tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83111514235864263732024-03-20T02:42:41.755-05:00On the Line: Public Safety Risk Managementtstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-28202578791257113412024-02-29T10:13:00.003-06:002024-03-04T17:40:40.291-06:00 Minnesota POST Board Adopts New Pursuit Model Policy <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJJFMp9bPp_aJo-twcSHC3NawIMWzco5F7QikL3-eNeM9ZQgKueBAB7p62BRauFpkyaD0wmvIalinxC1jwloYmHtkLrxF9m3Vu67zij-TZ7U_eLxgdz8pNhKa91Oz_mGaoJitE4aImNs_DgJlQoiDfOz5Njhyphenhyphen2sLv4lNwr9exrjA9CMKs1K4f3XbxBCY/s1183/police%20car.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Police car with lights flashing at night." border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1183" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJJFMp9bPp_aJo-twcSHC3NawIMWzco5F7QikL3-eNeM9ZQgKueBAB7p62BRauFpkyaD0wmvIalinxC1jwloYmHtkLrxF9m3Vu67zij-TZ7U_eLxgdz8pNhKa91Oz_mGaoJitE4aImNs_DgJlQoiDfOz5Njhyphenhyphen2sLv4lNwr9exrjA9CMKs1K4f3XbxBCY/w320-h240/police%20car.jpg" title="Police car" width="320" /></a></div>Police pursuits in Minnesota and nationwide have continued to capture attention due to the rising number of pursuits, resulting accidents and injuries, and the questionable need. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) compiles a <a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Pages/uniform-crime-reports.aspx" target="_blank">statistical uniform crime report </a>each year detailing the amount of criminal activity, including police pursuits, in the state. According to the most recent report published in September 2023, there were 2,768 agency-initiated pursuits and 388 agency-assisted pursuits, for a total of 3,156 pursuits in 2022. This is a 315% increase over 2012, when police engaged in a total of 759 pursuits.<p></p><p><a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.5532" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 626.5532 Subd. 1</a> requires Minnesota law enforcement agencies to report instances where a peace officer pursues a fleeing subject in a motor vehicle being operated in violation of <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.487" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 609.487</a>. This data must be reported on the <a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/mnjis/Documents/Pursuit-Report.pdf" target="_blank">pursuit reporting form</a> to the commissioner of public safety within 30 days of the incident.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Updated Model Policy Available on POST Board Website</h3><p>Law enforcement in the United States is experiencing immense change through various police reform practices and policies. Correspondingly, it is important to learn the legal concepts related to police pursuits and emergency vehicle operations of police vehicles. The League of Minnesota Cities has a <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/law-enforcement-emergency-vehicle-operations/" target="_blank">model policy that covers emergency vehicle operation</a>, and the Minnesota POST Board, per <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8458" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 626.8458</a>, approved an <a href="https://mn.gov/post/assets/POLICE PURSUIT MODEL POLICY Approved 1-25-24_tcm1189-561733.docx" target="_blank">updated vehicle pursuits model policy</a> on Jan. 25, 2024. The Minnesota POST Board requires all law enforcement agencies to update and align their vehicle pursuit and emergency vehicles operation policy with the model policy and to “adopt, implement, and enforce” the required policy per <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6700.1615/" target="_blank">Minnesota Administrative Rule 6700.1615, Subd. 1(A)</a>.</p><p>Per Subp. 2 of this new administrative rule, the chief law enforcement officer must ensure the current version of each required policy is:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Posted on the agency’s website (or in a public area of the physical premises for agencies without a website)</li><li>Provided upon request to an individual or organization</li><li>Provided to each peace officer employed by the agency</li><li>Reviewed at least annually with each officer</li><li>Enforced at all levels of the agency; and</li><li>Violations of a required policy are reported to the POST Board</li></ul><p></p><p>Due to the new administrative rule and current statutory requirements, along with the potential legal liabilities of police pursuits, a law enforcement agency should consult with their legal advisor or city attorney before adopting any required policies, including the newly updated vehicle pursuit and emergency operations policy. Your agency should consult with your legal advisor to ensure that the updated policy includes the “identical or substantially similar” provisions of the board’s model policy, although your agency may incorporate additional agency-specific requirements or more stringent requirements to ensure the policy focuses on the safety of all involved, includes qualifying language specific to your agency, and appropriately identifies and describes any ministerial and discretionary duties and acts so that your officers are provided the protections under the law and your agency respects the sanctity of life when making decisions regarding vehicle pursuits. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Benchmark Analytics Research Study</h3><p>The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) recently completed the second year of a research study that utilizes predictive analysis to identify key risk factors facing Trust member law enforcement agencies and to provide evidence-based recommendations for approaches most likely to address these risks. </p><p>Two of the identified evidence-based practices focused on how an agency manages emergency call response and police pursuits. The research shows a strong correlation to a reduction in liability claims for agencies that have an emergency vehicle operations policy for responding to incidents such as medicals, crimes in progress, and fire calls. Additionally, the research shows a strong correlation to both a reduction in liability claims and workers’ compensation claims for agencies that adopted a restrictive vehicle pursuit policy. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The League Has Resources and Training to Help</h3><p>The League has resources to assist you with your policy development for police pursuits and emergency vehicle operations (these resources supplement the model policy provided by the Minnesota POST Board): </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/content.ashx/cops-r1134-pub.pdf" target="_blank">Vehicular Pursuits, A Guide for Law Enforcement Executives on Managing the Associated Risks</a>, <i>Police Executive Research Forum, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services </i>(2023)</li><li><a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/policy-center-resource/vehicular-pursuits" target="_blank">Vehicular Pursuits</a>, <i>International Association of Chiefs of Police </i>(2019) </li><li><a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/policy-center-resource/discretionary-response-to-calls-for-service" target="_blank">Discretionary Response to Calls for Service</a>, <i>International Association of Chiefs of Police </i>(2023)</li><li><a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/law-enforcement-emergency-vehicle-operations/" target="_blank">Law Enforcement Emergency Vehicle Operations</a>, <i>League of Minnesota Cities</i> (2023)</li><li>Liability Issues in Emergency Vehicle and Pursuit Operations, Memorandum of Law, <i>League of Minnesota Cities - PATROL</i> (2022) </li><ul type="disc"><li>This memo can be found by <a href="https://www.lmc.org/patrol-online/" target="_blank">logging into your PATROL account</a>. If you would like a copy but do not have a PATROL account, please contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a></li>
