City of Orange City Attorney*

Peer Support Programs are effective in helping Peace Officers develop healthy coping techniques for themselves and their families. Response: The City of Orange agrees with the Finding (F1). The Orange Police Department has a Peer Support Program which has been in place for the last 3.5 years. The Orange Police Department currently has 13 Peer Support Team members made up of sworn and non-sworn staff. The Orange Police Department has established procedures for sworn and non-sworn staff to utilize Dr. Heather Williams for both work related and personal psychological services. Dr. Heather Williams, at the request of the Chief of Police, can facilitate a Critical Incident Debrief of a traumatic event(s). The City of Orange has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides all employees with the opportunity to obtain additional assistance.

The benefits in the peer support statute, effective January 1, 2020, are important to Peace Officers and Peer Support Team members. ORANGE, CA 92866 300 E. CHAPMAN AVE. . ORANGE CIVIC CENTER . PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER The Honorable Kirk H. Nakamura November 16, 2020 Response: The City of Orange agrees with the Finding (F3). The Orange Police Department has provided updated training to our Peer Support Team regarding confidentiality. The Peer Support Team understands the importance of trustworthiness and the confidential nature of their conversations.

It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. Response: The City of Orange agrees with the Finding (F4). The Orange Police Department has all members of the Peer Support Team attend the Basic Peer Support course within one year of being assigned to the team. The Peer Support Team receives training from Dr. Heather Williams at their regularly scheduled meetings, these meetings are scheduled to take place three times a year.

Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure adequate training and continuation of the programs. Response: The City of Orange agrees with the Finding (F5). A dedicated budget line item has been established for Premier 1st Responder Psychological Services. These funds allow the Orange Police Department to utilize the services of Dr. Heather Williams and allows access to the Orange County Association of Peer Supporters (OCAPS). The Orange Police Department has utilized these funds to pay for required training classes and to provide department wide training to increase the awareness of the Peer Support Program.

Continuous communication to Peace Officers about the Peer Support Programs is important to increase awareness and use of the Peer Support Programs. Response: The City of Orange agrees with the Finding (F6). The Orange Police Department's Peer Support program is a respected and growing program. The program's success is dependent on Peer Support Team members ensuring our staff understands how the program works and what resources are available. Peer Support Team members, along with Dr. Heather Williams, provide training for all members of the Department. This is done to highlight and remind our personnel of the benefits of the program. In addition, our new employees receive a Peer Support orientation during their FTO program.