Resources & Outreaches
| CURRENT ANTI-POLICE SENTIMENT AND UNFAIR/BIASED MEDIA COVERAGE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| These realities can have a significant negative impact on our morale. Click HERE for a helpful article by Dr. Robin Kroll entitled, "Weathering the Storm." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| APPLIED POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY SEMINARS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Applied positive psychology is "the scientific study of what
enables individuals and communities to thrive."
Positive psychology is concerned with what is right
with people, their talents, abilities, and passions.
Positive psychology assumes that people are
basically healthy, resourceful and motivated to
grow. It looks at peoples' strengths. It focuses on
what makes life most worth living, including aspects
of the human condition that lead to happiness,
fulfillment, and flourishing. Our relationships with
other people matter. Life has meaning and purpose
when you see yourself as connected to something
larger than yourself whether that is through
religion, secular, nature, or friends and family.
There is no easy formula to obtain happiness; you
need to work at it. Do something for someone else.
Little things add up. Positive psychology does not
deny the negative side of life; we are all very
aware that bad things happen in the world. We can
use our strengths of character to deal with them.
Sometimes people even experience post-traumatic
growth after a traumatic incident. They're able to
do this because of resilience.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resilience is an appropriate segue to introduce the Army's Comprehensive Fitness (CSF) Program. In response to the increased stress and hardship on soldiers, the Army has chosen to focus on the well-being of its soldiers. The foundation of CSF is strong minds, strong bodies. The goal of CSF is to have soldiers as psychologically fit as they are physically fit. In order to accomplish this, CSF focuses on five dimensions of strength: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family. "Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is a structured, long term assessment and development program to build the resilience and enhance the performance of every soldier, family member, and Department of the Army civilian." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Physical/Emotional: - Displays persistent feelings of sadness, anger and guilt - Rationalizes drinking - Neglects eating / shows symptoms of malnourishment - Shows signs of physical deterioration - Experiences blackouts Family/Home: - Avoids family/friends - Devalues personal relationships - Shows lack of interest in intimacy - Experiences general family chaos - Fails to keep commitments, dates, promises and resolutions - Avoids discussion about usage of drugs/alcohol Employment: - Misses time from work or other commitment - Develops work or money problems - Drinks at work - Sneaks drinks - Has disciplinary issues at work/gets suspended/quits or loses job - Loses ambition and is unable to cope with responsibility Behavioral: - Changes habits such as sleeping, eating and hygiene - Becomes more passive, withdrawn or irritable - Exhibits grandiose or aggressive behavior - Threatens/attempts suicide - Drives under the influence - Consumes alcohol while driving Social: - Changes friends/social groups - Drinks in order to feel comfortable in social situations - Experiences disapproval of drinking from others - Preoccupied with using alcohol - Increased social isolation - Loss of outside interests - Loss of relationships Financial: - Limited income/financial ruin/budget - Loss of possessions - Extensive credit card debt Legal: - Alcohol or other drug-related charges/arrests - DUI or other legal problems associated with substance use If you see these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, please act on them. Call us for a referral, or reach out to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 312/743-0378. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| POLICE-FRIENDLY A.A. GROUP: "NO COP-OUTS" | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| No Cop-Outs is a group of active and retired police officers who share the desire to stay sober. This support group, offering six meetings each week, is always open to new members. To learn more, click HERE. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article by Dr. Robin Kroll, published in September 2014 Police Chief Magazine, on the topic of officers with addiction. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| P.A.D.: POLICE WITH ADDICTION AND DEPRESSION -- AN INDEPENDENT DUAL-DIAGNOSIS LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A group of Police Officers with alcoholism and depression meets on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, alternating north side / south side locations each week. Click HERE for details. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEPRESSION AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article from American Addiction Centers on the topic of Depression among the police community and fire service. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top of the page | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MINISTRY TO OFFICERS INVOLVED IN SHOOTINGS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| In a team effort with
the Chicago Police Department Training and Education
Academy Staff, we chaplains gather officers who (on
duty or off) have been forced to use their weapon in
the mission they swore to undertake: protection of
the public. The Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) course generally takes place at the Training and Education Academy. Officers recently involved in an incident requiring deadly force are summoned to participate. OIS incidents are extremely traumatic to our officers...even more so when an offender dies because of his or her threat to the public or the officer. While ultimately the injury or death of an offender stems from the offender's poor judgment, commission of a crime or creation of a substantial threat, officers forced to use their weapon are deeply affected by the incident. Our ministry to these officers is crucial in helping them to adjust and resolve to continue their important, most noble work. Officers are most welcome to contact us for more information regarding the OIS course. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRITICAL / TRAUMATIC INCIDENT MINISTRY | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Members of the Chicago Police
Chaplains Unit are the point of first contact by
Department members involved in traumatic incidents
of many sorts. Click below for resources provided by the Northern Illinois Critical Incident Stress Management Team (NICISMT) to help identify and address issues related to critical / traumatic incidents. Please don't ever hesitate to call on us to help you through the healing process after such an incident. Click HERE for NICISMT Critical Incident Information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Also, a group of active and retired
Chicago Police Officers who have been involved in
critical incidents meets on a weekly basis. To learn
more about this group, please contact its
facilitator, Dr. Robin Kroll, by visiting
www.drrobinkroll.com The school of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center offers a program called ROAD HOME, providing assistance to veterans transitioning from military life to civilian life. The battle is over, but the journey is not. Click HERE for more information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| INFORMATION FOR SPOUSES / SIGNIFICANT OTHERS REGARDING CRITICAL AND TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Chicago Police
Chaplains extend their ministry to not only our
officers, but their families. If we may ever be of
assistance in this regard, please feel free to
contact us. Please
