NCJ Number
226187
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 76 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 48-50
Date Published
January 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Mesquite Police Department’s (Texas) Law Enforcement Healthy Marriage and Family Project for officers and their families.
Abstract
The project, which began in January 2005, has objectives that coincide with activities of demonstration projects of the Healthy Marriage Initiative developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The project’s primary goal is to provide general marriage education for police officers and their spouses, so as to enhance marital satisfaction and increase marriage skills. A secondary goal is to reduce the number of divorces in the high-risk population of law enforcement officers and other first responders. The marriage education curriculum was developed specifically for this special population. The curriculum was developed after a review of the literature and a survey of Mesquite Police Department (MPD) officers and their spouses. A primary focus of the curriculum is the unique stressors with which these families deal and the relationship of depression and anxiety to stress. Stress management techniques are presented. The difference between characteristics that bring success at work and those that promote healthy family relationships is discussed. An aspect of the curriculum participants have found to be most helpful is the discussion of family culture and law enforcement culture. This is especially helpful for the spouses and provides an opportunity for sharing and gaining new insight into the impact of the job on family life. The curriculum also addresses the development of problem-solving and communication skills. Gender and personality differences that can cause conflict are applied and related to financial management. Special emphasis is given to meeting spouses’ emotional needs, sharing emotions, and communicating love. Forgiveness and boundary-setting for the protection of the marriage relationship and the family are also discussed. Participants have rated the program as highly successful. 2 notes