</ul><li>New POST Model Pursuit Policy, <i>PATROL Special Update </i>(2024)</li><ul><li>This memo can be found by <a href="https://www.lmc.org/patrol-online/" target="_blank">logging into your PATROL account</a>. If you would like a copy but do not have a PATROL account, please contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a></li></ul><li>Analyzing, Predicting, and Mitigating Law Enforcement Risks to Improve Member Outcomes, <i>League of Minnesota Cities in partnership with Benchmark Analytics</i> (2024) </li><ul><li>This report is not currently available online, but contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> if you would like a copy.</li></ul></ul><p>The League and our partners at Benchmark Analytics will share additional findings of the multi-year research analysis with LMCIT member agencies at the upcoming <a href="https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/safety-and-loss-control-workshops/" target="_blank">2024 Loss Control Workshops</a> held at nine locations across the state this spring. Learn how top-performing agencies reduce incidents, officer injuries, and staff turnover and how your agency could significantly reduce your injury and liability claims. </p><p>If you have any specific comments or questions or any difficulty obtaining the resources mentioned above, you may contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or (651) 215-4051. </p><p>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-87192204228304660142024-02-20T16:48:00.002-06:002024-02-20T16:48:25.346-06:00 A Reminder to Sleep Like Lives Depend on It<p><i>Guest post by Lora Setter, LMCIT public safety program coordinator<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-G4RTlLVEeogqCHbkwZjJOPkugA6dWL7OeTYC2yZ3v4CpqkqF2eUHRJ-kNMH_qO_86V4EAmH9Jb6FYoQ5E0aRJ-vmm8EeiFrqPz1gEt_flRa71YhNCZm_J0YJg3hKg8PoVphuu3sGM_54VOmj-7HwJZHSTq_vhhjjXNkyF0A64fN0lHPJFFR61HfV9g/s1254/Sleeping%20man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Man wearing a sleep mask lying on his back in bed." border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1254" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-G4RTlLVEeogqCHbkwZjJOPkugA6dWL7OeTYC2yZ3v4CpqkqF2eUHRJ-kNMH_qO_86V4EAmH9Jb6FYoQ5E0aRJ-vmm8EeiFrqPz1gEt_flRa71YhNCZm_J0YJg3hKg8PoVphuu3sGM_54VOmj-7HwJZHSTq_vhhjjXNkyF0A64fN0lHPJFFR61HfV9g/w320-h214/Sleeping%20man.jpg" title="Sleeping man" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p>I previously <a href="https://lmcontheline.blogspot.com/2022/06/running-out-of-time-is-important-for.html" target="_blank">wrote about when my flight from Hartford, Conn. to Minneapolis was canceled</a>. The pilots ran out of time. For pilots, running out of time means they’ve reached their 10-hour fly time limit. When two pilots are flying together, they can fly up to 10 hours. If flying solo, they are grounded at eight hours. Pilots’ hours are restricted because their job affects the safety of others. They need to be well-rested to safely perform their job duties, as people’s lives depend on them. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Check In On Your Sleep Habits During Sleep Awareness Week</h3><p>As National Sleep Awareness Week approaches this March, I am reminded why it’s important that public safety professionals – like pilots – get a chance to sleep and reset the clock each day: lives depend on it, both their own lives and the people served in our communities. </p><p>Many public safety departments routinely schedule their personnel for 10- and 12-hour shifts. Personnel are allowed to work up to 16 hours before they run out of time. This is twice the number of hours that a solo pilot is allowed to work. Organizations use these extended shifts because they provide economic benefit, as more hours can be covered with fewer people. Many line-level people muscle through long shifts because they know at the end of their work cycle, they’ll enjoy a longer stretch of time off. When it comes to volunteer public safety services, there’s often no telling when the clock starts running. They respond when duty calls, often after or during their other responsibilities, like working full-time or providing childcare. This could mean showing up well-rested after a relaxing weekend or being jolted awake in the middle of the night after a hard day. </p><p>Getting enough sleep is integral to maintaining positive mental health. Being fatigued creates opportunities for traumatic brain injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as other risks such as heart disease, cancer, depression, anxiety, etc. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tips for Better Sleep</h3><p>We recognize that it’s important, but getting good sleep is easier said than done – especially after a hard shift and if daytime is your bedtime. Here are a few helpful tips for getting straight to sleep, sunup or sundown.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnhZT4SPCsimyUjje2mozjK4ft77DTtubA2k1Fqxe1w9RYzPKGY8WmpbwgPNh_FctvZudEKe3zDiehwZawuVRlbNhEI7JcZSi7KZUJfQbmtmdTk3uOo-GKrW6BaB7fn12sjBdAz62gn6kWKYmldxb6WnqQlQoo9E7lAgwpqJnhUZSfcOHqr-FxfWMaKQ/s1254/Do%20Not%20Disturb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Finger selecting the "Do Not Disturb" function on a cell phone." border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1254" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnhZT4SPCsimyUjje2mozjK4ft77DTtubA2k1Fqxe1w9RYzPKGY8WmpbwgPNh_FctvZudEKe3zDiehwZawuVRlbNhEI7JcZSi7KZUJfQbmtmdTk3uOo-GKrW6BaB7fn12sjBdAz62gn6kWKYmldxb6WnqQlQoo9E7lAgwpqJnhUZSfcOHqr-FxfWMaKQ/w320-h213/Do%20Not%20Disturb.jpg" title="Do not disturb" width="320" /></a></div>Avoid caffeine three to four hours before you plan to sleep.</li><li>Don’t drive drowsy. If you need to, take a 15-minute power nap before heading home. </li><li>If the sun is up, wear sunglasses on your commute to start winding down and prep for sleep.</li><li>As tempting as it might be to stay awake, go to bed as soon as you get home. </li><li>Sunup or down, establish and stick to a bedtime routine to help put you in the mood for sleep. </li><li>Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid being distracted by texts, calls and emails.</li><li>Make your bedroom as dark as possible. You can wear an eye mask, turn on a white noise machine and keep the room cool to make sleep even more appealing. </li><li>Let roommates or household members know that loud activities are off-limits during your strict sleeping hours. Wearing earplugs can also help drown out noise and promote a restful sleep.