March 2023

Published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this publication discusses peer support as an important part of an officer wellness strategy. Employees may feel more comfortable initially seeking support from a peer who understands the context and has experienced the same stressors. This guide provides a road map for small and rural law enforcement agencies implementing or enhancing peer support services. It highlights promising practices and provides brief case studies of peer support programs in three small…

Published by the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program (SAFLEO), this brief discusses the reluctance of some law enforcement officers to seek mental health treatment. The people closest to them often hold a special kind of influence when trying to convince their loved ones to seek help. This SAFLEO issue brief provides ways for family members, friends and others to support their law enforcement loved ones and shares practical strategies for helping officers in need.  The brief can…

Published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this publication discusses the importance of victim centered, trauma informed approaches to crime. These approaches enhance victim and community safety while helping law enforcement solve and prevent crime. The Agency Self-Assessment Tool for Law Enforcement Victim Support is designed to assist law enforcement agencies in reviewing practices related to victim response – specifically the integration of victim centered, trauma informed practices into the overall operating philosophy and culture of the…