Monica Crawford is the owner and CEO of Five-0 Fierce and Fit, spent six years as a law enforcement officer in Oklahoma and has spent 15 years in the fitness and nutrition field helping first responders. She recently spoke about her book, "Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line: Identifying Abuse, Taking Back Control and Cultivating Fulfillment in Your Life and Career," which was released in June 2024.
Experience in Law Enforcement
What surprised you the most about the realities of police work compared to your initial expectations?
The most surprising thing within this department was the dog eat dog culture. Being formerly employed with two other law enforcement agencies, this culture was not near as present as it was with this employer. Especially with how welcomed I was made to feel during the employment process. It quickly changed.
Can you pinpoint a specific event or situation that contributed to your disillusionment, if we can call it that?
Honestly, it was the quick switch from being welcoming in the employment process to a complete 180 in how myself and others were treated during the academy and beyond.
The book mentions the impact of the job on mental health. You also recommend others find a better agency if it affects their mental health. Realistically, are there other agencies where the grass would be greener? Can you think of any?
Yes. I believe there are other agencies where one can feel respected, valued, and supported. I have seen the improvement happen with some of the clients I have coached and in others’ experiences (close friends and other coworkers) as well. It may be tougher to find, but it is 100 percent possible. When I switched agencies from full time law enforcement back to part time, the officers at the part time agency were genuinely thanking me for my help. Something that may have happened less than 3 times in 3.5 years at the previous agency happened within my first week there.
Wellness advocacy
You founded Five-0 Fierce and Fit and a disclaimer I was once your client… Can you elaborate on the specific connection you see between officer well-being and job performance?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s near impossible for miserable people to make a positive impact in anything they do. Whether it’s on the job or at home. Taking care of yourself is paramount in creating a positive impact anywhere.
Do you think police departments are doing enough to support officer mental health, and if not, what changes would you recommend?
No. I think as a whole first responder agencies are becoming more aware of the mental health issues and working to provide more support but there is still more needed. I think as a whole there needs to be more comprehensive officer/FR support services provided in the areas of mental and physical health to help all better survive a 20+ year career. This is what I aspire to help with.
Broader issues
Your book title "Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line" suggests a challenge. In your experience, is it truly possible to thrive in today's law enforcement climate?
Yes. I have had clients who have gone from miserable and frustrating to thriving with using these tactics and mindset shifts. It can be very challenging to make these changes when law enforcement feels like everything is against them. Whether it be political, internal, or external, it is possible to take responsibility for yourself, your health, your own expectations, and your own output, to create fulfillment in your life and career.
The book doesn't name the specific police agency at the center of your story. I also noticed you removed the name of that department from your LinkedIn profile. I, of course, know the department in question because of private conversations we’ve had. Was there a reason for this, and do you think it's important for readers to know?
It’s not about bashing any specific person or department. It’s about highlighting the same issues that happen all over the law enforcement and first responder career fields. Many of these issues you will see as memes on Instagram and Facebook alike. People laugh and make fun of the crappy things that are a part of the law enforcement world, but yet no one talks about it or challenges it. It’s past the time we identify these issues and empower others to stand up for themselves and others, so that we all can create the environment we genuinely want to work in and be a part of.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your police career, knowing what you know now?
No. At the end of the day I gave everything I had to each agency I have worked for. I wear my heart on my sleeve and, perhaps at times, maybe even cared too much to my own detriment. Law enforcement is a career field I am passionate about until this day. I believe law enforcement officers are capable of amazing things and are capable of making the changes and impact they genuinely sought out to do when they started in their jobs. I’ve seen over and over again how years on the job result in jaded individuals who become “retired on duty” and simply don’t have it in them to care anymore. I’m not faulting those people at all, but I say that to say, as a whole we can do better. These situations and circumstances have led me to where I am today and all I can ever hope to do is to help those I serve the best that I can in any situation and provide the resources needed to genuinely take back control, and thrive in life and career.
