A police officer’s day is not easy. Like other departments, Plymouth Police deal with fatal traffic accidents, domestic violence, suicide, children’s deaths and other traumatic events – any of which can make it difficult to be emotionally and mentally prepared for the next challenge.
“We have to be our best on everybody’s worst day,” said Deputy Chief James LeBretton. “The things we deal with can have a profound impact on wellness and performance.”
LeBretton wanted to do something to help officers under his command cope with the stress. He had heard about police departments creating wellness rooms, using art as a kind of calming therapy for officers to decompress at the end of a shift.
That’s why he decided to approach the Plymouth Center for the Arts for help. He asked whether the association of local artists would be willing to exhibit works in a room at the department’s headquarters on Long Pond Road.
Thus was born the Zen Den in the former report room. Featuring about 10 soothing paintings and photographs by local artists, the room also includes comfortable seating, a massage chair, books on relieving stress, and a small water garden.
“We know artwork can have a significant impact on the mind,” LeBretton said. “Officers can sit there for 20 or 30 minutes to take their mind off their experiences and let go of their anxieties.”
Part of a curated rotating exhibit, the artwork is indeed striking in appearance. Some are thought-provoking images of landscapes or architecture while others are abstract works designed to focus thought in a more relaxing way.
“Art has the power to soothe, inspire and reconnect us to our humanity,” said Kim Corben, the center’s executive director. “When the opportunity arose to support the wellness of our local officers through this thoughtful initiative, we were honored to contribute. We’re proud to bring local artistic talent into this space in such a meaningful way.”
When LeBretton told officers about the Zen Den, which opened in June, he said there was a lot of “eye rolling.” Now, many now see the therapeutic value of having a quiet place to readjust their mental state.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” he said. “We’re promoting wellness to help officers relax and reduce premature retirement because they are burned out from stress.”
Officer Matthew Digiantommaso has spent time in the Zen Den and finds it beneficial.
“Sometimes, we deal with really tough things and you need to take a breather,” he said. “It’s a very helpful environment to decompress and collect yourself, even if it is just a moment to sit and not focus on police stuff.”
The Zen Den is also a go-to spot for officers looking to refuel. One corner of the room features a refrigerator and table with fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and drinks donated by Quintal Brothers Produce in Plymouth.
“It used to be the officers would grab a bag of chips and soda,” LeBretton said. “We got rid of all that and now have things that help them restore their energy.”
The Zen Den’s first art exhibit was curated by Eileen Pacheco, a part-time employee, volunteer and former vice president for the Plymouth Center for the Arts. New artwork will be displayed during October and will rotate out on a regular basis to help officers unwind.
“Our artists love it,” Corben said. “They’re proud to show their work in such a meaningful way.”
Dave Kindy, a self-described history geek, is a longtime Plymouth resident who writes for the Washington Post, Boston Globe, National Geographic, Smithsonian and other publications. He can be reached at davidkindy1832@gmail.com.