Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (03/12 /2019 ) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Index as: CARE Team EAP
Chaplain Program Employee Assistance Program
CISM Team Employee Support Services
Compassionate Assistance with Respect and Empathy Team PEER Support Team
ComPsych® Corporation
Critical Incident Stress Management Team
Accreditation Standards: 22.1.4, 22.1.5, 22.1.7 , 35.1.9 , CFA 10.16
Cross Reference : G.O. II -42, Use of Force
G.O. II -43, Lethal and Less -Lethal Weapons
I.O.V.5:20, Employee Support Services
§39.201, F .S.S., Mandatory reports of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect; mandatory
reports of death; central abuse hotline
§491.0147 Confidentiality and privileged communications
Replaces : G.O. II -35, Emplo yee Assistance Program (April 28, 2016 )
This Order consists of the following sections:
I. Introduction
II. Purpose
III. Philosophy
IV. Resources and Referrals
V. Entering the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
VI. Confidentiality
VII. Limits of Confidentiality
VIII. Personnel Issues
IX. EAP Notification Procedures
X. Training
I. INTRODUCTION
A. The St. Petersburg Police Department and the City of St. Petersburg are committed to creating a safer environment
and providing responsive police services through an aggressive, problem -solving partnership with the community. The
Department recognizes that the ability to meet this commitment is integral to the depth of pride and commitment its
employees bring to their jobs , and that the strength of the Department's employees lies in the support behind them.
B. The Department also recognizes that the health and well -being of its employees and their families are essential in
creat ing an atmosphere within the Department that promotes communication, creativity and participation. The Department
values its employees and encourages them to achieve their greatest potential.
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
April 2016 Immediately II-35
Distribution: All Employees
General Order II -35
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (03/12 /2019) C. The City of St. Petersburg provides an Employee Assistance Pro gram to all employees through ComPsych®
Corporation , herein referred to as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
1. The Employee Assistance Program is free and confidential .
2. The EAP does not report back to the City that a Department member o r a family member has used the services.
Except as detailed in this Order.
3. This service is part of the employee benefit package and is provided to assist Department members and their
household with problems when they arise.
II. PURPOSE
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was created to assist employees and their families in accessing resources and
obtaining referral information for problems of a personal or professional nature. The primary purpose of the EAP is to assist
employees who are experiencing problems of a continuous or persistent nature which, when left unresolved, may jeopardize
an employee’s psychological and/or physical well -being. The goal is to provide individuals wit h brief, solution -focused
consultation, health mainten ance education classes, preven tive services, and referrals to psycho -social services and
treatment.
III. PHILOSOPHY
A. The Department and the public have a significant interest in supporting the concept of confidentiality in the work of
the EAP. Resolution of problems and effective treatment depend upon an atmosphere of confidence and trust; therefore,
the mere possibility of disclosure of confidential communications may impede development of the relation ship necessary
for a successful conclusion.
B. Confidentiality within the EAP serves a public interest since the emotional health of employees of the St. Petersburg
Police Department is no less important than their physical health in achieving our problem -solving partnership goals with
the community.
IV. RESOURCES AND REFERRALS
A. The City of St Petersburgh provides an Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych® Corporation (EAP)
that is available 24 hour s/day, 7 days/week and can be reached at 1 -888-327-5769 (TDD: 1 -888-327-5769) . Resource and
referral information includes, but is not limited to:
1. Confidential Counseling
a. Call and talk. Q uickly receive referral to in -person coun seling and other resources for:
1) Stress, Anxiety and Depression
2) Relationship Conflicts
3) Job Pressures
4) Grief and Loss
5) Substance Abuse
2. Financial Information and Resources
a) Speak with Certified Public Accounts and Certified Financial Planners on a wide range of financial issues.
3. Legal Support & Resources
a) Talk to an attorney.
b) Referral to an attorney for a free 30 -minute consultation with future service at a reduced rate.
4. Work -Life Solutions
a) Need help with your "to do" list.
b) Receive referrals and cu stomized resources to help you.
5. Wellness
a) Make positive lifestyle changes. This program includes access to health coaches.
General Order II -35
Revisions or additions are highlighted 3 (03/12 /2019) 6. GuidanceResources® Online
a. Provides expert information on issues that matter to you.
1) HelpSheets SM
2) "Ask the Expert"
B