The high-risk nature of specialized police operations frequently immerses officers into a world full of quick, hard-hitting brain chemical dumps followed by an immediate need to drastically de-escalate. As careers progress, the body becomes habituated to the high adrenaline-infused work, which increases risk-seeking behavior to achieve similar "highs" as before while also avoiding the post-action low. Furthermore, officers tend to tolerate operating only within a narrow window of high-stress levels, finding low and mid-level situations intolerable. Without a diligent commitment to self-awareness and healthy habits to stay mentally anchored, a drift can occur in officers, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors. By blending the real-life experience of Det. Brent Cartwright (Ret), with the cutting-edge expertise of Dr. Jennifer Prohaska, this presentation will highlight how silently this shift can occur, detail the underlying mechanisms behind this transformation, and identify methods for prevention and recovery.

Dr. Jennifer Prohaska is a Clinical and Police Psychologist who specializes in performance and recovery from high-risk, high-stakes environments. She received her Ph.D. in 2013 from the University of Kansas in Clinical and Neuro-Rehabilitation Psychology and has been working exclusively with public safety agencies since 2016. She is one of a few rare psychologists with advanced knowledge of use-of-force encounters and is Force Science Certified. Since 2013, she has grown her practice to support 50-plus different public safety entities across the Midwest. As an advocate for advancing individuals and departments forward, no matter the limitations, her approach is guided by scientifically backed methods to get the best results for her clients, be it agencies or individuals. Dr. Prohaska provides clear and precise programs to develop top performers who are best prepared for high-risk, high-stakes situations. She is the creator of the Tactical Longevity Anti-Fragility training programs and a nationally-recognized speaker.

Retired Detective Brent Cartwright served as a police officer for 16 years, spending more than a decade as an undercover detective. He is recognized as an expert witness in narcotics trafficking within the United States Criminal Courts. Cartwright retired after suffering multiple gunshot wounds during an undercover operation while assigned to an ATF Task Force focusing on illegal firearms crimes. Over the course of his investigations, he was tasked with buying drugs and firearms on the streets of one of the most violent cities in the United States. As his career progressed, the line between Cartwright's true self and his undercover persona blurred, becoming nearly inseparable. He openly discusses the struggle to maintain multiple identities as he transformed and lost himself to the streets he sought to clean up. Cartwright is a captivating storyteller and relays his message through accounts of the multiple life-endangering incidents he endured. He uses his experiences to highlight the effects of cumulative stressors and the pitfalls of remaining blind to how our environment impacts self-awareness. The series of events that nearly claimed his life ultimately saved it, leaving him with a profound sense of purpose and direction. Cartwright serves as a Peer Manager with Runestone Ranch in Livermore, CA, which seeks to empower first responders on their journey to transform their traumas into hope. He also volunteers as Peer Support with West Coast Post Trauma Retreat for first responders in Napa Valley, CA.