Peer Support in Law Enforcement
The Essence of Peer Outreach
Support
Peer Support on San Francisco PD
• VIDEO
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Why a Peer Program?
• Macho Image
• Distrust of most MHP’S
• Discussion with fellow employees is an
acceptable alternative
• The emotional toll of law enforcement work
can be devastating.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Structured and Trained Support
• We are our brother and sister’s keepers
• We DO take care of our own
• Trained Peer support can assist fellow
officers and employees in crisis.
• This training is for those who want to assist
others by making appropriate decisions and
giving good advice.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Trained Peer Support in Law
Enforcement
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Communication Skills
Recognizing a crisis and what to do
Understanding depression and it’s dangers
The suicide risk
Substance abuse issues
Assessment and referral techniques
Critical incident stress intervention and debriefing procedure
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
The Facts
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Longevity of Law Enforcement Officers
Divorce Rate
Spousal Abuse
Substance Abuse
Depression
Suicide
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Law Enforcement Stress and Peer Support
The Workplace
• Performing within acceptable guidelines
• Shift work, overtime, and pay concerns
• Supervisors can be a major cause of stress
to employees
• Burnout
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
The Public
• All things to all people
• We are usually our own worst enemy. We
are the first to criticize our behavior under
stress.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Physical – Emotional Demands
of the Job
• Must be in good physical condition to
perform the job
• Can’t let feelings out for fear it will be seen
as a sign of weakness
• Must be able to handle all the situations
encountered on the job which sometimes
carries over into home life.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Those who are affected will find a way to
cope………
• Hopefully it is in the form of physical
exercise, relaxation, hobbies,quality family
time.
• But often the coping mechanisms take the
form of self medication (alcohol),
prescription drug abuse, domestic abuse,
and even suicide.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Benefits of Peer Support Teams
• Decreased Absenteeism (Counseling Team Intl.)
• Positive affect on morale. Shows
management cares.
• Is cost effective
• Increase productivity
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Role of Staff Support
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Listen
Assess
Refer
Peer Support is NEVER an alternative or
substitute for professional mental health or
substance abuse intervention.
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
• Traumatic and long term stress can be
released and resolved given proper channels
• Understanding management is one of those
channels
• Peer support and critical incident
intervention is another channel
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
A Recipe for Success
• Selection Process
• Unwavering Support from the Top!!
• First Line Supervisor Support
• Trusted and Respected Team members
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
Stand by Me……
• Support for First Responders
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association
GOOD BYE & STAY SAFE!
Presented by the
Copyright © 2001, Law Enforcement Wellness Association