The Best Offense Is a Good DEFENSE
Defending Employees From the Effects of Negative Stressful Experiences
What Is Peer Support?
Peer support is one part of a comprehensive six-component program administered by DEFENSE. Peer support can provide you with one or more specially equipped and respected co-workers (peer team members) who have a sincere desire to assist you following a personal or professional crisis. Peer team members are current (or retired) employees, just like you! They live where you live, work where you work, and experience similar situations.
What Is a Post Critical Incident Seminar?
Trauma exposure alters the human psyche and may result in unintended, negative consequences. If you are currently experiencing intrusive thoughts, nightmares, relationship problems, performance decline, recent work confrontations, or alcohol and/or substance abuse (beginning after exposure to one or more critical incidents), this three-day therapeutic seminar is for you.
The Missouri Post Critical Incident Seminar was established to provide first responders and communications operators/dispatchers with support following exposure to critical incidents in the line of duty. Spouses and significant others are invited to accompany their first responder to PCIS. The seminar provides networking opportunities and discussions about life as a first responder.
Am I the Only One That Feels This Way?
Yes, and no. It's important to recognize that not everyone is affected the same way following a critical event. Over time, experiences shape our world view and create the lens by which we view each new experience. However, past solutions may not be effective in a new crisis. Peers who have navigated similar crises are available to meet with you privately.
The DEFENSE peer team roster is available in the MSHP Forms folder or by using the CORDICO app. If you need assistance in selecting a peer, please call 573-522-7900.
What Is a Critical Incident?
- Officer-involved shootings
- Pursuits involving death or serious injuries
- Child abuse cases
- Multiple casualty events (air, land, marine)
- Natural disaster response
- Any event posing a threat of serious injury or death
- Witnessing a fatality occur
- Suicide response
- Incidents of public/media scrutiny
- Line of duty deaths
- Unsuccessful rescue attempts
- Duty-related traumatic events
- Other work-related stressors
How Do I Become a Peer Team Member?
Peer team members are carefully selected by the DEFENSE steering committee after being nominated by co-workers on a Peer Team Nomination Form (SHP-978). Members must sign a special code of ethics acknowledging the importance of confidentiality and complete core training certified by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
How Can Peer Support Help?
When requesting assistance, peer team members are activated and will intentionally focus on supporting you. You may also be contacted automatically following certain types of critical incidents. You may refuse support at any time.
Peer Team Members Can Help With
- Critical or traumatic events (on or away from the scene)
- Relationship issues
- Grief and loss
- Military and family support
- Spiritual support (Patrol chaplains)
- Employee injury/illness support
- Incidents drawing significant media attention
Important: DEFENSE Peer team members are not psychotherapists, and their role is limited. However, they can be of great assistance by having knowledge and familiarization of supportive resources. If needed, they can assist you with referrals to a mental health professional which is right for you.
DEFENSE Regional Coordinators
- Region 1: Sgt. Andy Henry
- Region 2: MSgt. John Henry
- Region 3: Sgt. Rick Vannada
- Region 4: Cpl. Ralicia Tyler
Need Peer Support? Contact DEFENSE
- DEFENSE: (573) 522-7600
- Email: DEFENSE@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Wellness Unit
- Phone: (573) 522-7663
- Lt. Trois Maloney: (573) 751-9946
- Audrey Yates: (573) 645-9241
Or contact an individual peer team member on the DEFENSE Peer Team Roster found in the MSHP Forms folder or on the Cordico app.