Policy Text
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.