10/14/2011. Co-Founder Law Enforcement Family Support Network. Vice President Law Enforcement Family Support Network.

Transcription

1 Building Officer Resilience by Engaging g g the Family Myra Harris Johnson Co-Founder Law Enforcement Family Support Network Dr. Matt Stiehm Vice President Law Enforcement Family Support Network Officer Down what happens IF what happens WHEN Minnesota Model Public Safety Departments Interaction with Family Members Law Enforcement Family Support Network (2008) 1

2 Surgeon General s warning Law Enforcement workwhen handled incorrectly- has the potential to debilitate and kill its officers and destroy their families. t.org A new way forward Providing continuum of resources Prevention Education Funerals Incident Support Death Injuries Risk Factors Strong association between work stress and adverse mental and physical health outcomes March 2009, Journal of Criminal Justice and Behavior 1996 National Institute of Justice, Developing a Law Enforcement Stress Program for Law Enforcement Officers and their Families Volanti, Dying from the Job 2009, Heart Disease News g 2

3 #1 Success Strategy Taking personal responsibility * understanding the origins of stress * identifying healthy personal coping strategies (resilience focused) single greatest impact in stress reduction and overall health Why even consider training and supporting family members? 3

4 BECAUSE Law Enforcement is a team sport - while loved ones names may not be on the payroll.. Loved ones are part of the team -they tend to be the foundation of support that the public safety person needs to do his/her job WELL. Family members: the silent resource Prevention models: educate and support those closest to the situation (military, health, medical models) Loved ones are part of the team. Loved ones that understand the job are in a better place to recognize and respond to law enforcement stress. 11 4

5 Keeping loved ones in the loop Officer stress = family stress Law enforcement work takes a toll on family members Stress in family members = problems for officers = impaired job performance Family members in the loop are in the best position to support officers Risk Factors Strong association between work stress and adverse mental and physical health outcomes March 2009, Journal of Criminal Justice and Behavior 1996 National Institute of Justice, Developing a Law Enforcement Stress Program for Law Enforcement Officers and their Families Volanti, Dying from the Job 2009, Heart Disease News t.org Cultivating a life outside of LE Prevention is easier than a cure! Gilmarten single identification with the career associated with negative health Lack of outside friends and social outlets spells trouble Force yourself to stay connected despite fatigue, feelings of being misunderstood, isolated by shift work 5

6 Show me the money Family Support Is Cost Effective Law Enforcement professional realities Suicide epidemic Performance issues related to stress Alcohol abuse rates higher than average Divorce rates higher than average Work demands that contribute to disconnected families Are we willing to accept that this is just the cost of doing business? 6

7 Critical Incidents What are Critical Incidents? Critical Incidents are those that involve: A. Great Bodily Harm/Death B. Potential Civil Liability C. Psychological/Emotional Stress D. Use of Deadly Force What we know Information on issues and repercussions following critical incidents and prolonged stress (Cumulative Career Traumatic Stress, CCTS) Younger officers raised with Oprah and Dr. Phil are more willing to talk about feelings. Departments, officers and families are asking for resources and support Has anyone here worked or know with an officer going through family issues? If so (& I know you have) Do you know the liability? To fellow Officers & their family community members and the department as a whole, AND to you Chief. 7

8 Pen to paper Policy to Implementation Easy Practical Options Newly Hired Officers & Family members go through a training session TOGETHER! Conduct a Family Academy Hold a yearly family training/meet and greet social when Human Resources holds their department benefit notices. Create a news letter, use the one from LEFSN Practical Options Continued Make Gilmartin s book available to family members When Awards are given invite it everyone 8

9 What Law Enforcement Families Need to Know Officers and Departments assume because they know the information their family does not need to know it. Wrong! And here is why What Families Need to Know The Handout developed by LEFSN What Families Need to Know Collaboration 9

10 Work with others Work with Human Resources Combine efforts with other local departments t REMEMER Family members can be a big resource. If so USE them! Local Colleges and Schools Call or LEFSN Questions? 10

11 On Behalf of ALL the Law Enforcement Families Thank you! Contact Information Myra Harris Johnson t Matt Stiehm 11