Orn City of Brea November 12, 2020 The Honorable Kirk H. Nakamura Presiding Judge Superior Court of California, Orange*

Peer Support Programs are effective in helping Peace Officers develop healthy coping techniques for themselves and their families. Response: The City of Brea agrees with this finding. Approximately 15 years ago, the Brea Police Department began a Peer Support program. At that time, Police Management saw a disturbing national trend in law enforcement: a sharp increase in police officer suicides. This trend, coupled with the desire to provide employees with an outlet for crises, gave birth to our Peer Support Program. The Program continues today with approximately 10 members, including sworn officers, dispatchers, evidence personnel, and chaplains. In addition to the Peer Support Program, the City of Brea participates in the Employee Assistance Program. Every city employee, including those in the police department, have access to mental health professionals and other professional resources (e.g., legal assistance, parenting advice, eldercare, and financial counseling). City Council Marty Simonoff Steven Vargas Cecilia Hupp Christine Marick Glenn Parker Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Member Civic & Cultural Center • 1 Civic Center Circle • Brea, California 92821-5732 • 714/990-7600 • FAX 714/990-2258 • www.cityofbrea.net Recycled cert no. SCS-COC-001182 @ 1996/95C Honorable Judge Nakamura November 12, 2020 A written policy documenting each agency's Peer Support Program helps ensure the

program's continuation after changes in staff. Response: The City of Brea agrees with this finding. Brea Police Department Lieutenant Phil Rodriguez, Professional Standards, is currently working on the implementation of a Peer Support Policy, which has a target completion date of January 1, 2021. The benefits in the peer support statute, effective January 1, 2020, are important to Peace

Officers and Peer Support Team members. Response: The City of Brea agrees with this finding.

It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. Response: The City of Brea agrees with this finding. Once the Brea Police Department selects a new member of the Peer Support Team, the Department makes every effort to send new members to Basic Peer Support Training. Over the last four years, the Brea Police Department has sent five new members to Basic Peer Support Training.

Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure adequate training and continuation of the programs. Response: The City of Brea agrees with this finding. Currently, the City of Brea does not have a line item budget devoted solely to Peer Support; however, we agree this would help to ensure members attend the required classes, ongoing training, and conferences. Budget constraints have had an adverse effect on this goal for the past couple of years. 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 Brea agrees with this finding. Every new officer hired participates in a "Phase 1" training program. During that time, members of our Peer Support Team present an overview of the services provided by Peer Support. This is a new hire's first exposure to Peer Support. The Brea Police Department also participates in a Family Support Program run by the spouses of our officers. We use the Phase 1 training process to connect the families of new hires with the families of veteran police officers. It is Honorable Judge Nakamura November 12, 2020 important that all members of the organization, and their families, know that there are resources available to support them.