The program is hosted by peers and features an interactive return-to-work process focused on the mental health needs of members involved in traumatic events. Reintegration members work alongside the Psychological Therapies Section, to ensure the member gets the best treatment possible.
There are two streams for Reintegration, “reintegration” and “code events”
Other than following a Code 900 event, all participation is completely voluntary and kept confidential.
Reintegration Supports
Contact: [email protected]
Reintegration
This portion of the program deals with mental health, and is designed for those with accumulated stress injury, workplace trauma, other psychological injuries, or anything deemed applicable by a mental health professional.
Involvement is completely voluntary. The Reintegration Program works alongside therapists and clinicians from the Psychological Therapies Section to tailor a treatment program to meet each member’s needs. Participation is kept completely confidential, and information is not shared with the Service.
A large part of the program uses “in vivo” or “real life” exposures. The Reintegration Program, directed by a mental health professional, assists members in working through situations related to their trauma. This can include something as simple as putting a uniform back on or attending a district office. This can also include exposure to triggers related to the traumatic incident such as gunfire, attending calls for service, attending various facilities such as hospitals, the medical examiner’s office, etc.
Ultimately, the program works to accommodate the member’s needs, on a timeline that works for the member. The ultimate goal of the Reintegration Unit is to improve quality of life and if appropriate, a successful return to work.
Code Events
This portion of the program supports officers after they are involved in a Code 900 incident. It is the only mandatory portion of the Reintegration Program. This includes attending the range and handling a firearm for the first time following the incident, accompanied by a member of the Reintegration Program.
Members are given the opportunity to conduct dry drills, practice firearm manipulation, reacclimate to gunfire, and preform relevant drills and exercises before shooting the AACP qualifier. This offer is also extended to witness officers on a voluntary basis.
For Code 900 incidents that are not firearms related, a similar approach will be taken specific to that incident.