</li></ol><h3 style="text-align: left;">Everyone Needs Rest</h3><p></p><p>It’s important to remember that first responders aren’t super-human, they have the same biological needs for sleep as pilots and everyone else. With the work they do and the traumas they experience, it’s important that police officers and firefighters aren’t held in the trenches too long, for their own health and because lives depend on them. </p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-66412830275923957792024-01-24T10:28:00.001-06:002024-01-24T10:28:48.551-06:00Resolve to Strengthen Your Mental Health This Year<p><i>Guest post by Lora Setter, LMCIT public safety program coordinator </i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEBh5jxWOHwhaDFi6Lt7aMNq5_i_NP2qBnorxUzEKtaNuyOd_iOtSLn0ERiii8rgGGHL6SnttjAK-sBCwR941BL_WGpnm1yvE6RjfBdqcR5ArzDuRB5ZFB88Dux8jXt-iKG-kgGdh4mo05WO7w6wbdhr-mkmfH1zh9yve4foDe-0w7leUcJoQMaK8jwg/s1364/Mental%20health%20resolution.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hand holding a marker and writing down a list of new year's resolutions." border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1364" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEBh5jxWOHwhaDFi6Lt7aMNq5_i_NP2qBnorxUzEKtaNuyOd_iOtSLn0ERiii8rgGGHL6SnttjAK-sBCwR941BL_WGpnm1yvE6RjfBdqcR5ArzDuRB5ZFB88Dux8jXt-iKG-kgGdh4mo05WO7w6wbdhr-mkmfH1zh9yve4foDe-0w7leUcJoQMaK8jwg/w320-h180/Mental%20health%20resolution.jpg" title="Resolution to improve mental health" width="320" /></a></div>I was surprised to learn that the practice of making New Year’s resolutions dates back 4,000 years to Babylonian times. Though the Babylonians celebrated the start of the new year in March, resolutions throughout the centuries appear to maintain a common theme of people wanting to be better. A current resolution for many people, especially coming out of the holiday season, is to exercise more and eat healthier. Health clubs and gyms see a spike in memberships in January. <p></p><p>January not only starts a new year, but it’s also Mental Wellness Month. A time dedicated to focusing on our mental health. It’s impossible to argue the benefits of eating healthy and exercising, but paying attention to mental health is just as important.<a href="https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics" target="_blank"> According to Forbes Health</a>, “Overall, 48% of people say improving fitness is a top priority in 2024 while 36% cite improved mental health as a top resolution (respondents could select more than one). 55% say physical and mental health are of equal importance.” To strengthen the body, exercise needs to be a consistent practice or habit. It’s the same with mental health. Practicing daily mental health habits help to strengthen mental resiliency.</p><p>Some mental health habits to include into your daily routine are: </p><p><b>Check in with yourself often</b>, asking the question – How am I feeling? Knowing how you’re feeling helps in being aware of how you’re thinking. How you’re feeling and thinking impact how you act. How you act affects how you feel and think. It’s all connected. </p><p><b>Know what you can control. </b>Many things that frustrate us are out of our control. It’s hard to keep this at the forefront of our thinking because public safety is in the control business. When life gets out of control, public safety is called to bring order to chaos. For this reason, people working in public safety can lose sight of what they really have control over. With every situation, taking the time to ask yourself, “Is this something I can control?” will help to remind you that the only thing you have control over is yourself. How you react and show up is the only thing that is truly within your power. </p><p><b>Choose to be positive</b>. Let’s face it, public safety is a tough business. You’re often meeting people in their worst moments and you’re continuously experiencing or hearing about crisis situations, tragedies and calls that are simply sad. Keeping items at the ready that can help you stay positive is important. It can be a favorite picture of a fun time, listening to music that uplifts you, looking at a funny meme, or something that consistently makes you smile or laugh. Anything that helps you focus on the positive. </p><p><b>Focus on purpose. </b>Knowing your purpose is like having a superpower. Reminding yourself daily why you do what you do and staying purpose filled about what calls you to public safety work is paramount to mental and physical health. Research shows that people who have purpose live longer. </p><p><b>Find a feedback partner.</b> Having a trusted confidant, someone you can share your innermost feelings and frustrations with, can help alleviate stress. Allow this person to hold the mirror up for you, too. Sometimes it’s hard to know how we’re showing up. Having a trusted friend, colleague, or peer support person provide a listening ear, guidance and feedback can help ensure that you’re bringing your best self to the work you do. </p><p><b>Breathe. </b>To alleviate stress and negative thinking, take short deep breathing breaks. Even taking 2-3 minutes to focus on your breath can help to calm your nervous system. There are many apps with breathing exercises that prompt you to take a few moments to yourself throughout the day. </p><p><b>Take it a step further with mindfulness. </b>Mindfulness is a meditation practice that focuses on being in the present; fully in the here and now, not ruminating about what has happened or worrying about what may happen. The Mayo Clinic offers three simple steps for practicing mindfulness:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pay attention. Take the time to experience your environment with all your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste, and truly enjoy it.</li><li>Live in the moment. Try to intentionally bring open, accepting, and discerning attention to everything you do. Find joy in simple pleasures.</li><li>Accept yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.</li></ul><p></p><p>Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and healthy food choices are daily habits that are paramount to staying mentally resilient. Protect your sleep and make it a priority. Coming to work fully rested helps to prepare you for the things you may see or do. When possible, take short walk breaks during your shift to help increase blood flow to your brain, which helps with decision making. The adage you are what you eat is very true when it comes to your brain. Keeping a healthy, resilient brain means keeping a healthy diet.</p><p>As we continue the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions, let’s resolve this year to stay as aware of our mental health as we do our physical health. </p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-51155863048446233602024-01-17T14:13:00.000-06:002024-01-17T14:13:00.248-06:00Support Public Safety Wellness During Mental Wellness Month<p><i>Guest post by Lora Setter, LMCIT public safety program coordinator <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuoVwxnikHk2MXFr_rceQ4fxXiE3DMyAb0ErRRlEzSFRaKGY3_gAJVCOiCBQCmHEsJ8ca7UeDDy-SXGOaCG6K9eE7tNDb68NmlfVO5volB1P1b_VQtTqDAvTXAm80s7j886Cc6mfOvEhwa-fZ1TUyT-w2QYPHT8Y23Jf5uWGK1RFIBNVOqBazBn-xhjk/s1667/MN%20Public%20Safety%20Wellness%20-%20Logo-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative logo" border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="1667" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuoVwxnikHk2MXFr_rceQ4fxXiE3DMyAb0ErRRlEzSFRaKGY3_gAJVCOiCBQCmHEsJ8ca7UeDDy-SXGOaCG6K9eE7tNDb68NmlfVO5volB1P1b_VQtTqDAvTXAm80s7j886Cc6mfOvEhwa-fZ1TUyT-w2QYPHT8Y23Jf5uWGK1RFIBNVOqBazBn-xhjk/w282-h282/MN%20Public%20Safety%20Wellness%20-%20Logo-09.png" title="MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative logo" width="282" /></a></div>January is Mental Wellness Month. It’s a month dedicated to focusing on mental health. A time to