Policy Text
DEFINITIONS:
COMMUNICATION - Means an oral statement, written statement, note, record, report,
or document, made during, or arising out of, a meeting with a Team Member.
CRITICAL INCIDENT - Any event that has the potential to overwhelm an individual's
usual ability to cope and which may interfere with the functioning of a person's coping
skills immediately or in the future. No employee will be released from duty based on
their response to a critical incident as herein defined without the prior and sole
authorization of the Chief of Police.
DEBRIEFING - A closed confidential discussion of a critical incident with those directly
involved prior to, during and/or after a stressful event. This discussion is intended to
provide support, education and an outlet for views and feelings associated with the
event. Debriefings are neither counseling nor an operational critique of the incident.
Debriefing may be offered as soon as practical following an incident so long as the
debriefing does not interfere with any criminal or internal affairs investigation relevant to
the incident.
2/28/23
DEFUSING - A brief, confidential discussion between person(s) involved in a critical
incident and Peer Support Team Member(s) following an incident. One purpose of a
defusing is to prepare the employee to the possibility of future stress reactions from the
incident. Defusing may be offered as soon as practical following an incident so long as
the defusing does not interfere with any criminal or internal affairs investigation relevant
to the incident.
FIRST RESPONDER - Has the same meaning as provided in s. 112.1815 and includes
911 public safety telecommunicators as defined in s. 401.465.
FIRST RESPONDER PEER - Means a person who is not a health care practitioner as
defined in s. 456.001, has experience working as or with a first responder regarding any
physical or emotional conditions or issues associated with the first responder's
employment, has been designated by the first responder's employing agency to provide
peer support as provided in s.111.09 and has received training for this purpose.
INDIVIDUAL DEBRIEFING - A private discussion that occurs between a Peer Support
Team Member(s) and an employee regarding a stressful incident. Family members or
others may be included upon request of the employee.
MONTHLY PEER SUPPORT TEAM MEMBER CONTACT SUMMARY - The statistical
form submitted by Peer Team Members to the Coordinator listing the number of
contacts made and time spent each month. The statistical form will not include any
information that would serve to identify any participant. The Peer Support Team
Coordinator will be allowed time as needed during regular duty hours to conduct peer
team support administrative tasks.
PARTICIPANT - Any Department employee may initiate the Program by either making a
self-initiated contact, being referred by another employee, or being contacted by a
Team Member. Any participant may maintain a mutually consensual Peer Support
relationship with any Team Member or Peer Support Program Coordinator.
PEER SUPPORT - Means the provision of physical, moral or emotional support to a first
responder by a first responder peer for the purpose of addressing physical or emotional
conditions or other issues associated with being a first responder.
PEER SUPPORT COMMUNICATION - Means electronic, oral, or written
communication, made with a mutual expectation of confidentiality while a first responder
peer is providing peer support in his or her official capacity.
PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM COORDINATOR (COORDINATOR) - The employee
designated to coordinate the Program and responsible for administering the program,
including assigning and supervising Team Members in the performance of their duties
associated with the support and referral program. The Coordinator will be designated
by the Chief of Police in consultation with the Psychological Services Provider.
PEER SUPPORT TEAM DEBRIEFING - A closed confidential discussion with a person
or persons involved in an incident and Peer Support Team Members.
2/28/23
PEER SUPPORT TEAM - A team composed of personnel with training in critical
incident management and peer counseling.
PEER SUPPORT TEAM MEMBER (TEAM MEMBER) - Means an officer, civilian
employee, or volunteer employee of the Department who has been trained in peer
support skills. An employee who, by virtue of prior experience, training or interest, has
expressed a desire and has been selected to provide peer support. Team Members
may be of any sworn rank or civilian position within the Department. Team Members
will be appointed by the Chief of Police.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES PROVIDER (PROVIDER) - A licensed psychologist or
psychiatrist approved by the Chief of Police and chosen to assist Peer Support Team
Members as needed. The Department’s Psychological Services Provider will oversee
the Peer Support Program of the Miami Beach Police Department. The Psychological
Services Provider may assist in the selection, training, and retention of Team Members
and provide consultation regarding participant and other Program matters as needed.
PROCEDURE: