The support systems law enforcement officers go home to at the end of a shift are vital to maintaining their physical and mental resiliency.
While officers are routinely exposed to stressful and demanding incidents that challenge them both physically and emotionally, these experiences may also impact the officers’ family members. It’s crucial for family members—spouses, companions, children, parents, and siblings—to have their own resources in place to help them maintain their own well-being and continue to support the officers in their lives.
To support wellness and resiliency in officers and their families, the IACP has created a new resource, How to Start a Law Enforcement Family Support Group: Insights and Considerations. This guidebook offers considerations, case studies, and a workbook to assist individuals in building the foundation for a successful family group in their agencies.
The resource addresses important considerations for developing family support groups:
- Funding
- Participation
- Effective group structure
- Privacy of participants
- Partnerships
- Leadership buy-in
In addition, the guidebook includes an interactive workbook that agencies can use to build a mission statement and tailor the goals of the group to fit officer and family wellness needs.
Additional Law Enforcement Family ResourcesUpcoming Resources |
Getting a Support Group Off the Ground
Whether it is a missed milestone due to unusual work hours or internalized worry and tension from a spouse, the families of law enforcement face daily stressors. Setting up a family support group provides the chance for individuals to connect over their shared experiences.
Support groups will look different for each agency based on its department structure, size, and culture. Working collaboratively with stakeholders on a mission statement is a good starting point for establishing a family group. When developing a mission statement for the group, consider what the ultimate goal is. Are family members looking for their own law enforcement community? Are parents looking to talk about the challenges of parenting in similar situations? Will this group have some sort of philanthropic mission?
Consider different strategies for sharing this opportunity with officers’ families. Use existing email lists and department newsletters to advertise the group and gauge interest. Take time to speak with spouses and other family members about what type of group would benefit them most.
Determining Group Format
Support group meetings don’t necessarily have to be on a specific night in the auxiliary room of a department building. Online groups have the benefit of being accessible 24/7 and require little or no funding, but they do require frequent monitoring by group administrators. Online groups may also work well for agencies spread out across larger geographic areas.
In-person meetings can be based around events, such as community service days, cooking classes, family movie nights, seminars on topics like emergency preparedness and financial planning, and other activities.
Regardless of the venue or platform, it is important to set clear expectations at the beginning about the purpose of the group. Branding the group as an inclusive, supportive resource will set the tone for productive gatherings.
Coming Together and Communicating
Agencies looking to build a support group should consider different ways to foster a welcoming and safe environment. Prioritizing privacy by implementing various security measures can encourage group participation. Online groups should have password protection and “closed” or “secret” status. Advertisements for in-person meetings should be targeted and not posted in a public space or page.
Funding for Family Groups
Creating a family support group for an agency doesn’t necessarily require funding. Consider where meetings could be hosted for free or elect to host them online. Once potential expenses are identified, collaborate with members and stakeholders to decide on funding sources and fundraising opportunities. Consider electing a dedicated group treasurer to track expenses and incoming funds. Finances should not be seen as a barrier for agencies looking to support officer family wellness.
With careful planning and consideration of all stakeholders and desired outcomes, a law enforcement family support group can improve wellness and resiliency among families and officers, leading to better service to the wider community as well.d