prioritize positive mental health habits such as exercise, connecting with friends, practicing mindfulness, and paying close attention to how you’re feeling. It’s a time to consider if you can better manage your mental health by practicing healthy habits or if you need professional help to feel better. While mental wellness is important for everyone, it’s a particular focus for people in the public safety profession. <p></p><p>Responding to car accidents, medical emergencies, death scenes, house fires, and other tragic events, along with the normal everyday stressors of being human, can take a toll on the mental health of a first responder. First responders absorb the traumas and pain of the community; therefore, they must be supported with wellness, resilience, and treatment strategies. </p><p>There is an organization working to bring more awareness to the issue of public safety mental health called the MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative. It’s made up of 15 organizations that want public safety personnel, city/county governments, and the greater community to stay aware of the fact that because of the nature of their job duties public safety personnel may be at an increased risk of trauma-related mental illnesses. </p><p>To further these ideas, the MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative has created a public safety mental health campaign with the mantra <b>ACCEPT – PREVENT – TREAT:</b> </p><p><b>ACCEPT</b> – Let’s talk about our troubles and normalize the conversation about mental health challenges.</p><p><b>PREVENT</b> – Create wellness philosophies in public safety, so public safety personnel have the resources to be well and stay well. </p><p><b>TREAT</b> – Public safety personnel can be successfully treated for mental illness while continuing to work and allowing them to return to work after being treated. </p><p>As we recognize that January is Mental Wellness Month, let’s also be aware of the mental health challenges that public safety work may create. Let’s support public safety personnel in their efforts to be well and stay well. Happy New Year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREP6rPG2HMGqlMouGqT2p9PUHOtU2y3ebWME22PBWbLfRKBnr_n644dn7FouUnGIkMEmAr809Q02ijEeJUGcZu_RVRt7XEjitHqDNz2icCxx4Z5k2sjhThck6l4G8hBu6xT867yYZ-qk0vRjhdmbfLNJvPjkj_3SJMbaCNtw5_bz4L1i07OlAIKDc-mo/s6214/MN%20Public%20Safety%20banners-FB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative banner" border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="6214" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREP6rPG2HMGqlMouGqT2p9PUHOtU2y3ebWME22PBWbLfRKBnr_n644dn7FouUnGIkMEmAr809Q02ijEeJUGcZu_RVRt7XEjitHqDNz2icCxx4Z5k2sjhThck6l4G8hBu6xT867yYZ-qk0vRjhdmbfLNJvPjkj_3SJMbaCNtw5_bz4L1i07OlAIKDc-mo/w640-h245/MN%20Public%20Safety%20banners-FB.png" title="MN Public Safety Wellness Initiative banner" width="640" /></a></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-30309370935173238532023-12-21T12:36:00.001-06:002023-12-21T12:36:26.837-06:00Not-so-happy Holidays: Tips for Wellness and Resilience This Season<p><i>Guest post by Lora Setter, LMCIT public safety coordinator</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7pfjp6hDZiKz1MGclnC04SLNNg5p0b1BJ6M7IIDoRyN6Cl8Emx5ByIEtRlc5_aPvMVEXjOYGVJy5fS6jTUD1uv1xfwKLLyQ5kPvRAh4WAFM51Bm9U_9uD_T24lJNb1zLHnm5ZybWl0gqFU_HvoLJoR63BmNyBXk_nwJqKmpVB-WM7NtbwqlQUqvtq6w/s1253/Sad%20Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Silhouette of a person holding their head with a lighted Christmas tree in the background." border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1253" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7pfjp6hDZiKz1MGclnC04SLNNg5p0b1BJ6M7IIDoRyN6Cl8Emx5ByIEtRlc5_aPvMVEXjOYGVJy5fS6jTUD1uv1xfwKLLyQ5kPvRAh4WAFM51Bm9U_9uD_T24lJNb1zLHnm5ZybWl0gqFU_HvoLJoR63BmNyBXk_nwJqKmpVB-WM7NtbwqlQUqvtq6w/w320-h214/Sad%20Christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Listening to holiday music recently, I heard the announcer say that the holidays are “about peace, love, joy, and family.” Though I don’t disagree, for many people the holiday season can be anything but peaceful and joyful. This is especially true for first responders like police officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel. For public safety people, the holidays may seem to be more about car accidents, DWI arrests, shoplifting calls, disputes, house fires, and other tragic events in the communities they serve. <p></p><p>Along with challenging work, first responders can experience the same holiday stress that others may experience, such as the effect of shorter days and cold nights, strained relationships with family members, illness, potent reminders of grief and loss, and financial pressures. </p><p>Some ideas for keeping the holidays bright are: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Prioritize and guard your sleep.</b> Sleep is the most important component for mental wellness. This can be difficult with short staffing and holiday commitments, but make sure that in every 24 hours you spend at least seven hours getting good-quality sleep.<br /><br /></li><li><b>Practice gratitude. </b>Start each day thinking about three things for which you’re thankful. Studies prove that by doing this you help your brain by increasing dopamine and serotonin – the happiness hormones. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Think about the important purpose of what you do as a public safety professional. </b>Victor Frankl said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstance, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” The community counts on you to be there when they need help. It’s tough to miss a school concert, a family get-together, or a friend’s party because of work. Staying focused on the importance and purpose of the work you do can help you manage these tradeoffs. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Check-in with yourself often.</b> Ask yourself: Am I in touch with how I’m feeling? Am I watching too much TV? Drinking too much? Feeling cynical and angry? <br /><br /></li><li><b>Talk to a trusted friend, spiritual advisor, or peer support person about how you’re feeling. <br /><br /></b></li><li><b>Eat well.</b> Many community members like to show their appreciation by dropping off cookies and other treats. Be sure to balance those treats with a healthy diet. <br /><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Do your best to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. </b>This is easier said than done during the busy holiday season. A brisk walk outside or a few laps around the shopping center count, too. If your department allows you to exercise on duty, take advantage of it to help maintain resilience. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Reach out to others and promote connection. </b>Ask a colleague how they’re feeling. Help colleagues feel connected and cared for. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Take breaks from social media.</b> Use the time for restorative practices such as meditation and mindfulness, or to be present with loved ones. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Practice self-compassion.</b> Talk to yourself like you would a friend. Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better, when you know better do better.” Know that you’re doing the best you can. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Try dwelling on the positive and not the negative.