NCJ Number
192277
Date Published
2001
Length
87 pages
Annotation
This document highlights the Law Enforcement Assistance & Development (LEAD) Program in Ames, Iowa.
Abstract
LEAD provided for a consortium of three rural law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals to prevent and reduce stress, and to enhance the overall health of law enforcement officers and their families. The goal of the program was to enhance the health of the organizations involved. This was believed to be a more beneficial approach than a sole focus on enhancing the individual coping skills of officers. The program provided a broad range of services targeted on the health and well being of law enforcement personnel and their families. Services also addressed the remediation of organizational factors within the law enforcement agency that contributed to the stress experienced by personnel. About 250 clients used nearly 800 clinical sessions for stress reduction through the program. Clients reported high satisfaction with services and demonstrated significant positive change on post-counseling measures. The project maintained an active outreach program, providing over 40 outreach programs of approximately 1,300 persons. Annual survey data from 1997-2000 showed that departmental personnel experienced significant decreases in stress-related symptoms and concerns. The multi-dimensional approach used in this program resulted in generally positive outcomes on a number of measures of stress and resiliency. There were only modest positive effects on work environment and supervisory relationships. A significant limitation in the application of this model was the cost of sustaining an adequately staffed program. 6 appendices