Description
“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.”
Rachel Naomi Remen – Kitchen Table Wisdom - 1996
Policing is a dangerous, demanding, and stressful profession and law enforcement officers are exposed to traumatic situations and the cumulative effects of witnessing human suffering and tragedies. While law enforcement officers are trained to handle the most critical incidents like homicides and active shooter events, the daily accumulation of stress, anxiety, and trauma are rarely addressed. Exposure to the traumatic experiences of other people—known as vicarious trauma—is an inevitable occupational challenge for the field of law enforcement. The intense pressures of the job put officers at risk for high blood pressure, insomnia, increased levels of destructive stress hormones, heart problems, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. Many officers may not experience an intense “critical incident” in their careers; however, all officers are exposed to the daily accumulation of stressors which can adversely affect their physical and mental health.
To assist in addressing these concerns, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to offer one day training on the impact of trauma in policing to provide information, awareness, resiliency tools, and support.
Who should attend?
Law enforcement officers only.
Topics to be addressed
· Overview of Trauma in Law Enforcement Agencies
· Personal effects of trauma on law enforcement personnel
· Organizational effects of trauma
· Trauma Informed Approaches
· Overview Vicarious Trauma & Primary Trauma
· Law Enforcement Encounters and Stress
· Resiliency and Self-Care and Physical Fitness
· Tools and Resources
· Family Support and Human Resources
· Employee and Volunteer Assistance Programs
· Peer Support and Supervision
Partial In-service Credit
Law enforcement officers who complete this training are eligible to receive partial in-service credit hours.
Cost
There is no fee to attend this workshop and all training materials will be provided for registrants.
Travel, Lodging, and Meals
Participants are responsible for their transportation, meals, and lodging arrangements and expenses.
Training Time & Details
Registration
Pre-registration is required. Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.