Peer Support Essay, Research Paper
Law enforcement officers face many dangers throughout their lifetime. On average, a police officer is killed every 56 hours in this country. (Central Florida Police Stress Unit inc.) Yet, police officers often pay another price that still destroys lives: STRESS.
Stress is law enforcement’s hidden assailant. Job stress among police officers often means divers- an annual rate nearly three times that of general population. It often spells trouble with alcohol abuse. Stress causes disruption of normal sleeping and eating patterns, poor nutrition, paranoia, fear, or as a last resort, suicide. It does not matter how the officers express themselves or how officers react to it they need help. However, the way most men grew up with an attitude that men are tough and though men:
shall not cry,
shall not display weaknesses,
shall no need affection or gentles or warmth,
shall be needed but not need,
shall touch but not to be touched,
shall be steel no flesh,
shall be inviolate in their manhood,
shall stand-alone.(Horn J., Critical Incidents for Law Enforcement)
These are the reasons many why police officers do not feel comfortable to go to psychologists for help. They rather keep it to themselves, which brings to the very terrible outcomes. So police departments were looking for other ways to solve problem and one of them was peer support.
History of Peer Supporters
In the very beginning the experiment was called peer counseling which began in the 1950’s when the Boston Police Department modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program. Fellow officers who were themselves recovering alcoholics helped officers in police departments. New York City established an alcoholic program in 1966. The principle of these programs is to help officers to recover from alcoholism. They tried to change these people to highly motivated people, a more compassionate officer and a grateful parent or spouse. However, although the program helped individuals with various problems, its primary was still alcoholism. (SGT. Robin Klein, Ph.D. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin)
The Los Angeles Police department, under the direction of Dr. Martine Reiser, established an in-house behavioral science unit. This department was one of the firsts to develop and implement a fully department-supported peer-counseling program using officers and civilians as volunteer counselors.
In 1982, Dr James Linden and Robin Klein conducted the first peer counseling training program for the Long Beach Police Department. Later that year this program was certified by POST (the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training’s).
Purpose of Peer Support Program
Today, the purpose of the peer supporters in law enforcement is to train police officers to help others deal with stressful situation in a more positive way. Peer supporters serve two major functions. First they provide a source of help for officers who are unwilling to bring their problems to mental health Professionals because they mistrust “shrinks” would feel stigmatized for not being able to handle their problems on their own, or afraid that entering therapy might hurt their carriers. While peer supporters cannot provide the level of service professionals can, they still can help considerably.
Second, peer supporters can refer receptive officers to professional counselors. Many officers are more likely to take advantage of professional counseling services when referral comes from a trusted peer than if they have to make an appointment on their own or follow suggestion of a family member. In this matter peer supporters act as a bridge to the professional help.
In addition, because of their daily contact with fellow officers, peer supporters are in better position to detect incipient problems before they are full blown. Therefore, peer support programs are proactive and preventative in nature. (Robin Klein, Ph.D., Critical Incidents in Policing, pp. 159-167.)
Peer supporters have three major responsibilities- listening, assessing, and referring.
+ Listening-peer supporters provide an opportunity for officers under stress to express their frustration, fears and other emotions to another person who understand from personal experience how they are feeling and why they are upset.
+ Assessing-by listening, peer supporters can assess whether the officer’s problem is a nature or severity that require professional and immediate help.
+ Referring -with proper training, peer supporters can note the signs that may indicate if an officer is suicidal, homicidal, severely depressed, abusing alcohol or other drugs, or has other serious problems. If the officer has a serious problem, the peer can refer the person for professional help.
Connecting Peers
Peer support can occur through a variety of settings. Peer supporters may respond to other officers’ request to meet and talk. Connecticut Police Department officers can page peer supporters of their choice 24 hours a day. Some peer supporters always wait for officers to come to them, but many will approach a fellow when they observe the person having difficulties. Usually their approach is subtle. Rather than announcing, ” I am a peer supporter, and I am here to help you,” they say something like a ” it seems like you have been coming on duty late for the last few days. What’s up?” (Finn P. & Tomz E. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 1998)
Disadvantages of Peer Program
Police officers cannot provide the professional care that licensed mental health practitioners can. Just as some officers are reluctant to seek professional help, others unwilling to talk with peer’s supporters because they want to be counseled by professional.
