Policy Text
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Personnel DATE: 22 A pr 15
SUBJECT: Revision of Departmental General Order B-17,
Critical Incident Stress Management Program
The purpose of this memorandum is to notify personnel of an update to Departmental policy
and procedures regarding the Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISMP) , DGO
B-17.
Personnel shall acknowledge receipt, review, and understanding of this directive in accordance with the provisions of DGO A -1, DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS.
By order of
Sean Whent
Chief of Police Date Signed: ________________
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL
ORDER
B-17
Index as:
Critical Incident Stress Management Program
Effective Date:
22 Apr 1 5
Evaluation Coordinator:
Personnel and Training Division
Commander
Evaluation Due Date:
22 Oct 15
Automatic Revision Cycle:
3 Years
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The purpose of this order is to establish a program and set forth Departmental policy and procedures regarding the responsibilities for the Critical Incident Stress Management
Program (CISMP).
I. DEFINITION OF A CRITICAL INCIDENT
A critical incident is defined as an event which has the potential for producing
significant emotional trauma that may adversely affect the psychological well-
being of personnel. Examples of police critical incidents include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Officer- involved shooting;
• Any Level One (1) Use of Force;
• Member/Employee injury or death;
• Death of a child; or
• Any incident involving mass casualties.
II. GENERAL PURPOSE AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the Department’s CISMP is to provide support and guidance to members and employees who may be troubled by job related stress, personal issues, and/or critical incidents they have been exposed to.
The program is made up of two (2) teams: Peer Support (PS) and the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).
Page 1 of 9
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT B-17 Effective Date:
22 Apr 1 5
A. Peer Support (PS)
1. The purpose of the PS team is to provide members and employees
with support and resources in all instances not necessa rily involving
a critical incident. Examples include relationship and family problems, life changes, marital issues, alcohol and drug abuse, financial issues, legal issues and work related stress.
2. Team members shall offer support to members and employe es in the
assessment of their problems and assist in identifying available referral options.
B. Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)
1. The purpose of the CIRT is to provide members and employees involved in a critical incident with initial and follow -up support to
include the coordination of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
2. CIRT members who are on call shall respond to critical incidents
when activated by the CIRT C oordinator or other authorized
commander.
3. CIRT members shall c oordinate with the assigned mental health
professional to conduct the Critical Incident Stress Debriefings
(CISD) after a critical incident has occurred.
C. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
1. The purpose of CISD is to provide debriefing and f ollow -up service,
after a critical incident, with the objective of minimizing the likelihood of stress disorders that may arise out of exposure to a major traumatic event or cumulative stressful incidents.
2. CISD is a recognized psychological technique used to provide both peer (lay team) and professional care for personnel exposed to potential or actual traumatic incidents. It emphasizes facilitated small group discussions among affected persons.
3. CISD is available to all personnel.
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DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT B-17 Effective Date:
22 Apr 1 5
D. Critical Incid ent Stress Management (CIS M)
1. CISM is an adjunct to professional medical, psychological, spiritual
or referral services. It does not replace the counseling and mental
health benefits provided by a member or employee ’s health plan.
2. CISM does not provide substance abuse counseling. Additionally, PS and CIRT lay team members shall not engage in psychological or personal counseling as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 2900 et seq.
III. CONFIDENTIALITY
A. The success of the CISMP is incumbent on the confidentiality of the
program.
B. The relationship between a mental health professional and the participating
member/employee is confidential (California Evidence Code Section 1014).
C. PS and CIRT lay team members are not afforded confidentiali ty under the
law. However, team members shall not divulge the name or identity of a
member or employee who requests guidance. Additionally, team members shall not discuss information obtained while acting in a PS or CIRT capacity with anyone else other th an involved team members and/or a
mental health professional except as referenced in Part III, D.
D. PS and CIRT members are required to make the appropriate notifications
and divulge pertinent information regarding actions or behavior that rises to the level of misconduct in accordance with the provisions of TB V -T.3,
REPORTING MISCONDUCT.
E. The relationship between a PS/CIRT lay team member and member/employee is not a confidentiality protected relationship, such as between a mental health professional, chaplain or attorney.
IV. PROGRAM STAFFING
The Personnel and Training Division Commander has been designated as the
CISMP Coordinator . The CISMP consists of the following participants:
A. Department Mental Health Consultant – The Department contracts with a