2008, October 18: It’s Taking Off.
[For the week of Oct. 13, 2008]
IT’S TAKING OFF…
This is a very different Signal 1. Things are happening with the Chaplaincy Center which began last July 14th when about 20 APD and SCO Deputies literally gutted the first floor of the Furnace Street Mission. I mean, walls and all! Out of the terribly long anxiety experienced by 5 deputies and their families resulting from the McCaullah case, we began a series of meetings which provided support across that difficult year. It took place at the Mission which is located front of the Victim Assistance building and was a direct function of the chaplaincy. We recognized that while there are all kinds of places for citizens who have needs there is no safe place for officers and their families.
So began the idea of a “Cop Center” for all safety officers – a project that may well become a model used to help officers across the country. As we studied our profession, we saw that we are 30% more likely to experience health problems, 300% more likely to have domestic problems, 500% more likely have problems with alcohol, 600% more likely to experience anxiety and 1000% more likely to end up depressed than those in the general population. We won’t even go near suicide.
And we really can’t use traditional means of help because it can work against us in our profession, will cause problems relative to confidentiality/recognition among fellow officers as well as on the streets and even add problems should we ever face litigation.
Thus the idea for the Center was born and it is taking off. Here’s what’s going on.
As a few of our officers know, we have had debriefings in very inhospitable places – the 6th floor conference room where discipline meetings are held and even the conference room on third floor. If an officer is having difficulties at home or has a problem with alcohol, public services are not really helpful when you sit next to two people you booked at one time or another and will likely see again on the street or in court. Hence, we are actively initiating a place for all safety officers to obtain confidential help – totally off the record, totally neutral, no fit-for duty, etc.
GPD, the architects who donated the Eternal Flame, have donated the entire plans to remake both the first floor of the building and the chapel. We have received a grant and a number of contributions underwriting the first phase of the center and will be starting the initial work very shortly on the building and entrance before the snow flies.
Last week Russ and Barb Long, Frank Martucci, Major Hall and I presented our case to the board of the Blue Coats insisting that we are not asking for charity but rather want this to be a debt — what the community owes toward the price of keeping them safe. We have cleared the building department and are applying for the reconstruction permits. On Oct. 13th we submitted an application for United Way‘s special Development Funds to provide domestic incident early intervention, alcoholics anonymous groups for safety officers only, groups for officers, their significant others and children across the long weeks when administrative actions are taking place – for example, after lethal force situations, and for officers’ significant others who manage stresses unique to our profession. This is a very unique application which is being reviewed by United Way and to our knowledge a first ever kind of request – the response to which we will keep you appraised.
The center will have four functions. Confidential, law enforcement friendly assistance providing:
1. Support – Since the number one precursor for PTSD is interruption of a one’s core values, pastoral chaplaincy and spiritual assistance (including hospital visits, marriages and funerals for those who have no church home) are seen as critical. The center will also serve as a vital vehicle for material and emergency financial assistance to officers by expanding its emergency fund supported by tax-free contributions. Some of our people already know that this has been helpful across tough times and we can see this growing to be a true means of helping our brothers and sisters in time of great stress and need.
2. Counseling – Debriefings, A.A., early intervention in marriage/domestic issues, retirement, assistance for police related stressors, support groups including officers’ spouses, etc. This will also add support for officers’ spouses and children during the difficult and extended period of time inherited after use of force incidents which impact both the safety and sanctity of the officer’s families
3. Education – Community education about the law enforcement profession and issues, Law enforcement training revolving around crisis intervention, domestic violence, stress and spirituality, publications, training and the interface with higher education/professional organizations, Chaplaincy training, licensing and development
4. Law Enforcement Advocacy – In a society increasingly dominated by interest groups, law enforcement is the least represented with a vehicle to interpret to the community the unique issues associated with the profession and address community ignorance of our roles.
The Chaplaincy Center appears to be a unique project that may well become a model for other communities across the nation to reach out and support those who provide the safety and security necessary and without which a community cannot prosper. Most of all, it is to be a visible payment on a debt owed. It will be, as it has been thus far, off paper, confidential and provided at no cost to any officer or family. And no safety officer in this county will be turned away.
Matthew 5:9 in the Bible reads, “Blessed are the peace makers.” We plan to some give some meaning to that verse — and when it counts the most. So, now you know what’s going on. Stay safe and you have been prayed for.