</b> Our brains are wired to focus on negative events to keep us safe, especially when it’s your job to see what’s wrong with the picture. Take as many opportunities as you can to focus on the positives in your life. You’ll be doing your brain a much-needed favor. <br /><br /></li><li><b>Set a budget for gift giving. </b>Being financially strapped and working more to cover holiday bills can add to the stress of the season. </li></ol><p></p><p>Best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and all through the year! </p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-75862170048032846852023-12-15T12:10:00.002-06:002023-12-15T12:11:00.860-06:00Updated LMC Body-Worn Camera Policy Now Available<p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRtr_MdP3d50P0CsaIG5w46Ga4prj6EohlQdx8Qt025htb5fwvFgw5lbZBxCqqIgPA6he8Q1NcO1UGf94STEienGS3cDSYAg_sMls4fRpxPc2j4IhSO71MPg7VsV1BeJURsubuRscxmnKPLBXBgq-o3Z61blvtOGXvhIFZy70_Fek240v6A2wwoQ82eY/s627/BWC%20picture.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Close-up of a camera on a police officer's torso." border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="627" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRtr_MdP3d50P0CsaIG5w46Ga4prj6EohlQdx8Qt025htb5fwvFgw5lbZBxCqqIgPA6he8Q1NcO1UGf94STEienGS3cDSYAg_sMls4fRpxPc2j4IhSO71MPg7VsV1BeJURsubuRscxmnKPLBXBgq-o3Z61blvtOGXvhIFZy70_Fek240v6A2wwoQ82eY/w320-h233/BWC%20picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Body-worn cameras continue to be a useful tool in many police departments across the country. These cameras enhance transparency with their communities and gather evidence at crime scenes and during citizen encounters. Although state law offers significant guidance on policies governing law enforcement use of body-worn cameras and the resulting data, <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/52/2023-08-07 11:24:10+00:00/pdf" target="_blank">changes made to Minnesota laws in 2023</a> have made the laws more complicated, particularly with respect to data administration issues including data classifications, access procedures, retention policies, and data security safeguards. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Agencies need to update policies to adhere to new laws</h3><p>These changes reflect 2023 amendments to Minnesota Statutes <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13.825" target="_blank">§ 13.825</a> and <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8473" target="_blank">§ 626.8473 </a>and are mandatory policy elements that will require agencies to update their policies. The new law provides for timely access to body-warn camera data by designated survivors and their legal representative within 14 days after an incident unless there is a compelling reason to believe that this public classification and knowledge of this data would interfere with an active investigation. This is a higher standard for maintaining confidentiality than provided by Minnesota Statute § 13.82, subdivision 7, which classifies active investigative data as confidential without any need to show that access would hamper an investigation. Agencies should note that Minnesota Statutes § 13.825 and § 626.8473 require that the chief law enforcement officer, rather than a designee or responsible authority, be the one to provide the required written notice when the agency withholds access to data in the circumstances specified. </p><p>Under Minnesota statute, the chief officer of every state and local law enforcement agency that uses or proposes to use a portable recording system or body-worn cameras must establish and enforce a written policy governing their use. The written policy must also be posted on the agency’s website (if the agency has one). Agencies are also required to provide an opportunity for public comment and input in developing and adopting the policy. Lastly, an agency must arrange for an independent biennial audit of the data to determine whether data are appropriately classified, how the data are used, whether the data are destroyed as required, and to verify agency compliance with the authorization to access data and sharing among agencies under subdivisions of Minnesota Statute § 13.825. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">LMC model policies, memos provide guidance</h3><p>In response to the changes in state law, the League of Minnesota Cities recently provided updated guidance in its <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/use-of-body-worn-cameras/" target="_blank">Use of Body-Worn Cameras information memo</a> and the <a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Body-Worn-Cameras.docx" target="_blank">Body-Worn Cameras Model Policy</a> for agencies to consider adopting. In addition to these documents, the League provides additional body-worn camera guidance in the <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/planning-for-critical-incident-responses/" target="_blank">Planning for Critical Incident Response information memo</a> and <a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Critical-Incident-Response.docx" target="_blank">accompanying Critical Incident Response Model Policy</a>. </p><p>If you have any questions related to these information memos or model policies, you may contact me at (651) 215-4051 or <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a>. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-26225609130141369522023-11-27T12:39:00.007-06:002023-11-28T16:32:50.455-06:00New Grant Opportunity Aims to Address Peace Officer Shortage in Minnesota<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoq_d57c5Nt564ThBdutJLV8GnNZ1_rB4o2-IKHCEGMLicP16mmaMDqRiXshjI4rkhBsyfQbZhQOrewQ11PIH5ytGD50oU-RuWk9Ig5H-xm7wLtgBHajr51nz2E3I_7ZTDTa-_Y1aCGevDz0zfGkXEXTlWxxiUYF_LnzNV4zo0QOU6h9QvKntUFMh9Ik/s2121/Police%20officers.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Two smiling police officers." border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2121" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoq_d57c5Nt564ThBdutJLV8GnNZ1_rB4o2-IKHCEGMLicP16mmaMDqRiXshjI4rkhBsyfQbZhQOrewQ11PIH5ytGD50oU-RuWk9Ig5H-xm7wLtgBHajr51nz2E3I_7ZTDTa-_Y1aCGevDz0zfGkXEXTlWxxiUYF_LnzNV4zo0QOU6h9QvKntUFMh9Ik/w296-h197/Police%20officers.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>The Minnesota Legislature recently approved the establishment of a program within the Department of Public Safety to fund the law enforcement education and training of two- and four-year college graduates. The program, known as the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training (ICPOET) Program, is intended to address the critical shortage of peace officers in the state. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Grants of up to $50,000 available </h3><p>The ICPOET Program, established under <a href="https://casetext.com/statute/minnesota-statutes/criminal-procedure-pease-officers-privacy-of-communications/chapter-626-peace-officers-authority-training-reporting/peace-officers/section-6268516-intensive-comprehensive-peace-officer-education-training-program" target="_blank">Minn. State § 626.8516</a>, provides grants to local and tribal law enforcement agencies that have developed a plan to recruit, educate, and train highly qualified two- and four-year college graduates to become licensed-eligible peace officers in the state. A chief law enforcement officer of an agency may apply for a grant of up to $50,000 for the cost of educating, training, and salary of an eligible candidate until the candidate is licensed by the POST Board as a peace officer.