They may avoid by employees because of the fear their information will not be kept confidential. Unlike to professional psychologists, peer supporters do not have to keep the information confidential. Sometimes they even go to a commissioner if the officer is in great stress and can cause danger to others and him.
Finally, some police departments do not establish peer support programs due to legal liability while others require officer to be certified to work as counselors, what also takes time, effort and patience. (Peter Finn and Julie Tomz, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 1998)
Professional stress services will remain essential for helping law enforcement officers to cope with the pressure of police work. However, peer support programs provide release for officers who are unwilling or not yet ready to seek professional help. Peer support groups can also make professional services acceptable to reluctant officers, and furnish assistance that only peers may have the time or understanding to provide. A number of law enforcement agencies already have demonstrated that officers will welcome -at least over time- the help peer support programs can provide. If officers feel better, they function better. If they function better, they are benefit, the department is benefit, and the citizens are benefit as well as their families.
References
Finn P. & Tomz J. (May 1998) Using Peer Support to Help Address Law Enforcement Stress. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin pp. 10-18
Horn J. M.F.S. (December 1987) Critical Incidents for Enforcement Officers. Critical Incidents in Policing pp. 143-148
Klein R. Ph.D. (October 1989) Police Peer Counseling. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin pp. 1-4
Klein R., Ph.D. (1991) The Utilization of Police Peer Counselors in Critical Incidents. Critical Incidents in Policing pp. 159-168
Central Florida Police Stress Unit Inc. policestressa/index.htm
Другие работы по теме:
Peer Marriages Essay Research Paper Throughout the
Peer Marriages Essay, Research Paper Throughout the past generations, including my parent’s the family was defined as a traditional (patriarchal) relationship, where the male was the breadwinner and the female was the caretaker of the home and family. My generation has seen the materialization of what Pepper Schwartz describes a “peer marriage.” Peer marriage is different from the traditional marriage in four key ways: men and women regard each other as full social equals, they both have careers, the partners share equal rights in decision making regarding finances, and compared to the past “traditional relationship” the male plays a greater role in the responsibility of raising the children (299).
Selfhelp Groups Essay Research Paper Selfhelp groups
Self-help Groups Essay, Research Paper ?Self-help groups consist of individuals who share the same problem or concern. Members provide emotional support to one another, learn ways to cope, discover strategies for improving their condition, and help others while helping themselves (Wituk, Shepherd, Slavich, Warren, & Meissen, 2000).?
Better School Environment Essay Research Paper In
Better School Environment Essay, Research Paper In order to create a safer school environment through positive peer pressure, you have to have at least two variables. That way, in case one doesn?t work, you can always resort to the second, or even third method if needed. The first way could be to have a popular club dedicated to promote nonviolence, and the other way could be to always discuss having a safer school environment with the students.
Illegal Drugs Essay Research Paper Goals 2
Illegal Drugs Essay, Research Paper Goals – In order to solve the problem of drugs in this country, supporters want to inplement programs by stepping up enforcement of already existing drug laws and enforcing new ones. The war on drugs, should eventually become a responsibility shared by the federal, state, and local governments, along with every citizen of this country.
Algebra Essay Research Paper Determine and Apply
Algebra Essay, Research Paper Determine and Apply a Formula My topic for this assignment is was to determine the amount of people possible to cross a crosswalk during the time of the crosswalk?s walking symbols. To calculate this I made an algebraic equation to support my idea, and an example to support my equation.
Cause And Effect Of Becoming Law Enforcement
Officer Essay, Research Paper The decision to become a Law Enforcement officer is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can effect the way you live in many ways. Your decision to carry a badge and gun in protection of life and property will change you forever. Your family, friends, and the way you live will be altered to accommodate this decision.
