Resiliency , Investment , Support and Encouragement
( R . I . S . E .)
By Lieutenant Ethan Andrews , Monterey Police Department
The Monterey Police Department recognizes that a career in law enforcement can be one of the most
rewarding and simultaneously demanding professions a person can choose . It is well documented that the ramifications of police work , such as cumulative and acute stress , lack of sleep , and physical or psychological trauma , can result in a number of negative repercussions on our officers ’ professional and personal lives . These repercussions can include a reduction in performance , substance abuse problems , relationship issues , disciplinary issues , and mental health injuries and illnesses .
These significant stressors are compounded by the current expectation that law enforcement should resolve complex societal problems such as gun violence , homelessness , and drug use . In today ’ s environment of heightened police scrutiny , decriminalization of certain crimes , and a seemingly never-ending desire by some in the media and popular culture to portray officers in a negative light , today ’ s law enforcement officer is being asked to do more while navigating a complex and changing environment .
Yet with all these challenges , the Monterey Police Department believes serving as a police officer remains a noble and worthwhile profession . In order to prepare officers to not simply survive their careers , but rather to thrive in them , the department created an officer safety and peer support team called R . I . S . E ., or Resiliency , Investment , Support , and Encouragement . The mission of R . I . S . E . is all in the name including teaching officers resiliency through investing in wellness , supporting officers in times of need , and encouraging them throughout their careers .
R . I . S . E . is a structured team of Monterey officers and supervisors who volunteer on the team as an auxiliary duty to their normal assignment . Team members receive training focused on Peer Support Counseling and Critical Incident Stress Management . Each team member signs a confidentiality agreement prohibiting them from discussing personal or sensitive information disclosed to them absent criminal activity , a threat of harm , or harassment . Each team member ’ s cell phone number is listed on a contact card and provided to every member of the department to encourage outreach .
“ R . I . S . E . above challenges .”
R . I . S . E . focuses its efforts on physical , mental , and spiritual health through education and outreach . For example , R . I . S . E . performs education on topics such as physical fitness , nutrition , mental trauma , and other health areas by posting materials , posters and articles to a large display board inside the department . The Monterey Police Department has also incorporated a block on wellness into its FTO orientation where R . I . S . E . meets with new officers . The team explains how R . I . S . E . works , discusses healthy stress mitigation practices , and encourages officers to reach out if they should need assistance .
“ When life knocks you down , R . I . S . E .”
The team also performs proactive outreach to officers who may be experiencing an increased stress load . For example , each R . I . S . E . team member volunteers to check in with probationary officers , officers who miss work due to injury , or officers who appear to be struggling . These contacts are often informal , with team members checking in with officers , opening a dialogue , and offering broad-based support . Responses to this outreach have been positive , with officers reporting decreased feelings of isolation during stressful periods and increased feelings of value to the department .
“ Together we R . I . S . E .”
Another R . I . S . E . function is coordinating “ camaraderie events ” designed to bring officers together off duty in a relaxed setting . Previous events have included beach barbeques , hiking trips , and other social activities that are designed to build interpersonal relationships . Hosting these events off duty allows officers to interact and create deeper , more personal bonds that might not be possible while on duty . All of these activities are designed to ensure the department is taking care of its most valuable resource , people , while breaking the stigma surrounding asking for help .
“ R . I . S . E ., so that officers may .” ■
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