Rapid City Council Implements Wellness Program to Reduce Officer Attrition
The Rapid City Council held a special meeting on July 27, 2026, to discuss various city matters, including the implementation of a comprehensive Wellness and Retention Package for the police department. This initiative, introduced in 2023, aims to combat officer burnout and post-traumatic stress, which are prevalent in high-demand environments. Since its implementation, the program has successfully reduced annual officer attrition from 14% to 5-6%, saving the city approximately $1.1 million annually in recruitment and training costs. The program has received positive feedback, with over 90% of staff crediting it for reducing operational stress and supporting long-term retention. 
