North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program-Ncleap

NC-LEAP offered two PCIS Seminars in 2013. A PCIS is a three day, peer-led seminar that provides a safe and effective method for post incident training in critical incident stress for law enforcement and emergency responders. Offered to responders who have been involved in highly traumatic events, the PCIS provides training in the mitigation of critical incident stress. Participants will received education on trauma, relationships, patterns of resolution and field tested strategies in a non-threatening environment with the goal of promoting recovery and resilience. The PCIS were led by our Clinical Director, Andy Gruler, retired U.S. Secret Service agent and clinical social worker. Mental Health professionals provide support as needed. A total of 55 trained peer team members (law enforcement officers) from across the southeastern U.S. supported the seminars. NCLEAP provided room and meals for peer team members at no cost to the team members.The seminar is offered at no cost to the participants. A total of 75 responders and spouses attended.

-Throughout the year we have responded to 10 local/state agencies to assist their officers/responders following a critical incident. These incidents include officer involved shootings, the death of an officer or firefighter, and significant injuries to officers and responders.We have lead on-scene defusings and group debriefings with agency personnel.-Our work in support of local agencies also includes assisting the agencies in the creation of internal peer teams that can provide a systematic response to fellow officers. These peers are often trained at our CISM training events.-We introduced NCLEAP and the services we provide at several police executive events and local departments during the year. -We led In service training in agencies and departments. Topics include Officer Self Care and Stress Mitigation classes.

We offered Critical Incident Stress Management(CISM) training for emergency service providers who will serve as peers in their agencies and serve as team members for our PCIS. CISM is a comprehensive, integrated, systematic, crisis intervention program that provides pre-incident education and tools for working with responders who have experienced critical incidents. We offered Individual and Peer Intervention and Group Intervention classes two times a year. At the conclusion of the classes participants received certifications through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation(ICISF). In 2013 we had 60 participants in the classes.