SGI-USA members serving in law enforcement in the Chicago Police Department begin holding introduction to Buddhism meetings in January 2026 focused on inner transformation, resilience and compassion.
At the headquarters of the Chicago Police Department, SGI-USA members serving in law enforcement are helping introduce a new approach to officer wellness through introduction-to-Buddhism meetings focused on resilience, inner transformation and hope.
The effort grew out of earlier holistic wellness initiatives created by detective and SGI‑USA member Jermira Trapp, who had long been concerned about the emotional and mental strain officers face on the job. After witnessing co-workers struggle under intense pressure, trauma and stress, she began organizing wellness-based events that offered officers alternative ways to support their mental and emotional health.
Over time, those efforts evolved into introduction-to-Buddhism meetings led by Trapp and fellow SGI-USA members within the department. “We wanted people to experience hope,” Trapp said. “The transformation of the individual leads to the transformation of society.”
The first meeting was held on Jan. 26, in honor of SGI Day, at the police headquarters. Participants learned about Nichiren Buddhism, chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo together and discussed concepts such as human revolution and resilience. Since then, interest has continued to grow, with attendees asking about future meetings and requesting more opportunities to chant.
For many involved, Buddhism has become a practical way to navigate the pressures of law enforcement while maintaining compassion and humanity. One organizer explained that officers regularly encounter people on the worst days of their lives and must often suppress their own emotions in order to continue functioning under stressful conditions. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they said, officers are developing greater wisdom, composure and inner strength.
A major element behind the meetings’ success has been united prayer. In the weeks leading up to each gathering, organizers consistently chanted together, praying that those seeking Buddhism would attend and that the meetings would encourage participants in a meaningful way. Despite logistical challenges and uncertainty surrounding attendance, the organizers said those prayers gave them the courage and confidence to continue moving forward.
The response has been encouraging. One attendee later said that after beginning to chant on her own, she “felt so good.” Another officer who saw the meeting flyer printed it out and brought it with him.
Recently, the group also received approval to become an officially recognized Buddhist association within the department. Named “SGI-USA Buddhism for Inner Resilience,” the club allows for future meetings and broader outreach efforts. For Trapp, the effort represents more than personal encouragement. “People are seeking hope,” she said. “They need Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”
June 5, 2026 World Tribune, p. 11
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