Associated Module: Law Enforcement Families: What you need to know.

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What law enforcement families need to know....

Making the Most of Your Law Enforcement Connection

I understand the mission of public safety and the role and purpose of our law enforcement branch/office/department

I understand our law enforcement organization and it's rules and regulations

I know the ranks and administrative structure within my department/office

I have a basic understanding of special units and offices within our law enforcement branch

I understand the 'use of force' continuum

I know and demonstrate the safe handling/unloading/securing of a weapon and other law enforcement tools

My family members have been instructed gun safety and we have gun locks and secure storage for all law enforcement weapons & lethal tools

Critical Incidents

I know my department/office/district MEDICAL critical incident procedure

I have a written critical incident plan for my family (updated in the past 12 months)

I have emergency child/pet/elder care plans for my family identified and written

I know the department/office sequence of events during a critical incident

I have the supervisor/bosses contact information on file in the event of a critical incident

I know at least two key personal contacts with in our department/district/office that would be available to assist me or my family in the event of a critical incident involving our family member

I have notified our children's school of preferred CI family procedures

I have notified our family clergy of their role in any CI procedures

Health & Emergencies

I have a basic understanding of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons of mass destruction, and I know where to find more information about potential threats.

I have reviewed the general process of first responder medication distribution specific to my community and department.

I understand the difference between isolation and quarantine, and when they may be used as tools to protect the public health.

I can identify different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may be used on the job.

I know what to do if I/we suspect or demonstrate symptoms of hazardous exposures (i.e. mercury, fumes etc.).

Stress Management

I know and utilize daily stress management practices

We know and engage in leisure activities that allow us to make healthy connections with each other and our community members

We demonstrate healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise

Financial Planning

We have financial estate plans that are written and on file

We have family beneficiary information on file

We have a written will on file that specifies how property will be distributed, who shall administer the officer's estate, who will care for any minor children and health care directives including; life-sustaining treatment directives, organ donation and funeral arrangements.

We know and understand our departments deferred compensation plans.

We understand our department's retirement benefits and are active in retirement planning.

Mental Health Awareness and Response

I am aware of atypical responses to law enforcement stress

I know & understand the way the body/brain reacts to shift work and can talk about how this might look with our law enforcement family member

I know the warning signs for suicide

I have the skills to speak to our law enforcement family member about behaviors that are of concern

I know where to access resources regarding stress, withdrawal, anger, alcohol use, and parenting concerns

Family Life

I can identify the strengths and challenges in being a law enforcement family

I can identify typical emotional patters for law enforcement personnel

I understand stress patterns unique to law enforcement families

I know how to access a mental health professional skilled in working with law enforcement families and couples

I can identify unique issues that impact child/youth health and well being in a law enforcement family

I have the resources I need to talk about issues specific to belonging to a law enforcement family

I can identify resources specific to sustaining healthy and connected families

I communicate regularly with other family members/friends & teachers about law enforcement issues that impact our family

Connection and outreach

I/we reach out to new law enforcement personnel and families in our department

I/we reach out to department families when their officer has been involved in an accident or injury

I am aware of department/regional law enforcement training that is open to family members

I regularly review union/department communication/mailings

I review law enforcement magazines and publication for information relevant to families

I am aware of law enforcement family focused books and resources

I participate in law enforcement social events