also visit our "Information
For Police families" page. Also, the Northern Illinois Critical Incident Stress Management Team offers information and resources to loved ones of police officers involved in critical and traumatic incidents. Click HERE for more information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| POST-TRAUMATIC INCIDENT CARE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article from the summer 2012 C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) magazine. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a link to the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for an informative "American Police Beat" magazine (November, 2012) article on PTSD retreat opportunities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article from Dr. Robin Kroll, from the September 2014 Illinois C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) magazine. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for some helpful videos regarding PTSD. Continue to watch after the first video, as other helpful videos follow. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| HEALING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for an informative article from the fall 2013 C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) magazine. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article from the fall 2012 C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) magazine. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEALING WITH THE DEATH OF A CHILD | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| It is rightly said
that there is no greater source of grief than the
death of a child. The Chicago Police Chaplains
prayerfully minister to Department members and
retirees who have experienced such a tremendous
loss. We are a phone call / email away. Whether your child was born or unborn, 5, 15 or 50, allow us to help you through this MOST difficult time. Our Lady of Pompeii Church on Chicago's near west side offers a regular one-day workshop for parents who have lost a child. While hosted by a Catholic church, all grieving parents of any faith tradition are welcome. For more information, visit www.ourladyofpompeii.org or call 312/421-3757. Also; the Northern Illinois Critical Incident Stress Management Team offers information and resources to those who have experienced such a loss. Click HERE for more information. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top of the page | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| An unfortunate reality: statistics
show that those committed to military and law
enforcement professions are more prone to commit
suicide than the general public. In fact,
nationwide, more than twice as many police officers
take their own lives as are killed by aggressors. Suicide warning signs: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| In light of these warning signs, if
you have a friend or loved one about whom you are
concerned in this regard, PLEASE ask these
questions: (Ask POINT BLANK!) “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?” “Have you decided how you are going to do it?” “Have you thought about WHEN you are going to do it?” |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| YOU MUST ACT ON ANY POSITIVE RESPONSES. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resources… don’t hesitate to call!
And do not leave the individual alone at this point. P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation: 866/276-4615 Employee Assistance Program (EAP…Chicago Police Professional Counseling 24/7…and CONFIDENTIALITY IS GUARANTEED): 312/743-0378 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE YOU KNOW APPEARS SUICIDAL... | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for a helpful article from the Mayo Clinic staff regarding this difficult subject. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other helpful resources regarding
first responder suicide awareness and prevention... https://www.policeone.com/police-training/articles/483754006-IPSA-symposium-focuses-on-safeguarding-first-responder-mental-health/ https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/IL-House-urged-to-pass-1st-responders-suicide-13799338.php https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503444&objectid=12223596 https://www.newsreview.com/chico/trauma-response/content?oid=28052198 https://www.emsworld.com/commentary/1222544/time-talk-about-it |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME? CALL EAP! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL
unit of the Chicago Police Department supporting all
officers, their friends, and family members who may
be in need. The professional counseling service
offers assistance with depression, drugs, alcohol,
or plain day-to-day issues we face doing our jobs.
Many of our friends and family members suffer
feelings of anxiety and loneliness. If someone you
know needs help, please refer them to EAP where
therapists are on call 24 hours a day. If they are
contemplating suicide, don't keep it a secret, call:
EAP - 312-743-0378. Suicide Hotline – 1-800-SUICIDE ****Remember, this is confidential**** |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| LOVING OUTREACH TO SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for information on the LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) programs for adults and children, offered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEALING WITH THE REALITY OF GRIEF AND MOURNING | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Center for Loss and Life Transition offers terrific resources from explaining what GRIEF and MOURNING are, to dealing with this reality yourself or helping others to grieve/mourn. Click HERE for more information on this very important topic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEALING WITH A DIVERSE PUBLIC | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click HERE for helpful streaming videos highlighting the diverse public we serve, and how to best accommodate their varied needs with efficiency and sensitivity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| OFFERING COMPASSIONATE WORDS TO CIVILIANS FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF THEIR CHILD | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| You may wish to have
handy some compassionate (but not trite) words to
say to parents who have lost children to violence,
accidents, suicides, etc. Here are some helpful things you can say / offer: - I am very sorry for your loss. - Is there a family pastor or member of the clergy I can contact for you? And here are some things that are not helpful and should be avoided: - Don't cry. - It was his / her time. - It must have been for the best. - He / she is in a better place. - I would die if I were you. - God never gives us more than we can handle. - Don't worry, things will be OK. - Time is a great healer. - Hang in there. - God must have needed another angel in heaven. - I know how you're feeling. (The only time you might use this is if you have personally experienced what they are going through and are comfortable sharing with them.) You'll notice the "Don't say" list is a lot longer than the "Do say" list. That's because when in doubt, saying nothing at all will prove more beneficial than making a trite, overused or insensitive statement. Your silent presence speaks volumes. When leaving, if you're comfortable with it, something like this might be appreciated: "Again, I'm very sorry. I will keep your family in my prayers." (If you use this one, then please be sure to make good on it in your personal prayers!) While perhaps you're not ministers, and you have a job to do in short time with limited resources, it never hurts to show some compassion when dealing with grieving civilians. |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES AND OUTREACHES CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING THE PCM LINKS PAGE (click HERE) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top of the page |
