City of Anaheim Office of the City Manager August 11, 2020 The Honorable Kirk H. Nakamura Orange County Grand Jury*

Peer Support Programs are effective in helping Peace Officers develop healthy coping techniques for themselves and their families. Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding. Additionally, the Anaheim Police Department contracts with The Counseling Team International (TCTI) which are available 24/7/365. Clinicians work exclusively with peer support teams, first responders and their families.

A written policy documenting each agency's Peer Support Program helps ensure the program's continuation after changes in staff Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding and already has a policy established.

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 Anaheim agrees with this finding. Prior to the law being enacted, the Anaheim Police Department did maintain confidentiality while acting in a Peer 200 S. ANAHEIM BLVD. Support capacity. An effective Peer Support Team is based upon confidentiality, it is SUITE 733 ANAHEIM, CA 92805 extremely important and cannot be compromised. TEL (714) 765-5162 FAX (714) 765-5164 www.anaheim.net Grand Jury Response 2019-2020 OC Grand Jury Report, "Protecting Those Who Protect and Serve" August 11, 2020

It is important that Peer Support Team members receive periodic training. Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding. All Peer Support team members must attend the Basic Peer Support course within one year of being assigned to the team. The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing course is also mandatory. Peer Support members are not allowed to attend a conference or other Peer Support related training prior to the completion of both courses. Additionally, approximately ½ the team is selected to attend the annual Public Safety Peer Support Conference. The conference is for Peer Supporters and provides a myriad of training classes dealing with first responders assigned to police and fire departments. It also includes presentations from those effected by mental wellness issues, including suicide ideations, attempted suicide, employee death, all facets of trauma, critical incidents, and injuries.

Allocating a specific budget line item for Peer Support Programs help ensure adequate training and continuation of the programs. Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding. It is important for Peer Support members to participate in training, be available to fellow employees 24/7/365, and provide initial assistance for personnel involved in critical incidents. The budget also allows for the Peer Support team to conduct in-house bi-annual training directly for the team.

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 Anaheim agrees with this finding. It is critical personnel know the Peer Support team exists and the department as a whole supports personnel who are in crisis. On a yearly basis, a certified clinician from TCTI, along with a Peer Support member, attends all patrol briefings as a reminder of the services which are available to the individual employee and the employee's immediate family members. Peer Support members continually communicate with department personnel. Department personnel also have direct access to Peer Support members through an app provided through the Wellness Incentive Program.