The Law Enforcement Wellness Association Presents
Peer Support Training
Dr. John Violanti on Law Enforcement Peer Support

"I highly recommend peer support in law enforcement. Peer Support systems within departments can lead the way to reducing stress and psychological trauma among law enforcement officers. Officers in distress more easily confide in peer support officers than in outside sources, often to the extent of saving their careers and sometimes their lives."

John M. Violanti, PhD.
Associate Professor and retired police officer;
Author of Police Trauma and Police Suicide; Epidemic in Blue

The Law Enforcement Wellness Association is proud to provide the finest peer support training available to law enforcement. Course critiques from various classes taught across the nation continue to receive outstanding written reviews. Please visit the "testimonial" section of our website for comments from prior students.

In a profession wrought with stress and ever present danger, law enforcement officers have a tendency to stuff emotions and will often ignore the danger signals of overwhelming stress until it reaches a crisis level. Failure to deal with the signs of emotional crisis can lead to serious physical illness, substance abuse, depression, isolation, and even suicide.

Structured, trained, peer support units are being formed and utilized successfully by law enforcement agencies across the nation. Peer support programs in law enforcement are successful because a trained group of trusted officers can often assist their co-workers with problems and refer them for confidential, professional treatment if necessary. Departments large and small are realizing the benefits of peer support programs. Officers who keep themselves psychologically healthy are better service providers, plain and simple. Peer support programs in law enforcement work!

Basic Law Enforcement Peer Support Training - 2.5 Days

• Developing a Strong Peer Support Program
• Selecting Peer Support Personnel
• Issues Dealing with Confidentiality
• Listening and Communication Skills
• Role Play Exercises
• Substance Abuse
• Critical Incident Stress Intervention
• Suicide Prevention and Intervention
• Referral Techniques

Advanced Peer Support Training - 3 Days

• The Role of Peer Support
• Characteristics of Successful Peer Support Personnel
• Advanced Support Skills
• The Importance of Listening
• Accepting the Unacceptable
• Multiple Casualty Incidents
• Difficult Peer Sessions
• Death Notification
• Compassion Fatigue
• Teaching Survival
• Therapeutic Tools
• EMDR Feature
• Friendly Fire Incidents in Law Enforcement

The Law Enforcement Wellness Association has co-sponsored several peer support trainings in cooperation with local and federal law enforcement agencies. This has been an excellent and very successful method of providing quality training. Please call or E-mail us if you are interested in this option. The hosting agency receives either free training slots or a portion of the class revenue.