Why should departments provide family support?

According to COPS https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-w0948-pub.pdf

" Because family members play a critical role in officers’ mental health, law enforcement agencies should consider strategies to engage families around the topic of mental wellness. This might include extending mental wellness services such as QMHPs, EAPs, and peer support programs to family members who need support of their own or educating family members about the mental wellness services available to officers. Ideally, this information will be shared frequently with families at events such as family orientations or family support group meetings. During family events, agencies can present on topics related to mental health resources, suicide prevention strategies, and early warning signs to help family members recognize potential issues before stress escalates."

Recruiting and Retention will continue to be large struggles within the law enforcement community for years to come. The time of a thousand people applying for 1 position is just not happening anywhere in the country anymore. Departments will have to continue to adapt and find ways to set themselves apart from other similar departments. Although pay is a motivating factor for many officers, it is not the only factor. Leadership and whether a department will protect them and care about them will make all the difference when setting your department out from the rest. Family programs can build loyalty, respect, and connection within a department.

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