</p><p><a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Pages/intensive-comprehensive-peace-officer-education-training-program.aspx#search=mary%20vukelich" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGrLv_edtnhV0i2CHNNwybk3PK6t7Vc8jF7HBW49pHycN2lG4hbQpbU_sw3m2kQ_uMyOvXi8P2QOAV7bKgJfZafSSWOkvBbqNYkUY4JoUPgm0hnJZaEQ__RwQJEXXfNlHWnROC2feEAfuBIQcE-Ublc-Kgwz63-ZpmujJRlBH2UEtyvD_1bxYy47Yvb4/s163/DPS.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Logo for Minnesota Department of Public Safety." border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="163" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGrLv_edtnhV0i2CHNNwybk3PK6t7Vc8jF7HBW49pHycN2lG4hbQpbU_sw3m2kQ_uMyOvXi8P2QOAV7bKgJfZafSSWOkvBbqNYkUY4JoUPgm0hnJZaEQ__RwQJEXXfNlHWnROC2feEAfuBIQcE-Ublc-Kgwz63-ZpmujJRlBH2UEtyvD_1bxYy47Yvb4/w151-h151/DPS.png" width="151" /></a></div><a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Pages/intensive-comprehensive-peace-officer-education-training-program.aspx#search=mary%20vukelich" target="_blank">The request for proposal (RFP) grant forms will be available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website before the end of the year.</a> Applications are expected to close before Jan. 31, 2024. <div><br /></div><div>Geographic diversity in grant distribution will be considered based on applications received. Two regionally diverse education providers, Alexandria Technical & Community College and Hennepin Technical College, have been designated to provide the required intensive comprehensive law enforcement education and skills training to eligible peace officer candidates. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Compare ICPOET and Pathways to Policing grants</h3><p>The ICPOET grant is in addition to the Pathways to Policing grant opportunities that will be available soon for 2024, although there are no agency matching requirements for the ICPOET grant and it is specifically for career transition candidates who already possess a two- or four-year degree. The current available funding is $2.5 million for the ICPOET grant and $1.56 million for the Pathways to Policing grant. <a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Documents/icpoet-pathways-comp-chart.pdf" target="_blank">View this chart to compare the ICPOET and Pathways to Policing grants. </a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Attend an information session to learn more</h3><p>Two information sessions are planned before the RFP opens:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Monday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m - <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9197761863" target="_blank">Zoom link for Dec. 4 session</a></li><li>Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. - <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9197761863" target="_blank">Zoom link for Dec. 13 session</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Law enforcement agencies may also schedule individual information sessions before the RFP opens. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Questions about grants opportunities?</h3><p>If you have any questions related to the ICPOET program, you may contact program administrator Mary Vukelich at the Office of Justice Programs, Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-201-7623 or <a href="mailto:Mary.Vukelich@state.mn.us">Mary.Vukelich@state.mn.us</a>. If you have questions on the Pathways to Policing program, you may contact grants administrator Kristin Lail at the Office of Justice Programs, Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-230-3358 or <a href="mailto:Kristin.Lail@state.mn.us">Kristin.Lail@state.mn.us</a>. </p><p>You may also contact me at 651-215-4051 or <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a>. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-76025076114188167712023-10-09T10:55:00.001-05:002023-10-09T10:55:40.148-05:00“I Could See It Coming:” Training Safety Officer Key to Preventing Training Injuries<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0gTSi3D18q8NyC64oBqy6QUE7P1chWo9IuGgA5T88TvB07MmIzPgUqasazgH0vjvEXl-Ybf2Vr7x0PWjiEIHUa0XwVdYuydDGIPvqJ51QvSE-lUEArPxBdmfT4Mbj2mXO8Y6SXkEAI0Yl5pPe5L0N3xIlPtbv1dc6_RL-p2ZGdhyphenhyphenrmjH16qmRQWkQSE/s268/TSO%20-%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A training safety officer observes firearms training." border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0gTSi3D18q8NyC64oBqy6QUE7P1chWo9IuGgA5T88TvB07MmIzPgUqasazgH0vjvEXl-Ybf2Vr7x0PWjiEIHUa0XwVdYuydDGIPvqJ51QvSE-lUEArPxBdmfT4Mbj2mXO8Y6SXkEAI0Yl5pPe5L0N3xIlPtbv1dc6_RL-p2ZGdhyphenhyphenrmjH16qmRQWkQSE/s16000/TSO%20-%201.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">A training safety officer </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">observes firearms training</div><div style="text-align: center;">in New Prague. </div></td></tr></tbody></table>Training safety continues to be a major concern for police departments across the country. There have recently been serious training incidents, including deaths, in California, Texas, and Florida. Before that there were incidents in Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, and Virginia, along with many other states as the list goes on and on to include Minnesota.</p><p>Police training needs to be as realistic as possible and, as a result, has become more intense and scenario based. Training needs to be realistic whether it is on the firing range, during defensive tactics training, or active shooter response training. Training must closely match what officers do in real life as we have all heard the phrase, “You fight like you train, so you need to train like you fight.” </p><p>But how can we train at a high level of intensity while minimizing injuries sustained during training? Most training injuries share one common trait: they could have been prevented. In other words, “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable.” Injuries can be prevented by adopting the core concept of using a training safety officer (TSO) who can intervene when they “see it coming” during active training. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Training Injuries Are Costly</h3><p>Training injuries currently make up about 12% of all police injury claims from departments insured by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT), down from 22% when the TSO began. These injuries amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars in incurred costs yearly and average nearly $58,000 per claim. Training injuries have ranged from muscle strains and broken bones to heart attacks and even gunshot injuries. The leading causes of police training injuries have been found to be related to body temperature, the use of wrestling mats, and “off-script behavior.” Training safety education addresses each of these main causes of training injuries. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">TSO Program Teaches How to Predict Problems, Prevent Injuries</h3><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_GGNqx2I4-m9cIl-AQ82xSorCo5gxCqgJHoPdchAAOLE1Z00umq-QQh_yDLaw9iyDozCS52b8enW-RJHAO7T1KDhFF1XvJFxRSa9-4PKtygGjtdKKFvBD2YmIFUEjR2qPwkB9ivPTVR2mGE4P7j4YG-jH74PC_Os865q-JhMq_I0b1XSmucsUpHdrKw/s225/TSO%20-%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image says "Welcome to the City of Blaine Police Department."" border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="225" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_GGNqx2I4-m9cIl-AQ82xSorCo5gxCqgJHoPdchAAOLE1Z00umq-QQh_yDLaw9iyDozCS52b8enW-RJHAO7T1KDhFF1XvJFxRSa9-4PKtygGjtdKKFvBD2YmIFUEjR2qPwkB9ivPTVR2mGE4P7j4YG-jH74PC_Os865q-JhMq_I0b1XSmucsUpHdrKw/w263-h172/TSO%20-%202.