DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM{0}
DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Detroit Police Department is committed to ensuring that members who have experienced a critical incident (i.e. shooting, traumatic scene) which has had a profound effect physically and/or mentally, will receive the necessary support and medical care. To help achieve this goal, Police Medical is implementing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder program, which includes a Peer Support Program (PSP). The PSP will consist of a team of officers (advisors) who have experienced critical incidents, faced challenges and overcame/recovered from those challenges, and who are interested in working with other members. The program will be designed to:
- Provide emotional support during and after times of crisis.
- Promote trust, allow appropriate anonymity, and preserve confidentiality for persons using Peer Support Advisors within the guidelines of the program.
- Check on status of illnesses and or injuries and provide support where desired and needed.
- Develop other advisors who can identify personal conflicts and provide guidance or referral to professional/alternate resources as required.
- Maintain an effective peer supporter training and response program
- Provide sensitivity training to other department members
We are seeking up to 35 members (of all ranks) to volunteer as part of the Peer Support Team. The selection process will identify members who have been involved in critical incidents, and require a successful interview with the Peer Support Advisory Committee.
If you are interested, you must have experienced a significant critical incident, (e.g. police-involved shootings), have a good attendance record, and have the desire to serve and support members needing assistance. The selected PSP team will be required to attend a five-day training session in Basic Peer Support. If you have the desire to give back to your fellow officers and are interested, please forward the following information to the Police Medical email address: policemedical@detroitmi.gov: