THE BADGE OF LIFE

The Emotional Self-Care (ESC) training must begin at the academies and continue, annually.

It cannot be emphasized enough that the primary mechanism for "making this entire program work" is the Peer Support Officer. Peer Support Officers are the "army" of mental health in law enforcement and this is the opportunity to utilize them to their fullest capacity. They must be fully engaged in:

1. Academy Education (with therapists)

2. The selection of Field Training officers

3. In-Service Training

4. Annual refresher training for squads

5. Pre-retirement training.

6. Modeling and encouraging the annual mental health checks.

It is hoped that employee unions, retiree groups or other fraternal organizations will take sufficient interest in their personnel to continue the model post-retirement.

1. BLOCK ONE – UNDERSTANDING REAL MENTAL HEALTH IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

GOAL: Not only to prevent suicide, but keep officers from becoming suicidal (or in crisis)
The myths behind mental illness and suicide
The need for accuracy and truth in today’s training programs
It’s not “all about us” any more.
The “Crisis of Denial” in the ranks of law enforcement

2. BLOCK TWO -- STRESS AND TRAUMA

The difference between “stress” and “trauma”
Critical and Cumulative Trauma
The impact of “dirty little secrets” in law enforcement
Maladaptive coping techniques

3. BLOCK THREE -- THE LIFELONG DEVELOPMENT OF RESILIENCE

The multiple / adaptable definitions of “Resilience”
Learning your strengths
Commitment to finding meaningful purpose in life
A belief in one’s ability to affect the outcome
A belief one can learn and grow as a result
Acceptance (particularly of what one does not like)
Self-reliance (standing apart from “the pack”)
Spirituality (which need not be religious)
NOT A CLASSROOM EXERCISE--should be done with a therapist.

4. BLOCK FOUR – ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH CHECKS

Voluntary, confidential, the department not to know
To be done even (ESPECIALLY) if nothing is "wrong"
Officer may use EAP or outside therapist through own co-pay.
No requirement for reporting
The value to the individual officer (health/ wellness/ other comparisons)
Trauma preparation, stress relief, personal development
Development of individual resiliency (being prepared for trouble BEFORE it happens!).
Why the checks should be at least annually

5. BLOCK FIVE – PEER SUPPORT ROLE

Peer Support Officers in promoting ESC at the academy and annual ESC squad level training.
Promotion of Drug and Alcohol programs (Private, AA, NarcAnon, law enforcement if available)
Promotion of family therapy, other 12-step programs (CODA, etc)
Modeling and promoting annual mental health checks at all ranks.
It's the critical role of the Peer Support Officer to show that emotional well-being goes full circle--that it is not only about problems when they happen and suicide, but also about maintaining good mental health and continually developing resiliency and tools with which to deal with stresses and trauma BEFORE they happen.


	The Foot Patrol, by Ed Schipul

For more on Emotional Self-Care training, go to

"ESC: THE OTHER HALF OF POLICE SUICIDE PREVENTION"

6. BLOCK SIX – FINDING THE THERAPIST FOR YOU

Minimum licensing and qualifications
Should I insist on a “cop-doc?”
The interview and the first visit
The “Journey”

7. BLOCK SEVEN – (FOR MANAGEMENT)

The administrative/economic advantages of a good emotional health program.
“Suicide Prevention” programs are still necessary – they are the “other half of the formula."
It’s not “just” about suicide.
Defusing the fear of officers having total confidentiality.
The absolute need for management support and direct involvement