Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – The new class of Dallas police recruits will be required to take part in a new brain health program called “SMART”, which stands for Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training. Major Paul Junger says the program was developed by the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas. It will among other things, teach the officers how to meditate to relieve the stress of the job. Junger admits it will be tough to get some officers to embrace meditation, but he hopes they will. Statistics show police officers face a higher risk for sleep disorders, PTSD, depression and suicide. Junger hopes this new program with help reduce the trend. The new police recruits start their training next Wednesday.
