NCJ Number
76607
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes Los Angeles County's training programs for spouses of police officers which address the special stresses encountered by families of law enforcement personnel.
Abstract
Because police officers have one of the highest divorce rates in the country, the sheriff of Los Angeles County has developed special training programs for spouses to increase their understanding of the department's operations and provide advice in coping with marital problems stemming from police work. The Spouses Training Program consists of eight weekly classes which are open to spouses of new cadets entering the training academy and any spouses who are married into the department during the current year. The design of the program is outlined in a table, and the content of each session is detailed. Following an orientation session which presents basic information about the sheriff's department and the academy, the responsibilities of each division are explained and spouses tour the custody division. Other sessions cover the role of law enforcement in the criminal justice system, criminalistics, and the proper use of firearms. The department psychologist lectures on problems experienced in law enforcement marriages because of irregular working hours, being on call, and the potential danger. Spouses are divided into discussion groups led by wives whose husbands have been officers for many years. In the seventh session, spouses spend an evening riding in a patrol car as an observer. The entire program is reviewed in the final meeting, and police officials are available to answer any questions. The sheriff's office also conducts an annual seminar for wives of all police personnel in southern California. This workshop emphasizes the importance of wife and family in the life of a law enforcement officer and provides an opportunity for spouses to express their concerns and explore ways to improve their marriages. Responses to both programs have been favorable.