The Osage Orange Tree
– Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Peer Pressure in “The Osage Orange Tree” “The Osage Orange Tree” by William Stafford tells a story of how peer pressure kept 2 people apart who wanted to like each other. The narrator of the story liked one of his classmates but was afraid to show that he liked her. He didn’t have the maturity at the beginning of the story to go against peer pressure.
John Cheever Essay Research Paper Law Enforcement
John Cheever Essay, Research Paper Law Enforcement Internet Assignment This Internet assignment consisted of going to the web site WWW.NCJRS.ORG, picking one of the various boxes displayed and researching the contents of it. Out of about thirteen choices, I chose to be “original” and research Law Enforcement.
Disrespect Essay Research Paper DisrespectWhen television first
Disrespect Essay, Research Paper Disrespect When television first emerged, sitcoms like Leave It To Beaver portrayed loving children who would have never dreamed of disobeying someone with authority. But as we flip through the channels today, we see pictures of children screaming at their parents, students hitting teachers, and juveniles running from the law.
Bureau Of Alchohol Tobacco And Firearms Essay
, Research Paper THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms(ATF) was founded in 1972, established as a separate agency inside the U.S. Treasury Department. Before this
Shooting An Elephant Essay Research Paper Human
?Shooting An Elephant? Essay, Research Paper Human Nature In “Shooting an Elephant” , human nature is the same as it would be in just about any story that we would read or hear. Human nature is no different in Burma than anywhere else in the world. In this story we see different degrees of human nature, from completely normal to in some cases extreme.
Teens And Problems Essay Research Paper Teens
Teens And Problems Essay, Research Paper Teens and Problems Teens must deal with a wide variety of problems which can be difficult and stressful. These problems can range from peer pressure to dealing with
Peer Gynt Essay Research Paper I have
Peer Gynt Essay, Research Paper I have just recently attended a play called Peer Gynt on the night of March 2, 2001. In seeing and writing this paper I was asked to evaluate one of the major characters in the production. So for my evaluation I have picked the character of Peer Gynt. In this paper I will evaluate many different items about the character and his contribution to the overall glimpse of the play I can portray to you.
Ethics In Law Enforcement Essay Research Paper
The guest speaker for the ethics in law enforcement lecture was Neal Trautman. Mr. Trautman was a founder of the Law Enforcement Training Network, the world?s largest provider of police training. Mr. Trautman has worked numerous years trying to achieve a standard of ethics within law enforcement. He believes that integrity is the core of America and also the greatest need for the United States and our law enforcement.
An Unbalanced Equation Essay Research Paper An
An Unbalanced Equation Essay, Research Paper An Unbalanced Equation I think the number one cause of youth association of drugs is the un-involvement of the parents. All major causes of youth drug abuse can be prevented if the parents had more impact and/or were more involved in their children?s lives. Here are my personal, significant reasons of youth drug abuse:
Gilgamesh And Enkidu Essay Research Paper Throughout
Gilgamesh And Enkidu Essay, Research Paper Throughout the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is described as being a hero, “who knew the most of all men” (Gilgamesh, pg. 3). He is described as “two-thirds a god” (Gilgamesh, pg. 4) and “the strongest one of all, the perfect, the terror” (Gilgamesh, pg. 4). Due to Gilgamesh’s great recognition, he lacks a peer, someone who is able to challenge him.
Civil Disobedience Essay Research Paper Thoreau was
Civil Disobedience Essay, Research Paper Thoreau was once sent to jail for refusing to pay his taxes and I support this episode of civil disobedience as justified. Thoreau did not pay his taxes because he objected the use of the revenue to finance the Mexican War and enforcement of slavery laws. He did not request for his money to be used for the enforcement of slavery laws, therefore felt he had the right to protest and act out civil disobedience.
Louie Freeh (Director Of Fbi) And Correlation
To C Essay, Research Paper Louie Freeh Louie Freeh grew up a normal boy in a normal family. He had the respect of his parents and those in the community. His actions and attitude fit his job as director of the FBI. His leadership tactics can be compared to that of community oriented policing. Community oriented policing involves satisfying the needs and requests of citizens as well as the department.
