Podcast
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?
- To help prevent and resolve emotional difficulties (correct)
- To oversee all operational procedures
- To assist employees with their physical fitness
- To provide legal advice to police employees
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?
- A major natural disaster affecting the community
- A routine traffic stop with no significant outcomes
- An event causing a strong emotional reaction that interferes with functioning (correct)
- An employee meeting held monthly with no emotional impact
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?
- A mental health clinician providing therapy to employees
- A liaison between the Peer Support Team and OPD Administration (correct)
- A member of the Peer Support Team providing direct emotional assistance
- A trainer for police recruits in tactical operations
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?
What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing designed to do?
What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing designed to do?
How does emotional distress from job-related incidents potentially impact an employee?
How does emotional distress from job-related incidents potentially impact an employee?
Who is typically chosen as the Peer Support Team Coordinator?
Who is typically chosen as the Peer Support Team Coordinator?
What is the significance of recognizing emotional issues in law enforcement employees?
What is the significance of recognizing emotional issues in law enforcement employees?
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?
Which statement accurately describes the function of a Peer Support Person (PSP)?
Which statement accurately describes the function of a Peer Support Person (PSP)?
In what situations is a PSP required to break confidentiality?
In what situations is a PSP required to break confidentiality?
What is the main objective of Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing?
What is the main objective of Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing?
What should a PSP do before conducting a Peer Support session?
What should a PSP do before conducting a Peer Support session?
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?
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?
What action can lead to disciplinary measures for a PSP?
What action can lead to disciplinary measures for a PSP?
During an officer-involved incident, when should the PSTL be notified?
During an officer-involved incident, when should the PSTL be notified?
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?
What type of information can a PSP share with other PST members?
What type of information can a PSP share with other PST members?
What is true regarding the Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement?
What is true regarding the Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement?
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?
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?
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?
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?
What happens if a large-scale event occurs involving multiple units?
What happens if a large-scale event occurs involving multiple units?
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?
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?
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?
What role does the Chaplain Program play within the PST?
What role does the Chaplain Program play within the PST?
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?
What is a reason for which mutual aid agreements will be coordinated?
What is a reason for which mutual aid agreements will be coordinated?
When should a PSP conduct follow-up contacts after a traumatic event?
When should a PSP conduct follow-up contacts after a traumatic event?
Which group is responsible for initiating the Nebraska CISD program?
Which group is responsible for initiating the Nebraska CISD program?
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?
What guideline must the OPD PSTC follow when conducting internal defusing?
What guideline must the OPD PSTC follow when conducting internal defusing?
Flashcards
Critical Incident
Critical Incident
Any event that causes an employee to experience a strong emotional reaction which has the potential to interfere with the individual's ability to function either at the scene or later. The event does not have to be large in scope, but can be a simple event that has a significant personal effect on the employee.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
A specific, 7-step group crisis intervention tool designed to assist a homogeneous group of people after an exposure to the same significant traumatic event.
Peer Support Team (PST)
Peer Support Team (PST)
A group composed of trained employees and a mental health clinician focused on providing assistance to employees during and after a critical incident.
Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC)
Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Purpose of Peer Support
Purpose of Peer Support
Signup and view all the flashcards
Omaha Police Department Policy on Peer Support
Omaha Police Department Policy on Peer Support
Signup and view all the flashcards
Legal Standards for Peer Support
Legal Standards for Peer Support
Signup and view all the flashcards
IACP Guidelines for Peer Support
IACP Guidelines for Peer Support
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL)
Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer Support Person (PSP)
Peer Support Person (PSP)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer to Peer Contact
Peer to Peer Contact
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing
Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing
Signup and view all the flashcards
Officer Involved Incident
Officer Involved Incident
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mental Health Coordinator
Mental Health Coordinator
Signup and view all the flashcards
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement
Peer Support Team Member Confidentiality Agreement
Signup and view all the flashcards
Peer Support Participant Confidentiality Agreement
Peer Support Participant Confidentiality Agreement
Signup and view all the flashcards
PSP Consultations with Other Team Members
PSP Consultations with Other Team Members
Signup and view all the flashcards
Responding to Officer Involved Incidents
Responding to Officer Involved Incidents
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sworn PSP Role in Interview Room
Sworn PSP Role in Interview Room
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sworn PSP Limitations in Interview Room
Sworn PSP Limitations in Interview Room
Signup and view all the flashcards
Grand Jury Proceedings
Grand Jury Proceedings
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who is the PSTL?
