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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the Omaha Police Department's peer support services?
What is the primary purpose of the Omaha Police Department's peer support services?
Which of the following best describes a critical incident as per the Omaha Police Department's policy?
Which of the following best describes a critical incident as per the Omaha Police Department's policy?
What role does the Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC) serve within the OPD?
What role does the Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC) serve within the OPD?
Which act is established to set forth standards for peer support in law enforcement agencies?
Which act is established to set forth standards for peer support in law enforcement agencies?
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What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing designed to do?
What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing designed to do?
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How does emotional distress from job-related incidents potentially impact an employee?
How does emotional distress from job-related incidents potentially impact an employee?
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Who is typically chosen as the Peer Support Team Coordinator?
Who is typically chosen as the Peer Support Team Coordinator?
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What is the significance of recognizing emotional issues in law enforcement employees?
What is the significance of recognizing emotional issues in law enforcement employees?
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What role does the Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL) fulfill in the Peer Support Program?
What role does the Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL) fulfill in the Peer Support Program?
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Which statement accurately describes the function of a Peer Support Person (PSP)?
Which statement accurately describes the function of a Peer Support Person (PSP)?
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In what situations is a PSP required to break confidentiality?
In what situations is a PSP required to break confidentiality?
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What is the main objective of Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing?
What is the main objective of Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing?
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What should a PSP do before conducting a Peer Support session?
What should a PSP do before conducting a Peer Support session?
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What is the role of the Mental Health Coordinator within the Peer Support Program?
What is the role of the Mental Health Coordinator within the Peer Support Program?
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Which of the following is NOT included in mandatory reporting by a PSP?
Which of the following is NOT included in mandatory reporting by a PSP?
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What action can lead to disciplinary measures for a PSP?
What action can lead to disciplinary measures for a PSP?
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During an officer-involved incident, when should the PSTL be notified?
During an officer-involved incident, when should the PSTL be notified?
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What is emphasized during the peer-to-peer contact between a PSP and an employee?
What is emphasized during the peer-to-peer contact between a PSP and an employee?
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What type of information can a PSP share with other PST members?
What type of information can a PSP share with other PST members?
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What is true regarding the Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement?
What is true regarding the Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement?
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What is one of the primary reasons for the existence of the Peer Support Program?
What is one of the primary reasons for the existence of the Peer Support Program?
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What is the consequence for a PSP who fails to report information about an officer’s actions during an incident?
What is the consequence for a PSP who fails to report information about an officer’s actions during an incident?
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Who is responsible for notifying the PSTL about an incident involving OPD employees?
Who is responsible for notifying the PSTL about an incident involving OPD employees?
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What should a PSP do if they wish to meet with an employee on duty?
What should a PSP do if they wish to meet with an employee on duty?
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What happens if a large-scale event occurs involving multiple units?
What happens if a large-scale event occurs involving multiple units?
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What is one reason for de-selection of a PSP from the program?
What is one reason for de-selection of a PSP from the program?
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What should a PSP do if they conduct unexpected support sessions while off-duty?
What should a PSP do if they conduct unexpected support sessions while off-duty?
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What are supervisors advised to remain alert to after an employee is involved in a stressful event?
What are supervisors advised to remain alert to after an employee is involved in a stressful event?
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What role does the Chaplain Program play within the PST?
What role does the Chaplain Program play within the PST?
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What must the Chief of Police consider when making the final selection of employees for the Peer Support Program?
What must the Chief of Police consider when making the final selection of employees for the Peer Support Program?
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What is a reason for which mutual aid agreements will be coordinated?
What is a reason for which mutual aid agreements will be coordinated?
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When should a PSP conduct follow-up contacts after a traumatic event?
When should a PSP conduct follow-up contacts after a traumatic event?
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Which group is responsible for initiating the Nebraska CISD program?
Which group is responsible for initiating the Nebraska CISD program?
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What is one of the criteria for selecting employees for the Peer Support Program?
What is one of the criteria for selecting employees for the Peer Support Program?
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What guideline must the OPD PSTC follow when conducting internal defusing?
What guideline must the OPD PSTC follow when conducting internal defusing?
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Study Notes
Omaha Police Department Peer Support Program
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Goal: Provide emotional and practical support to all OPD employees during personal/professional crises, anticipating and addressing potential difficulties
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Legal Basis: COPS Counseling Act (S. 1502-4) and Nebraska Critical Incident Stress Management Act (State Statutes §71-7101-§71-7113), guidelines from the IACP
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Policy: OPD prioritizes supporting employee mental health by offering access to Peer Support Services
Definitions
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Critical Incident: Any event causing a strong emotional reaction that affects an employee's ability to function, regardless of its scale
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Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): A seven-step group intervention tool for a homogeneous group after a significant traumatic event
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Peer Support Team (PST): Trained employees and a mental health clinician providing assistance during/after a critical incident
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Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC): A high-ranking officer coordinating PST training, meetings, and functions
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Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL): A sergeant coordinating PST members, supervisors, and incident responses
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Peer Support Person (PSP): Trained employee providing emotional support, wellness info, & connecting employees with mental health resources (not professional counselors)
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Peer to Peer Contact: Private discussion between a PSP and an employee, family member, or significant other concerning a stressful situation
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Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing: Shortened CISD mitigating emotional effects of a critical incident
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Mental Health Coordinator: Licensed mental health practitioner assisting in debriefings, training, and guidance for the PST and Chief of Police
Confidentiality
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Strict Confidentiality: PST members maintain strict confidentiality in debriefings, defusings, or support meetings, except for mandatory reporting
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Mandatory Reporting: PSPs must report criminal law violations, threats, significant endangerment (employee/others), mandated reporting offenses (e.g., sexual assault, abuse), court orders, serious fitness for duty concerns (with internal vetting process) and receipt of written consent
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Training & Agreements: All PSPs receive training and sign confidentiality agreements (OPD Forms 78D and 78C)
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Breach of Confidentiality: Results in disciplinary action or removal
Referral Types
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Officer-involved incidents (loss of life/injury): Commander notifies PSTL; PSPs assess needs, ensure no investigation interference; can discuss immediate needs and resources without legal advice; must report relevant information
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Mass casualty incidents: Commander notifies PSTL; PSPs assess needs; Provide support and resource info.
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Supervisory referral: Supervisors notify PSTL/PSP of stressful incidents
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Self-referral: Employees contact PSP (preferably same shift); PSP may seek supervisor approval, considering job duties and staffing
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CISD/Defusing: Formal or internal CISDs are conducted; Confidentiality guidelines apply to both
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Follow-up: PSP conducts follow-up contacts with affected employees within 30 and 6 months
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Mutual Aid: PST may coordinate with other agencies for significant events
Selection and De-selection
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Selection: Criteria include education, performance, resolved trauma, resolved discipline, oral interview, Chief approval
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De-selection: PSPs may be removed for breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate conduct, failure to comply with program regulations or training/call-outs, or failure to remain in good standing with the department
Compensation
- Compensation: PSPs are compensated according to the CBA (collective bargaining agreements)
- Off -duty support: PSPs’ time recorded for pay; scrutiny of all overtime
Chaplain Program Coordination
- Utilization: Using Omaha Police Chaplain Corps for major events or an employee request
Mutual Aid
- Coordination: Chief of Police approval and coordination by the PSTC for mutual aid agreements with nearby agencies
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Description
This quiz explores the Omaha Police Department's Peer Support Program, detailing its objectives, legal basis, and policies aimed at supporting employee mental health. Learn about critical incidents, debriefing techniques, and the roles within the Peer Support Team.