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blaine Police Department<br />on Sept. 26.</td></tr></tbody></table>Several times a year, including recently at the Blaine Police Department, LMCIT offers training safety officer classes, and as part of that training, reviews incidents and accidents that have occurred during training nationwide. The TSO concept builds on the theory that we can be trained to predict problems and take appropriate steps to prevent an accident. </p><p>The TSO program involves teaching the six program steps:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Planning meeting</li><li>Developing a safety plan</li><li>Site inspection and set-up</li><li>Safety briefing</li><li>Observation and use of role players (when applicable)</li><li>After-action review (which can show you where to improve your training) </li></ul><p></p><p>These six steps provide a framework to build upon as police departments plan their own training sessions to address their individual department’s needs. </p><p>The TSO training includes a review of an <a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/reducing-officer-injuries-final-report" target="_blank">IACP Research Study</a> that found the use of a “safety lecture” or briefing before training can reduce the chances of an injury by 41%. Additionally, instilling a “culture of safety” within your training program is of utmost importance. The TSO training stresses that certain groups are more likely to experience injuries, including officers in their first five years on the job and officers who are overweight or not physically fit. The training emphasizes the importance of developing an internal wellness and fitness program for your agency, providing informational resources and guidance on fitness and nutrition, and creating an incentive program for officers who participate and engage in healthy habits. </p><p>A key to the TSO concept is the teamwork between the safety officer and the instructor. The TSO provides the oversight, control, and guidance while working with the instructor to ensure all trainees have a professional and safe experience. The TSO program is offered to both police and fire departments across the Minnesota, and we thank the Blaine Police Department for sponsoring our most recent training class and for being an early adopter of the TSO program. It was quite evident that the Blaine Police Department follows their core values of serving their community and department members with "integrity, respect, and professionalism.”</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">TSO Program Expands Nationwide</h3><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45kUGXEOdbvXJpeGs9U849mjqT0jGU5LpcOYXdZpGG3Bgtx9TjXs-vehpuxzalimsXbM7FQQrLFcm1WwqwhiDG7TpdQmslAnxHLM2oroKDNSkk4b5z_N2Ot4ET15berKMNthx1xpsH_u9W7LPhifIJg_zA0Tbge8mjr_3xwMOVxpOSRmICm-NUPcD9P8/s298/TSO%20-%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="298" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45kUGXEOdbvXJpeGs9U849mjqT0jGU5LpcOYXdZpGG3Bgtx9TjXs-vehpuxzalimsXbM7FQQrLFcm1WwqwhiDG7TpdQmslAnxHLM2oroKDNSkk4b5z_N2Ot4ET15berKMNthx1xpsH_u9W7LPhifIJg_zA0Tbge8mjr_3xwMOVxpOSRmICm-NUPcD9P8/w273-h189/TSO%20-%203.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob Boe instructing the TSO program<br />to a national training group during the<br />early years of the program.</td></tr></tbody></table>Rob Boe, former LMCIT public safety project coordinator, developed the TSO program for Minnesota police and fire departments more than 10 years ago. In 2015, Boe attended the National PRIMA Conference and accepted a first-place Outstanding Achievement Award for the Intergovernmental Risk Pool Program category for his development of the TSO program. The core concepts of the program are now taught across the nation, including in Virginia, Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, and New York. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2MkGPoHqzs" target="_blank">This video by the Kentucky League of Cities</a>, which recently adopted the program, outlines the key components of a successful TSO program and discusses the need for and benefits of a formal officer safety program for injury prevention during training exercises. It is believed that the TSO program has prevented many training accidents from occurring across the United States and we thank Rob for his many contributions to our police and fire departments across the state! Additional details on the program can be found at <a href="http://lmc.org/tso">lmc.org/tso</a>.</p><p>If you have any comments or questions related to the TSO program, you may contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or (651) 215-4051. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-20813663712850773342023-08-28T16:18:00.003-05:002023-08-28T16:18:32.599-05:00Participate in Critical Conversations for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month<p><i>Guest post by Lora Setter, public safety program coordinator for the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudQT09FG_W92MoWVGjHJuvfKkwKJpoFJLEKaS1J0LdHfjntbZzU9pG-2acN9p8sbspyRi-NVtSX7LB-jRh6IumgCcFdHKJMpA5U4QCd3BKDvw-7du1SkmdRuJUpMSTZ0xhoMtqjM7RRpQg6FvLWk4cTeAIBw5_F6eVXXdfbN4M0A2-pfFykAHoUzQ2PI/s1273/Suicide%20Prevention%20Awareness%20Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The words "September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" and an image of a teal and purple ribbon." border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1273" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudQT09FG_W92MoWVGjHJuvfKkwKJpoFJLEKaS1J0LdHfjntbZzU9pG-2acN9p8sbspyRi-NVtSX7LB-jRh6IumgCcFdHKJMpA5U4QCd3BKDvw-7du1SkmdRuJUpMSTZ0xhoMtqjM7RRpQg6FvLWk4cTeAIBw5_F6eVXXdfbN4M0A2-pfFykAHoUzQ2PI/w320-h207/Suicide%20Prevention%20Awareness%20Month.jpg" title="Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" width="320" /></a></div>Public safety professionals face many job-related stressors that can negatively impact their mental health and well-being. Emotional injuries and suicide among public safety professionals are a significant concern. In fact, <a href="https://rudermanfoundation.org/white_papers/police-officers-and-firefighters-are-more-likely-to-die-by-suicide-than-in-line-of-duty/" target="_blank">a 2017 study found that police officers and firefighters were more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty</a>.<p></p><p>In observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, NAMI Minnesota invites the public to register for a series of free virtual events.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Event #1: Cultural Responsiveness for Suicide Prevention: A Panel Discussion</h4><p>A discussion on improving cultural responsiveness for suicide prevention gatekeepers.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Friday, Sept. 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m.</li><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtc-CvpjooE9116neJ0mWL1Xbl_P0H1tZS" target="_blank">Zoom registration </a></li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Event #2: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) – two events</h4><p>Learn the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thursday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. </li><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeGvqj0rE9F6LkXznE_KokDVn21_I2zH#/registration" target="_blank">Zoom registration </a><br /><br /></li><li>Thursday, Sept. 21, 3-4:30 p.m.