178 CISD

POLICY 178.0CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING TEAM (CISD) AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES: Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson 4/2019 A.PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to outline this agency’s response to personnel who as a result of responding to or becoming involved in a critical incident may be in need of peer counseling or mental health services. The duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement profession are often emotionally demanding and difficult, and employees generally risk experiencing stress and related emotional difficulties. Emotional problems may have a negative impact on personnel performance, and in extreme instances, may present a danger to the welfare and safety of employees, their families or the general public. Therefore, it is the policy of the El Portal Police Department to provide all personnel with access to peer counseling and/or mental health services to help them preempt and resolve emotional difficulties and, under emergency conditions, take those measures necessary in the provision of mental health services to ensure the well-being and safety of employees and the general public. B.DEFINITIONS 1.Critical Incident: Any situation, which has such profound emotional impact that it has the potential to interfere with an employee’s ability to function. 2.Defusing: A brief discussion between involved employees and a supervisor immediately following a critical incident. It is used to restore involved employee’s cognitive functioning and prepare them for future stress reactions resulting from the incident. Peer debriefers will not discuss details of the event with the employee as they are not covered under legal confidentiality guidelines and it would not be considered privileged information. 3.Mental Health Professional : A licensed professional, Departmentally authorized social or mental health caseworker, counselor, psychotherapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. When a mental health professional is present at either a defusing or debriefing, confidentiality guidelines do apply and all statements are considered privileged. 4.Team Coordinator : Performs administrative duties of the CISD Team and manages its operation. The Chief of Police or his designee will select the CISD Team Coordinator. The Team Coordinator will report directly to the Assistant Chief or his designee while performing the duties of this role. Page 1 of 4 C.DEBRIEFING 1.It shall be responsibility of the on scene supervisor, to determine if a debriefing and/or defusing is needed and when they will take place. 2.Any member or employee of the Department can initiate a debriefing by contacting the on scene supervisor. 3.Only those members involved in the Critical Incident will be permitted to attend the debriefing and/or defusing. D.CHAPLAIN The Chaplain will be included in the training/activities of the Team at the request of the supervisor. E.PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 1.Mental health service providers are available to all employees of this agency and their families as allowed by insurance coverage. Use of these services shall be treated in the same manner as any other work-related illness or disability. 2.The services of mental health professionals may be invoked by employee self- referral or referral of a supervisor through the Office of the Chief or by policy following life-threatening, traumatic experiences. 3.Supervisory personnel are responsible for continuously monitoring personnel performance and behavior and shall be alert to behavioral indicators that suggest emotional problems. These include, but are not limited to: a.uncharacteristic or repeated citizen complaints, particularly those related to excessive force; b.abrupt changes in prescribed employee response or behavior such as excessive tardiness, absenteeism, abnormal impatience, irritability or aggressiveness, or repeated instances of overreaction or failure to act in the line of duty; c.irrational or bizarre thoughts or actions, d.unexplained changes in work habits or patterns of leave usage; e.erratic mood swings; and f.indications of alcohol or drug abuse. 4.Supervisory personnel who observe or receive information regarding the above types of behavior shall consult with the employee for an explanation and, where necessary, may confer with peer counselors, managers or mental health professionals for guidance. Page 2 of 4 5.Where circumstances indicate, the supervisor shall suggest a voluntary self- referral to the employee. Where emotional impairment/dysfunction is suspected, either prior to or following these consultations, supervisory personnel shall determine whether an administrative referral to mental health professionals is warranted. 6.Under emergency conditions, when an employee’s behavior constitutes a significant danger to themselves or others, a supervisor may order a direct and immediate referral for mental health evaluation. A mental health professional shall be contacted for instructions prior to the referral, and transportation shall be provided for the employee. 7.In instances where supervisory personnel believe that an employee is experiencing serious or debilitating emotional or psychological problems, they shall direct that the employee be interviewed by an agency-authorized mental health service provider. a.A written copy of the referral order