Who is the PSTL?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens if a PSP doesn't report an incident?
What happens if a PSP doesn't report an incident?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How are PSPs assigned in mass casualty incidents?
How are PSPs assigned in mass casualty incidents?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What should supervisors be aware of regarding stressful events?
What should supervisors be aware of regarding stressful events?
Signup and view all the flashcards
When can an employee contact a PSP?
When can an employee contact a PSP?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What happens if the Nebraska CISD Program is unavailable?
What happens if the Nebraska CISD Program is unavailable?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the follow-up protocol after a traumatic event?
What is the follow-up protocol after a traumatic event?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How does the PST manage employee schedules?
How does the PST manage employee schedules?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are the criteria for selection into the PST?
What are the criteria for selection into the PST?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What can lead to removal from the PST?
What can lead to removal from the PST?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How are PST members compensated?
How are PST members compensated?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who assists the PST in crisis situations?
Who assists the PST in crisis situations?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How does the PST coordinate with other agencies?
How does the PST coordinate with other agencies?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the main goal of the PST?
What is the main goal of the PST?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What does the 'Peer Support Program' entail?
What does the 'Peer Support Program' entail?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Omaha Police Department Peer Support Program
-
Goal: Provide emotional and practical support to all OPD employees during personal/professional crises, anticipating and addressing potential difficulties
-
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
-
Policy: OPD prioritizes supporting employee mental health by offering access to Peer Support Services
Definitions
-
Critical Incident: Any event causing a strong emotional reaction that affects an employee's ability to function, regardless of its scale
-
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): A seven-step group intervention tool for a homogeneous group after a significant traumatic event
-
Peer Support Team (PST): Trained employees and a mental health clinician providing assistance during/after a critical incident
-
Peer Support Team Coordinator (PSTC): A high-ranking officer coordinating PST training, meetings, and functions
-
Peer Support Team Leader (PSTL): A sergeant coordinating PST members, supervisors, and incident responses
-
Peer Support Person (PSP): Trained employee providing emotional support, wellness info, & connecting employees with mental health resources (not professional counselors)
-
Peer to Peer Contact: Private discussion between a PSP and an employee, family member, or significant other concerning a stressful situation
-
Peer Team Debriefing/Defusing: Shortened CISD mitigating emotional effects of a critical incident
-
Mental Health Coordinator: Licensed mental health practitioner assisting in debriefings, training, and guidance for the PST and Chief of Police
Confidentiality
-
Strict Confidentiality: PST members maintain strict confidentiality in debriefings, defusings, or support meetings, except for mandatory reporting
-
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
-
Training & Agreements: All PSPs receive training and sign confidentiality agreements (OPD Forms 78D and 78C)
-
Breach of Confidentiality: Results in disciplinary action or removal
Referral Types
-
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
-
Mass casualty incidents: Commander notifies PSTL; PSPs assess needs; Provide support and resource info.
-
Supervisory referral: Supervisors notify PSTL/PSP of stressful incidents
-
Self-referral: Employees contact PSP (preferably same shift); PSP may seek supervisor approval, considering job duties and staffing
-
CISD/Defusing: Formal or internal CISDs are conducted; Confidentiality guidelines apply to both
-
Follow-up: PSP conducts follow-up contacts with affected employees within 30 and 6 months
-
Mutual Aid: PST may coordinate with other agencies for significant events
Selection and De-selection
-
Selection: Criteria include education, performance, resolved trauma, resolved discipline, oral interview, Chief approval
-
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.