Peer Support Programs That Deal With Traumatic Field Events In California Law Enforcement

This paper presents a futures study regarding peer support programs that address police traumatic field events, develops a model strategic plan for this future issue, and provides a transition management plan for instituting the strategic plan in a police department. Peer support is a process by which persons provide emotional support to colleagues who are under work-related stress. Following a literature search and interviews with four knowledgeable persons in the field of peer support programs, this study develops three futures scenarios. They focus on potential legislative restrictions on police stress retirements, development of a nonlethal handgun, and a change in managerial interest in employees. The model strategic plan is developed for a mythical "Beach City Police Department." The plan has generic concepts and specific implementation systems. The transition management plan presents a double structure and controlling process for the implementation of the plan.