Most employees entering the criminal justice system recognize that verbal and minimal physical abuse from those in their care, custody, and control is a reality of the job. Since employees in these settings tend to be cautious and somewhat suspicious of mental health providers and outsiders, a few EAP programs include clinician-trained peer support personnel selected from the employees likely to be represented in an event. They must also have education, training and experience in critical incident stress intervention. Pre- incident prevention and stress inoculation are essential. All employees receive education and training in everyday and work-related stress awareness and stress management techniques as well as how to access the EAP program and CISM team, when necessary, while attending Basic Training Academy.
Managers receive training in recognition of employee stress and referral procedures.
Families and significant others are provided similar stress awareness and coping skills and how to access referral services at the Family Academy. CISM team development, member selection and training needs to be well-planned and foster a partnership between employees, management and labor relations. Best results are achieved if team membership is voluntary. Team members, professional and peer, must be trusted and accepted by their fellow employees. Peer members must be representative of the employee population including custody, maintenance, counseling, education, medical, clerical, etc.