Chapter 49 - Peer Support

Study Notes

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - Peer Support Critical Incident Response

Policy Effective Date: May 2, 2022
Policy Number: 49.01
Subject: Peer Support for Critical Incident Response
Applies To: All Sheriff's Employees
Purpose: To outline guidelines for responding to critical incidents & support the recovery of first responders
Critical Incident Definition: Any event causing intense emotional energy overwhelming a person's ability to respond and cope. Examples include Officer Involved Shootings, Arrestee violence, In-custody deaths, Significant injuries from arrestee violence, Exposure to sudden death (suicide/homicide), and death of a deputy.
First Responder Definition: Sworn deputies (including jailers), telecommunicators/telecommunication specialists.
Mental Health Leave (MHL): Paid administrative leave for first responders exposed to or experiencing a critical incident. Approved by Bureau Chief, Chief of Staff, and Chief Deputy.
Peer Support Responder (PSR): BCSO members trained in individual crisis intervention & peer support. Not professional counselors.
Psychological Debriefing: Agency psychologist and trained PSRs facilitate a small group intervention, following the 7-step Critical Incident Stress Management model.
Psychological Defusing: Agency psychologist and/or PSR conduct one-on-one intervention for first responders involving education, venting, and coping mechanisms.
Serious Bodily Injury (SBI): Bodily harm causing substantial risk or death, permanent injury, or disabling bodily function loss (Texas Penal Code Section 1.07).
Call-Out/Request for Services: Supervisors notify agency psychologist and Peer support team via email, Staff Injury Notification system, or phone detailing incident details (injuries, status, etc.) to initiate response. PSRs respond based on availability/shift.
Confidentiality: PSRs are bound by a formal agreement detailing confidentiality limits. Exceptions for threats to self or others, certain crimes (felonies), and child abuse require disclosure.
Mental Health Leave (MHL): Request procedure, 24-hour response time for approval or denial, and justification for denial.
Mental Health Services: Access to Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program, Aetna Teledoc, San Antonio Counseling & Behavioral Center, and Aetna Able To Program. Mental health services are confidential, and should not be disclosed to parties outside the direct personnel involved in the event.