Protecting Those Who Protect and Serve

Peer Support Programs are effective in helping Peace Officers develop healthy coping techniques for themselves and their families. Response: The City of Fullerton agrees with the Finding. The Fullerton Police Department has a well-established Peer Support Program which has been in place for over 5 years. The Fullerton Police Department’s Peer Support Team has 25 members; the team is made up of sworn officers (of varying rank from officer to lieutenant), dispatchers, forensic specialists, records personnel, professional staff, volunteers and chaplains. Additionally, the Fullerton Police Department has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) program which allows employees to get assistance any time of day, any day of the year. The EAP program also has also allowed the Fullerton Police Department to establish protocols so that any employee can see Dr. Heather Williams, a clinician who helped establish Peer Support in Orange County. Dr. Heather Williams, through EAP, also facilitates the Department’s Critical Incident Debriefs.

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 Fullerton agrees with the Finding. The Fullerton Police Department has maintained confidentiality since the inception of the team and members acknowledge the importance by signing a Confidentiality Waiver. West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California 92832-1775 (714) 738-6310  Fax (714) 738-6758  [email protected]  www.cityoffullerton.com 2019-20 Grand Jury Report: “Protecting Those Who Protect and Serve”

It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. Response: The City of Fullerton agrees with the Finding. All peer support team members must attend the Basic Peer Support course within one year of being assigned to the team. Additionally, the Peer Support Team receives training 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 Fullerton agrees with the Finding. A dedicated, line-item budget ensures there are funds for the Peer Support Team members to get the required training classes, attend conferences and attend additional, non-required training classes that would ensure the continuation of the program. The funds would also allow for department-wide training materials and promotional materials to increase awareness and usage of the peer support program, which would aid in the continuation of the 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 Fullerton agrees with the Finding. The Fullerton Police Department’s Peer Support program is a well-respected, established program but reminding personnel the program exists and disseminating important peer support related information is critical to the program’s success. Peer Support team members regularly give briefing trainings and communicate department wide via email in an effort to remind all personnel the program exists and how the program can benefit them. Response to Recommendations