Law Enforcement Peer Suppport

Today's episode talks to Lt. Kyle O'Brien of the Danville, IL Police Department who talks about peer support programs for Law Enforcement. The idea of peer support dates back to the early 1970s with efforts within agencies—such as those in Boston, New York, and Chicago—to deal with alcoholism in their police ranks. One of the goals is to “normalize” seeking mental health help within police organizations due to an officer’s personal stress, organizational stress, and cumulative stress. Additionally, peer support programs provide a level of assistance that may allow agencies to retain officers. Officers cannot help others if they do not first have help themselves; peer support programs are a way to provide the help officers need for success at work and at home.