Drugs And Alcohol Essay Research Paper Drugs
Drugs And Alcohol Essay, Research Paper Drugs and Alcohol In today’s college experience both drugs and alcohol are factors in a students everyday life. Although drinking under the age of twenty-one and the use of non-prescription drugs are illegal they are still prevalent. Both substances are easily accessible to today’s college students.
Blood Donation Essay Research Paper The mental
Blood Donation Essay, Research Paper The mental distress caused by one person to another of equal standing is known as peer pressure. If you?ve seen any after school specials you?d know what I?m talking about. Peer pressure takes plenty of persistence and securance. You must be persistent about your idea or no one will listen.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper Sometimes in
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Sometimes in our lives we are tempted to follow others. Usually these people tend to be either stronger or more popular than we are. In schools today, most students fall under the influence of peer pressure. Peer pressure is when “friends” persuade you to doing something that you do not want to do.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper Peer pressure
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Peer pressure can influence a person to start smoking, drinking, or doing drugs and other things that are harmful to his/her body. However, peer pressure can also be helpful by influencing someone to do right instead of wrong. For example, a person can be an example to his/her friends and let them know he/she wants to do right and he/she wants to change how he/she acts or what he/she were like.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper Peer Pressures
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Peer Pressures of High School Glaring down at the reddish glow coming from the tip of the cigarette, I found out that I was in a peer pressure situation. Peer Pressure can be a huge problem for some young adults. It can sometimes be positive, but most of the time it?s negative and destructive.
Youth Curfew Laws Essay Research Paper Youth
Youth Curfew Laws Essay, Research Paper Youth Curfew Laws In this article about youth curfew laws from the journal, Crime and Delinquency January 2000 issue, they talked about how analysis of the subject provides extremely weak support for the theory that curfews reduce juvenile crime rates. Of the offense and victimization measures, only burglary, larceny, and simple assault arrests significantly decreased after cities adopted curfew statutes.
Deadbeat Parents Essay Research Paper Parents who
Deadbeat Parents Essay, Research Paper Parents who do not pay their child support are deadbeat parents. This creates a hardship for the case managers in the child support office, the legal staff in preparing documents and court appearances, but most importantly, the children who are the recipients of the child support.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper Whose Fault
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Whose Fault Is It? Adolescents abuse illegal drugs for several reasons. If a teen is abusing drugs, your family is no different from many other families today. The question some may ask themselves is, Why does a child do drugs? This research paper will explain some of the reasons adolescents abuse drugs.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper What is
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper What is peer pressure? Peer pressure can be described as a positive or negative reaction that occurs when one is influenced by certain people. Peer pressure is constantly surroIntroduction Research Question: How does sex in the media influence children and adolescents in the United States? How do they react to that? Sex is a very big subject for teens and even children.
Peer Pressure Essay Research Paper Chris Clay
Peer Pressure Essay, Research Paper Chris Clay English 300Peer Pressure Peer pressure is one of the biggest battles that I had to fight while I was in high school. Peer pressure effects may teens around the world, some good and some bad. Peer pressure effected my life in a not so good way, but changed my life for the better and helped me realize that it is easy to say no.
Be Healthy And Drug Free Essay Research
Paper Be Healthy and Drug Free To be healthy and drug free means much more than it sounds. It means turning down peer pressure, not using drugs, and not feeling the need to use
Gun Control Essay Research Paper Gun EssayShould
Gun Control Essay, Research Paper Gun Essay Should we really just keep adding gun control laws? Well, I don’t think so. I think that Senator Larry E. Craig said it best “the criminal that wasn’t stopped by 20,000 laws won’t stop at 20,001.“ My viewpoint is that we should have better law enforcemnt.
How To Writing A Research Essay Essay
, Research Paper How To Writing A Research Essay The toughest part of the essay, for me, was taking all the information I had gained and reduce it to a mere few pages essay. After all, quality is better