The Vision
Mission
Objectives
What is Peer Counseling?
Who are Peer Counselors?
Why Peer Counselors?
Who needs Peer Counseling?
What can you expect from your Peer Counselor?
What do Peer Counselors expect of clients?
Will a Peer Counselor help my family?
To whom do Peer Counselors refer?
How do Peer Counselors function?
The Peer Counseling Unit
To have a dynamic pro-active chaplaincy reaching out to aid officers in need, through respect, mutual support and grounded in love for one another. Back to Top
To seize every opportunity to enhance and maintain the optional wellness of the Force, thereby achieving continued organizational growth. Back to Top
- To encourage the holistic health and wellness of members of the Police Force.
- To take preventative and pro-active action, where required, in order to maintain positive mental and emotional health of the force.
- To have a “presence” for our peers in times of need.
- To facilitate coping and decision making skills that will enhance self and other responsibilities. Back to Top
Peer counseling is “Police helping and Caring for police.” Peers are trained. First responders in times of stress and distress. They provide support until the Chaplain or Medical Unit can step in. Your peer counselor will know when to Call or refer you to the Chaplain for a Specialist assistance. Back to Top
- Officers scattered over the Bahamas who first need a listening ear close at hand.
- Officers who are in distress because of sickness, death, chronic illness, transfers, lack of promotion, family issues, financial problems, interdiction or other disciplinary matters.
- Officers experiencing distress due to work, social, or domestic environment.
- Officers experiencing interpersonal problems. Back to Top
What can you expect from your Peer Counselor?
- "Presence, tender hearted and tough minded”
- A Listening ear
- Confidentiality
- Openness, honesty, trust worthiness and concern.
- Efficient access to other professionals and services. Back to Top
What do Peer Counselors expect of Clients?
- A willingness to work collaboratively on personal issues and problem solving.
- Honest and open communication. Back to Top
Peer Counselors are an extension of the chaplaincy Unit of the Force. It is intended to provide swift access to trained police colleagues for personal and emotional help, in times of trauma and crises. Back to Top
- Police work is very demanding, stressful and sometimes traumatic.
- The geographic nature of our country makes it difficult and costly to provide full-time Chaplains on every island.
- Police officers are human, and will require at times swift assistance at short notice due to the conditions of work.
- Peer counseling creates a more concern and caring environment that results in a healthier, and more effective and efficient police officers and force. Back to Top
Will a Peer Counselor help my family?
Your force acknowledges the importance of the family and will seek to assist family members wherever and whenever it is requested, required and is appropriate. Back to Top
To whom do Peer Counselors refer?
Referrals may be made to:
- The Chaplain
- The force medical unit
- Any other professional or centre on advice from the chaplain or medical unit
All referrals will be made with your full knowledge and consent and that of the Chaplain and or medical unit. Back to Top
How do Peer Counselors function?
- Peer Counselors will be attached to a division or unit and function under the supervision of the chaplain
- Peer counselors will be available and on request to any of their peers who need someone to talk with.
- Peer Counselors will be in constant contact with police and civilian personnel in their Division or Unit so that the appropriate action can be taken to assist their peers in time of special need.
- Peer Counselors will provide support to their Division at Critical Incidents, vehicle accidents and other traumatic incidents.
- Peer Counselors will visit their peers and families where necessary or requested.
- Peer Counselors will be a part of the Chaplain’s team and assist with preventive holistic health activities designed to maintain the health and productivity of the force.
- Peer Counselors will be trained and certified by the force’s consultant Psychiatrist and Chaplain. Back to Top
This service will be available in all Geographic areas of the force within the Bahamas, and include Police Reserves and Civilian Staff. Counselors will be from Enlisted Officers, Reserves, and Civilians.
Counseling services will be available 24 hours per day.
Counselors can be contacted through the various Divisions and from the Force Chaplain
St. Michael’s Chapel
Police Headquarters
Phone: (242) 325-1167, (242) 302-8437, (242) 302-8459