How well do peer support (PS) programs (PSPs) work to address the work- and/or job-related psychological strain law enforcement personnel experience? Though there exist positive anecdotal reports in support of peer-based support programs’ effectiveness in addressing the work-related strains law enforcement officers experience, we currently do not have a definitive answer to the question stated above. In an effort to consolidate knowledge on this question, the current study reviewed the existing literature on the efficacy of PSPs for law enforcement.
To answer the research question above, we conducted a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standard – a reporting guideline designed to ensure transparency in reporting of the process a systematic review was conducted and the findings that emerge from the review. After screening 1,084 articles collected across 8 social science journals, a total of 12 articles met the criteria to be included in this study. Specifically, these studies explore an existing or previously existing PS program intended to address mental health outcomes for law enforcement personnel.
We found that most studies looking at PS amongst law enforcement reported generally positive outcomes. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the 12 studies examine two sets of outcomes: (1) reduction in adverse mental health outcomes (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder, stress, anxiety and depression) and improvements in mental well-being following traumatic events (e.g. post-traumatic growth); (2) improved ease and willingness to seek help via PS and/or mental health professionals. However, stigma remains the main barrier of entry for PSPs and more formal mental health. Moreover, the design and implementation of PS for law enforcement can vary in terms of who is delivering the support (i.e. whether PS was delivered in-house or by an external party of peers not housed within the same department), the setting and mode of delivery (e.g. group sessions, one-on-one meetings, virtually, over the phone, etc.) and the type and duration of training PS providers receive. Due to confidentiality concerns, sufficient details on the modalities of the programs are lacking. Moving forward, stronger collaboration between researchers and practitioners is needed to co-produce knowledge on how to best design and evaluate programs intended to support officers while protecting privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
In light of a growing need to improve national workforce resilience to existing and emerging threats, this brief will inform academics, practitioners and policy makers about the potential for PS programs to address the work- and/or job-related psychological strains law enforcement personnel experience.
