Assessment of the Law Enforcement Family Support Grant: Vermont State Police, Final Report

• NCJ Number: 186278
• Author(s): John Meyer Ed.D.; William Clements Ph.D.
• Date Published: December 1998
• Length: 48 pages
• Grant Number(s): 96-FS-VX--0008
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This report presents the methodology and findings of an evaluation of the Critical Incident Stress Management and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing training program for Vermont State Troopers, dispatchers, and their spouses or significant others.

Abstract

The objectives of the program grant were to develop a Vermont State Police (VSP) Peer Support Team and a Spouse Peer Support Team; train all State troopers in the basic principles of pre-incident stress management; provide training to applicants and recruits to the VSP; and offer an in-service training course on family issues in law enforcement. The objectives of the program evaluation were assessments of the initial 5-day intensive onsite training program, the follow-up training components, and the training outcomes for peers and families. The evaluation consisted of individual interviews, a review of program documentation, a written survey, and personal observation of and participation in one monthly training session. The evaluation found that the 5-day intensive program onsite academy was successfully completed. Also completed was the monthly follow-up programs for the Peer Support Team, the State Police recruit training program, and the cycle training program for all VSP troopers. The spousal training and the proposed 8-hour training program for all Vermont law enforcement agencies was not completed due to lack of time and resources. The outcomes for peers and families are not clear at this time due to only three spouses and significant others being involved. The training schedule competed with ongoing family scheduling. This part of the program is being redesigned to accommodate family schedules. Various action items are being implemented either by the team at large or by the individual working committees to ensure the VSP Peer Support Program becomes a viable self-supporting program. 3 tables and appended 5-day training program, list of participants, policy statement, evaluation questionnaire, and miscellaneous information and articles