What Needs To Be Done (From Treating Police Stress: The Work and the Words of Peer Counselors, P 217-224, 2002, John M. Madonna, Jr. and Richard E. Kelly, -- See NCJ-197081)

• NCJ Number: 197098
• Author(s): Richard Kelly
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter reviews the state-of-the-art in stress/peer programs in police agencies and assesses what needs to be done in this area.

Abstract

This assessment is based on interviews with peer members of departmental stress units as well as managers in departments that have such units. All of the interviewees came from departments with established programs, and they are generally satisfied with their agency's efforts. The programs provide peer counseling, referral to and monitoring for progress in other services, stress awareness, and training at multiple forums. All units extend their services to family members, at least in limited ways, and one unit has sought a less threatening image through expansion into health-and-wellness activities. Some of the need for services has been met through municipal employee assistance contracts, under which counseling is delivered by contract providers. Among the needs and issues mentioned by the interviewees were the crucial importance of confidentiality, the need to continuously monitor the kinds of temptations and problems confronting officers, and the need to develop programs of critical incident stress debriefing. Supervisors in departments with stress units generally value the work of these units and are committed to providing the resources necessary for their effective work. The interviewees would welcome more awareness of stress in police work, more attention to prevention, and more resources for their work.