Peers as Law Enforcement Support (PALS): An early prevention program

Hasselt, Vincent B. Van; Klimley, Kristin E.; Rodriguez, Samantha; Themis-Fernandez, M.; Henderson, Sarah N.; Schneider, Barry A.

doi:10.1016/j.avb.2019.05.004

Cited by 19 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…A key aspect to the efficacy and "buy-in" of peer support programs is the manner in which peer team members maintain trust, confidentiality, and anonymity for police officer peers who are seeking assistance (Van Hasselt et al, 2019). Page and Jacobs (2011) found that close to three out of four police officers would prefer speaking with another police officer over a mental health therapist.…”

Section: Peer-support Programs: Current Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Peer-support programs offer police officers a confidential outlet to share private information without feelings of judgment and encourage a sense of community (Milliard, 2020). Previous research has found that peer-support programs are a way to promote mental health literacy and health-seeking behaviors and are effective in reducing stigma (Andersen et al, 2015; Milliard, 2020; Van Hasselt et al, 2019). A scoping review by Richins et al (2020) also found that peer support is important in normalizing emotions and reactions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

et al. 2021

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Public safety personnel (PSP) are at increased risk of developing operational stress injuries. Peer-led reintegration programs (RPs) for PSP, evidence-based research is lacking. This study explored the experiences of PSP participating in a Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) program. Participant ( n = 57) responses were collected from surveys, satisfaction and knowledge questionnaires, and a World Cafe. Four themes emerged: (1) traits of an ideal RF; (2) holistic/complementary workplace reintegration approach; (3) necessary features of the reintegration program; and (4) culture-specific considerations. While RPs hold promise, it is essential that evidence-based research be used to guide RPFT and RP spread and sustainability.

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Section: Peer-support Programs: Current Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

et al. 2021

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“…More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of peer-led workplace RPs and their associated facilitator training programs. As emphasized in the Blue Paper and other research on PSP peer-support initiatives, research conducted by external stakeholders could lead to the evidence-based validation of programs such as the peer-led EPSRP and RPFT program for PSP [ 23 , 24 , 35 ]. Study of organizational and cultural impact, cost-benefit, implementation drivers and processes, and knowledge mobilization strategies is also warranted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Workplace Reintegration Facilitator Training Program for Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Attitudes of Public Safety Personnel: Pre-Post Pilot Cohort Study

Jones¹,

Smith-MacDonald²,

Pike³

et al. 2022

JMIR Form Res

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Background Public safety personnel (PSP) impacted by operational stress injuries can find themselves needing both time off work and support reintegrating back into the workforce. Work reintegration programs have been introduced in PSP organizations to support those who aim to return to work. One such peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) was created in 2009 by members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The primary goal of the EPSRP is to assist PSP in returning to work as soon as possible following a critical incident, illness, or injury while diminishing the potential for long-term psychological injury. The EPSRP is delivered by peers through 3 interrelated components: (1) the Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) Program; (2) a short-term Critical Incident RP; and (3) a long-term RP. There is a dire need for research that incorporates strong study designs to the determine long-term effectiveness of the program on increasing workplace reintegration, improving mental health knowledge, and creating culture change within PSP organizations. Simultaneously, the efficacy, effectiveness, and fidelity of the RPFT in providing the tools, mental health knowledge, and skills the RP peer facilitators will need for the RP must be evaluated. Objective The purpose of this quasi-experimental pre-post pilot cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPSRPFT course on influencing mental health knowledge and attitudes of RPFT attendees who will be future RP peer facilitators. Methods This pre-post cohort study collected data via 2 questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60) which included the Mental Health Knowledge Survey (MAKS) and the Open Minds Survey of Workplace Attitudes (OMSWA). Descriptive, parametric (sample t tests), and nonparametric (Wilcoxon signed rank tests) statistics were used to compare the pre- and post-RPFT results and to analyze results by gender and profession. Results Statistically significant changes were observed in pre-post questionnaire scores in the domains of mental health attitudes and knowledge. Conclusions Although results are explorative, the RPFT may facilitate positive changes in workplace mental health attitudes and knowledge among PSP. It is hoped these findings will contribute to a broader evidence base that can inform changes to the program, practices, and policies, and inform decision-making regarding the EPSRP.

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“…Proactive wellness and self-care training programs, such as Behavioral Health (see Van Hasselt et al, 2020) and Peer Support (see Van Hasselt et al, 2019) trainings, could find utility in the prevention of physical and mental health problems through knowledge dissemination and programmatic assistance. Heart disease is a significant health concern for this population that needs to be addressed, as it is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths (TriData Corporation, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

2021

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The impact of occupational stress on first responders has received increased investigative attention in recent years. However, research specifically targeting firefighters and their unique responses to job related stress remains limited. Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been recognized in firefighters, behavioral and psychological contributions (e.g., posttraumatic stress) have not been adequately examined. The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and CVD risk in firefighters, (2) assess the effects of service time on the relationship, and (3) increase understanding of the manifestations of stress in this population. Participants were 87 firefighters from Special Operations teams. Self-report measures of posttraumatic stress symptoms, health, and length of service were administered. Data from annual physical examinations provided information regarding CVD risk (weight, height, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, physical exercise). Results indicated significant relationships between posttraumatic stress symptomatology and current smoking status, triglyceride levels, and the number of CVD risk factors. Findings suggest that the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms may influence overall CVD risk and may not be moderated by years of fire service. Implications for behavioral interventions with firefighters are discussed. Suggestions for future research in this area are offered.

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Peers as Law Enforcement Support (PALS): An early prevention program

Cited by 19 publications

References 9 publications

Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

Workplace Reintegration Facilitator Training Program for Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Attitudes of Public Safety Personnel: Pre-Post Pilot Cohort Study

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

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