The Problem
The threats facing US law enforcement aren't always external.
Law enforcement professionals operate in environments defined by unpredictable threats, irregular schedules, repeated stress exposure, and significant physical and psychological demands.
While the dangers encountered on duty are widely recognized, the cumulative effects of the profession can be less visible. Disrupted sleep, chronic stress, declining physical and mental health, and strained personal relationships can undermine operational readiness, quality of life, and longevity.
These challenges are interconnected. Addressing them independently is often inefficient at best, ineffective at worst.
Interconnected adversity requires integrated solutions.
75–80%
OF U.S. OFFICERS ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE
25–27%
OF U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE METABOLIC SYNDROME
MORE COPS
DIE BY SUICIDE EACH YEAR THAN IN THE LINE OF DUTY
AEI's service deliveries continue to grow across the country.
The AEI Approach
Wellness is more than a collection of "pillars".
AEI recognizes that physical, mental, emotional, relational, and purpose-driven health are interconnected. Rather than addressing individual challenges in isolation, we examine how these dimensions influence one another and contribute to an individual's capacity to perform, recover, adapt, and thrive.
Our methodology combines evidence-informed education, practical behavioral strategies, and culturally competent coaching to develop sustainable systems that extend beyond the demands of the profession.
AEI focuses on the low-hanging fruit that influences the daily lives of U.S. law enforcement professionals: fitness, sleep, nutrition, habit formation and behavior design, identity, and relational health. Every strategy accounts for the unique demands and variables of a career in service.
Meet the Founder
Uniquely Qualified by Being
Statistically Normal.
Andy Arnold | Founder, The American Excellence Initiative
Andy Arnold founded The American Excellence Initiative after nearly two decades in law enforcement and a personal reckoning with the cumulative toll of the profession. His experiences with unhealthy coping habits, declining physical health, divorce, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation ultimately led him to rebuild his physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual health. That journey became the foundation of AEI.
Throughout his 19-year law enforcement career, Andy served in patrol, tactical operations, investigations, supervision, and federal task force assignments, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving as a Watch Commander during his municipal law enforcement career. His professional experience also includes high-threat diplomatic security operations in Kabul, Afghanistan, and supporting Operation Allies Welcome at Fort McCoy as a Department of the Army Civilian Police Officer.
A graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, Andy's professional recognitions include the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award, the United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS) Leadership Award, and the Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal. He has also delivered more than 250 school safety trainings nationwide for The 'I Love U Guys' Foundation.
Today, Andy combines his law enforcement experience with certifications in personal training, leadership coaching, and behavior design. Through AEI's training, consulting, speaking engagements, and Law Enforcement Wellness and Performance Program (LEWAP), he helps law enforcement professionals develop sustainable strategies for job performance, quality of life, and longevity.