By SYDNEY KENT
Ossian Police Department officers will now be required to complete a “debrief” within 48 hours of any incidents with significant trauma or fatalities.
Ossian Police Commissioners, along with several officers, discussed the topic during the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday.
Commissioner Jay Esparza asked the department if any psychological services or counseling following traumatic incidents for officers were currently in place. Ossian Chief of Police Kurt Jack said that there was nothing formal.
The Ossian Police Officer Russ Mounsey said that there had been mention of a chaplain in the past. However, he had never met the person.
“All of a sudden when someone (commits suicide), people say they had no idea,” Mounsey said. “It’s like, well, what’s in place to detect that some things are going wrong?”
In Jack’s experience with the Indiana State Police, he said certain mental health services were available. At a minimum, it was a requirement that a debrief was completed within 48 hours of incidents involving a fatality. Esparza suggested they adopt a similar policy that would include incidents beyond those involving a death.
Both Jack and Mounsey shared brief recollections of traumatic situations that did not necessarily end a life. However, the likelihood of an officer experiencing PTSD or negative effects were still very high. For now, officers will debrief with Jack. The commissioners plan to seek additional resources for professional resources.
“Every first responder has PTSD to a certain extent,” Jack said. “Everyone needs someone to talk to that understands.”
Caleb Chichester, police commissioner president, suggested the potential for additional first responders in the county to participate in a support network of sorts, should the need arise. Jack agreed that it would be useful, and added that smaller focus groups for similar struggles could develop from that based on his personal experiences.
The commissioners also discussed the remodel of the department, which may involve the help of a local Boy Scouts troop. The commissioners meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Collier’s building on the first Tuesday of every month.
sydney@news-banner.com
