Page 144 - 2022 A Year in Review Final

The Cranston Police Department Peer Support team has been developed to provide

debriefing following critical incidents. The focus of this service is to minimize the

harmful effects of job stress, particularly in crisis or emergency situations. The

highest priorities of the team are to maintain confidentiality and to respect the

individuals involved. It is not the function of the Peer Support Team to replace

ongoing professional counseling, but to provide immediate crisis intervention and peer

support. The Peer Support Team provides emergency personnel with a tool to alleviate

stress-related symptoms, as well as facilitating access to the department’s Employee

Assistance Program (EAP) which offers additional counseling services, should they be

needed. The City of Cranston has contracted with Community Care Alliance of

Woonsocket to provide a wide range of Employee Assistance Programs including, but

not limited to counseling.

The Peer Support Team is comprised of ten (10) personnel, one (1) civilian and nine (9)

sworn officers. Selection of members for the Peer Support team shall be initiated by

the Chief of Police or his or her designee, by requesting nominations from all officers.

Members of the department may nominate any officer within the department they

believe would effectively serve in the capacity as a peer support team member. The

nominated officers are contacted, informed of their nomination, and asked if they wish

to be considered for the team. The Chief of Police or designee shall review the list of

nominees then select the candidate he/she believes is most suitable regardless of

seniority, to include but not be limited to addressing any need for representation

within a certain division or demographic within the department. If no suitable

nominations are received, the Chief of Police reserves the right not to fill the position

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2022