The support system of a police officer is not limited to a spouse or partner. Children, parents, friends, and extended family members have a role in strengthening officer resiliency and well-being.

When facilitated by an agency, family engagement opportunities provide a space for family members to discuss challenges, share similar experiences, find comfort, and build positive relationships.

Engagement will look different for every department; therefore, agencies should remain flexible enough to address the evolving needs of their officers’ families. Connecting with families may begin with a digital newsletter or a survey to determine topics of interest for the loved ones of officers.

Topics may include parenting in a police family, meal planning, building resiliency, or other considerations specific to the agency and officers. Obtaining feedback from families can provide a foundation for agencies to host a workshop or social event and develop a family contact list. Building on this foundation, agencies can introduce the idea of a structured support group and determine the level of interest among family members and friends.

To support agencies looking to initiate and sustain these relationships, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), with support from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, recently released the Law Enforcement Family Engagement Assessment Tool.

By using identifying items in each category of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, this tool provides agencies with the first steps and framework for successful family engagement:

Strengths. Look for strengths that already exist within the agency to set you on the path to family engagement success. These strengths may include leadership buy-in, support from a neighboring agency that has demonstrated success in family engagement, an existing peer support group, or an agency culture receptive of wellness programs.

Weaknesses. Identify and address weak-nesses early on during the planning process, such as a lack of funding, staffing shortages, minimal buy-in from staff, or an unclear program mission. Leverage other components of the SWOT analysis to mitigate these weaknesses.

Opportunities. Capitalize on opportunities to help the family support group or activity launch and remain strong. To increase the likelihood of success, look for other programs or groups to collaborate with, utilize a prime location in the department to host events or hang posters, plan for engagement representatives to attend upcoming events for outreach, and continue to request feedback from family members.

Threats. Consider how threats to family engagement, much like weaknesses, can be found in the areas of sustainability, funding, and participation. If threats to engagement arise such as scheduling conflicts or childcare issues, evaluate if there are existing resources or opportunities to address these issues.

Setting Up Plans for Sustainability

Once an agency launches a family engagement event, support group, or program, identify ways to keep the momentum going. Engage other department members who are excited about this work and encourage them to take on an informal leadership role. Family members can also encourage other spouses, children, and friends to join.

Leveraging Digital Resources

“Agencies should remain flexible enough to address the evolving needs of their officers’ families.”

Agencies looking for ways to engage with family members should consider the different ways to connect and share valuable information with them. Building a digital newsletter can help keep families informed of what their officer is doing at work and may include photos of officers in the department or attending a community event. The newsletter may also include a wellness section and encourage officers and families to discuss how to implement the tips at home.

Law enforcement careers offer many unique opportunities, but also unique challenges, and families may require varying levels of support as their officer navigates a career in policing. Agencies that work to foster a culture of wellness can help create safer and healthier officers, families, and communities.