178 - CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING TEAM (CISD) AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES REVISED

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.