Samuel L. Feemster, M.Div., J.D.Supervisory Special Agent Samuel L. Feemster (ret.) is the founder of Project BeSTOW, a multi-year research project developed at the FBI Academy’s Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). Mr. Feemster served in several field offices, investigated multiple violations, and was a SWAT operator prior to being assigned to the FBI Academy. In addition to teaching White Collar Crime to new agent trainees and facilitating classes in Community Policing and Stress Management for the FBI National Academy (NA), Mr. Feemster sponsored multiple satellite broadcasts and hosted several working seminars and two conferences focused on the responsibility of communities to answer their call to support law enforcement personnel. These activities, along with Mr. Feemster’s investigative and operational experiences, created the synergy necessary to identify and refine a new body of knowledge regarding the connection between officer wellness, officer safety, organizational wellness, and community security.
The most crucial findings from Mr. Feemster’s research have been published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (LEB), The Police Chief magazine, and The Forensic Examiner. These empirical results were the impetus for four international conferences he organized to refine and advance the evolving topic of spirituality, wellness, and vitality in law enforcement. The research and conferences sustained the BSU research project titled “Beyond Survival Toward Officer Wellness” (Project BeSTOW) and became the nucleus of an innovative accredited 40-hour NA course titled “Spirituality, Wellness, and Vitality in Law Enforcement Practices.” This course was approved for both undergraduate and graduate credit by the University of Virginia. In recognition of his efforts to nurture the vitality and longevity of law enforcement personnel, Mr. Feemster was selected by the University of Virginia as the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award. In addition to his research and experience, the empirical and anecdotal data developed in this course exposed the inadvertent gap between traditional law enforcement training and the fundamental requirements for vocational vitality. One-dimensional tactical training alone does not morph into a protective shield for souls repeatedly exposed to the toxins of evil. Informed by a global law enforcement cohort, Mr. Feemster formed Feemster Law Enforcement Consulting, LLC, to develop and deliver multi-dimensional training to prioritize and embrace the connection between officer wellness, officer safety, organizational wellness, and community security. The primary mission of FLEC is to empower agencies to design and implement sustainable customized wellness philosophies that serve their personnel and communities. The process of cultivating holistic wellness is titled “Spirituality Activated Law Enforcement Training” (SALT). Mr. Feemster is pursuing his commitment to connecting work and holistic wellness through Made To Flourish: A Pastor’s Network for the Common Good, http://www.madetoflourish.org. |
Additional StaffDr. Henry L. Allen
Senior Analysis Dr. Carl J. Jensen Senior Data Analysis Shawn Reynolds Consultant Joseph V. Collins Consultant Julie R. Linkins, Esq Consultant Rachel B. Weathers Research Assistant Lewis Feemster Web Administrator |
Mr. Feemster is available for on-site consultation and assessment,
design and development, and implementation of customized holistic wellness plans;
or to discuss ways you can improve personal and organizational wellness.
Contact him for more information.
design and development, and implementation of customized holistic wellness plans;
or to discuss ways you can improve personal and organizational wellness.
Contact him for more information.