LAPD's Peer Counseling Program After Three Years (From Psychological Services for Law Enforcement, P 121-135, 1986, J Reese and H A Goldstein, eds. - See NCJ-104098)

• NCJ Number: 104107
• Author(s): N Klyver
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 17 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Justice; US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/NCJRS; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-104098.

Annotation

This paper describes the personnel selection, training, program operation, confidentiality, and special privileges for the volunteer peer counseling program of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Abstract

The Los Angeles Police Department was the first U.S. police agency to use regular line officers and civilian employees to counsel police officers. The program, begun in 1981, was based in the belief that peers, after receiving appropriate training, can be as effective, and sometimes more effective, as professionals in assisting officers through emotional crises. Under current selection criteria, the program only requires that volunteers be available for doing counseling, receive training, be approved by the commanding officer, and not currently be in therapy or under departmental investigation. Training is conducted by a team in a workshop format and includes such topics as identification of stress signs, listening skills, assessment skills, and problemsolving skills. In each of the three years since the program began, more officers have used the services. Reasonable confidentiality is ensured for counseling communications, and the counselors are given privileges of overtime and the use of departmental equipment and facilities for counseling sessions. 4 references and sample departmental memos on the program.