Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network Improving Officers’ Mental Health
In 2021 Texas launched the Texas Law Enforcement Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network in an effort offer law enforcement officers with a confidential way to find help for mental health problems. Since its inception, this program has helped forty-six officers that were struggling. The goal of this program is to reduce suicide and self-harm rates in police officers. With a high-stress job that can take its toll on an officer’s mental health, many struggle to overcome the mental health stigma that will allow them to get help.
The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network allows those struggling to confidentially, and without fear of judgement, get help when they are in a mental health crisis. This program consists of over 300 volunteer officers that have received state training equipping them to assist their peers during times of stress, trauma, and mental health crises.
Program Designed to Reduce Police Officer Suicides and Self-Harm
Law enforcement workers are continually exposed to high stress situations. Many of these experiences can be traumatic events, with lasting effects on the officers. Not dealing with the aftermath of this trauma can be catastrophic. This results in a higher-than-normal suicide and self-harm rate among police officers, who are unable or unwilling to seek mental health assistance when they are struggling. The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network aims to reduce the number of officers that succumb to mental health problems, giving them the confidential resources to get help when it is needed.
Confidentially Pairing Officers in Need with Mental Health Volunteers
Keeping the confidentiality of officers seeking help through the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network program is a top priority. Officers in Texas can anonymously download the program’s GreenLight Balance app. Whether in a mental health crisis or just needing talk, the officer can press a button in the app. This will then pair the officer with a volunteer officer, trained in providing mental health assistance. The volunteer officer can be up to 500 miles away. The process remains anonymous, and the officer is able to get the immediate help that they need.
Eliminating the Stigma of Mental Health Treatment
There is a stigma in law enforcement to remain strong and unwavering. Exhibiting a weakened state, particularly regarding mental health, can be seen as a sign of a weak officer. By remaining confidential, this eliminates the stigma that seeking help for mental health problems has long overshadowed the law enforcement community. The officer can get help anonymously and instantly. Their information and name are kept confidential and are not shared with their law enforcement agency or peers.
Improving Texas Law Enforcement Mental Health
There is a growing need for mental health services in the United States and law enforcement professionals are not immune to this problem. Exposed to everyday trauma and crises, this can quickly take a toll on the officer’s mental health. Instituting the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network program is a big step toward providing these officers with the help and support that they need to get through life’s biggest challenges.
