A law enforcement officer’s job can be stressful, dangerous, and unpredictable. This lifestyle affects more than just the officer. Law enforcement families—spouses, partners, parents, children, and friends—provide essential support for their officer, but who is supporting these family members through the unique challenges that accompany a law enforcement career?

The IACP recognized this gap in the field, and, through its Institute for Community-Police Relations (ICPR) and Center for Officer Safety and Wellness (COSW), the association has developed a dedicated focus for supporting those who support law enforcement. The ICPR views family wellness as an important component of officer safety and wellness and works to provide resources customized for the specific challenges that officers and their families might face. ICPR resources cover topics such as stress and anxiety, financial preparedness, family support groups, family integration in law enforcement agencies, and more. By providing support and resources geared toward family wellness, the IACP can help to assure law enforcement officers that their families are being supported, leading to increased officer safety and wellness, better job performance, improved officer recruitment and retention, and safer communities.

Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness Infographic Series

The ICPR is creating a six-part infographic series, Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness, that focuses on specific topics relevant to law enforcement families. With bright, fresh designs, these infographics include conversation starters and important information specific to the family life and job duties of law enforcement officers. The first three infographics have been developed thus far.

Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness: The Effects of Sleep Deprivation discusses the risks and challenges for sleep-deprived officers. This infographic also includes helpful tips and suggestions for families to promote healthy sleep. Additionally, discussion of night shift sleeping patterns is included in this infographic.

Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness: Helping Your Young Child Understand Your Job provides conversation starters for age-appropriate discussions about law enforcement jobs with young children (2–10 years old). This infographic also includes information on stress and anxiety and the importance of firearm safety in a home with young children.

Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness: Financial Literacy explains the basics of credit scores, debt management, budgeting, and the importance of having a savings fund. A discussion of retirement planning through pension plans, 401(k) accounts, or other plans is also included. It is crucial that law enforcement officers begin planning for their and their families’ futures early in their careers.

These three infographics are available for download, and hard copies are available by request at ICPR@theIACP.org and at IACP-sponsored events. The remaining infographics are scheduled to be released in late 2018 and will include information on nutrition, estate planning for law enforcement families, and how to discuss job duties and concerns with teens.

Law Enforcement Families Blog Series

A blog series written by and for law enforcement officers, families, friends, and companions is available on the IACP Blog. Recent blogs published in this series include “10 Steps to Building Your Department’s Spouse Support Group” and “Five Tips for Positive Law Enforcement Family Relationships.”

To become or refer a guest blogger for the Law Enforcement Families blog series, please contact the ICPR at ICPR@theIACP.org.

Companion Track at the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition

The IACP Annual Conference and Exposition offers a workshop track specifically designed for companions of law enforcement. At IACP 2018, there will be workshops dedicated to family wellness, law enforcement marriages, mental health and wellness, and more. For more information about the Companion Track at IACP 2018 in Orlando, Florida, view the entire Education Program online or on the IACP 2018 Annual Conference mobile app.

Law Enforcement Family Resources Webpage

As a result of a roundtable discussion with law enforcement family members at the 2016 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition, the ICPR created the Law Enforcement Family Resources webpage, which houses all of the IACP family wellness resources described herein. Additionally, this webpage includes links to external organizations, forums, blogs, and more that provide resources and assistance to law enforcement families.

The ICPR is currently working to update the content on this page to provide active, up-to-date resources for law enforcement and their families. ICPR accepts contributions of content and resources to this webpage, including but not limited to blogs, forums, organizations, or programs created specifically for law enforcement and first responders’ families or companions. Submissions can be sent to the ICPR at ICPR@theIACP.org.

The IACP recognizes the need of law enforcement officers, their families, friends, children, and companions to have specialized resources dedicated to maintaining a healthy work–home life balance. By providing these resources on several topics, in an array of formats, and for all audiences, IACP can help law enforcement officers and their families be safer and healthier. When the world’s law enforcement officers are supported by safe and healthy families, they can perform their professional responsibilities better, leading to healthier communities for all. ♦