to efficiently perform at times when a balanced physical response can mean the difference between life and death.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Brian Hospodar
Administration of Justice Professor, College of the Canyons
Brian Hospodar is an Administration of Justice professor at College of the Canyons in Valencia, California. A third-generation cop, he began his career with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1980, serving 36 years. He’s been a Patrol Supervisor, Venice Beach Detail Supervisor, VICE Supervisor, and Detective in Narcotics, Counter-Terrorism, and Transnational Organized Crime. He has extensive investigative, supervisory, and operational experience. Brian has worked closely with numerous law enforcement agencies, co-starting the DEA’s Sensitive Investigations Unit (SIU) as a Task Force Officer, and having held a U.S. Government clearance. He was selected by the State Department to work for the United Nations investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While living in the war-torn former Yugoslavia, he prepared criminal cases for the World Court at the Hague, which allowed him a unique international law enforcement perspective. Much of his work has focused on transforming law enforcement from within. Brian has written LAPD policy manuals, taught numerous courses across all ranks at the police academy, and he is currently an instructor for the LA Regional Training Center. He is a certified yoga instructor and teaches police officers how to de-escalate from the inside-out. His de-escalation teachings explore ethics and the concept of tribalism within the law enforcement profession as well as the practical application of breath work, mindfulness practices, and overall health and wellness for first responders. Brian holds a B.S. in Business Management.
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