</li><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcscu6qqz0jH9ZN5UFQhYymC3eWMdrkhR0r" target="_blank">Zoom registration </a></li></ul><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Event #3: Responding to Suicide Loss</h4><p>Best practices on supporting someone after a suicide loss and perspectives from a suicide loss survivor.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Friday, Sept. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. </li><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tde6trT8qGNZSZLE1Xm4AtjB38gY-xfiK" target="_blank">Zoom registration </a></li></ul>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-35944717426509395472023-07-12T10:50:00.000-05:002023-07-12T10:50:28.838-05:00Minnesota POST Board Now Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Have Policy on Public Assembly and First Amendment Activity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zZuCstZLobBlJDdegLxX9tTtEHNDOZWYnUBNJGcn2yh3mJYvcZbsb42PSxY-nmRTH6wXzAwHRGW642caKkOLqLXQmGW4lpBMo9X-N_FxLAjS1lk7dd0zx5krElJmy5LEPoWk5xlPEmNWA7rn7CnOJ-yM3LMkpV2MZ2jdc1SSbNKGw86hUiDT-q2e3iA/s1274/iStock-1256373495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A woman in a white T-shirt stands in front of a crowd on the street with her right first raised in the air." border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1274" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zZuCstZLobBlJDdegLxX9tTtEHNDOZWYnUBNJGcn2yh3mJYvcZbsb42PSxY-nmRTH6wXzAwHRGW642caKkOLqLXQmGW4lpBMo9X-N_FxLAjS1lk7dd0zx5krElJmy5LEPoWk5xlPEmNWA7rn7CnOJ-yM3LMkpV2MZ2jdc1SSbNKGw86hUiDT-q2e3iA/w320-h207/iStock-1256373495.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There are many special rules and considerations that apply when policing First Amendment-protected activities. <p></p><p>Law enforcement officers have dual and sometimes conflicting responsibilities. They must safeguard First Amendment rights while also making sure protesters do not violate the rights of others or cause violence. Policing protests requires careful planning and consideration of participants’ First Amendment rights.</p><p>It is important to prepare a detailed operations plan to guide all officers involved in an event. Many Minnesota cities have also banned targeted residential protests in response to several neighborhood demonstrations. In Frisby v. Schultz, the 1988 U.S. Supreme Court held that a categorical ban on residential protesting was facially constitutional under the First Amendment and that these ordinances are subject to the “time, place, and manner test.” The Minnesota Court of Appeals also upheld a residential picketing ordinance in the Town of White Bear in the 1990 case of State v. Castellano.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">The League Has Resources to Help</h4><p>It is important to learn the legal concepts related to First Amendment free speech rights in the U.S. and State of Minnesota Constitutions and how cities balance them with public safety concerns. The League has published <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/first-amendment-concepts-for-protests-in-cities/" target="_blank">an information memo, “First Amendment Concepts for Protests in Cities,”</a> where you can read about speech that is not protected, ways to deal with unpopular ideas, and how to regulate protests, marches, and demonstrations in city parks or streets and in residential areas by city ordinance. </p><p>The League also has a <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/guide-for-communicating-during-a-city-crisis/" target="_blank">Guide for Communicating During a City Crisis</a>, including protests and demonstrations, that describes tools cities can use when communicating with the media, residents, and others. </p><p>In addition, the League has a residential picketing and protests preparation checklist that can be used to regulate and prepare for a neighborhood protest or demonstration in your city and take enforcement action for the few statutes in the criminal code that are particularly relevant to policing protests. </p><p>The proper preparation is best achieved through policy, training, good communication and crowd management, while also protecting the First and Fourth Amendment rights of all involved. The residential protest guide, links to sample city ordinances, and a PATROL memorandum of law on policing protests are available by sending an email to me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org" target="_blank">tstille@lmc.org</a>.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">PATROL Offers New Training Course on Policing Protests</h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPDw9yrs8L-wwnR8hJn_78OKz0wCqAtudPCEsncOas8BvdS7wEiJoqyDFPBzTuwf1OOyRbjSdnxRZUHuezqnPgbh03BmP1R0XiyW6up1MoH-RLw47YEIu24y5-NRYsb_tSZCxvSRzj_O5O79M3DQ6eaNI0tB1UKdGVkOP3uvd5bDVF_t0WwN6Pq1akJg/s300/PATROL.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="300" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPDw9yrs8L-wwnR8hJn_78OKz0wCqAtudPCEsncOas8BvdS7wEiJoqyDFPBzTuwf1OOyRbjSdnxRZUHuezqnPgbh03BmP1R0XiyW6up1MoH-RLw47YEIu24y5-NRYsb_tSZCxvSRzj_O5O79M3DQ6eaNI0tB1UKdGVkOP3uvd5bDVF_t0WwN6Pq1akJg/s1600/PATROL.png" width="300" /></a></div>The League now offers a Peace Officer Accredited Training Online (PATROL) training course on policing protests that became available July 1. <a href="https://www.nexportcampus.com/PATROL/Home/Login.nex" target="_blank">The course can be accessed with your login and password on the PATROL login page.</a> If you don’t have a subscription, <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/patrol/" target="_blank">find out how your department can join PATROL</a>. PATROL is supported by the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association.<p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Model Policies Available on POST Board Website</h4><p>As of May 30, the Minnesota POST Board requires all law enforcement agencies adopt, implement, and enforce policies based on its model policies per <a href="https://mn.gov/post/assets/6. Required Agency Policies %5BRead-Only%5D - PDF_tcm1189-577869.pdf" target="_blank">MN Rule 6700.1615</a>, including a “Public Assembly/First Amendment Activity” policy, <a href="https://mn.gov/post/cleosadministrators/modelpolicies/" target="_blank">which can be accessed on the POST Board website</a>. </p><p>The required policies must be posted on your agency’s website (or in a public area of the physical premises for agencies without a website) and a copy of the current version of each required policy must be provided on request by an individual or organization. By <a href="https://mn.gov/post/assets/Final-Rules-Adopting_tcm1189-575322.pdf" target="_blank">MN Rule 6700.1615, Subp. 1 and 2</a>, your newly required department policy must include the “identical or substantially similar” provisions of the POST Board’s model policy, although it may incorporate additional agency-specific requirements or more stringent requirements to ensure it is respectful of First Amendment rights, focuses on the safety of all involved, and appropriately identifies and describes any ministerial and discretionary duties and acts within the policy. </p><p>Due to conflicting rules and legal liabilities of policing protests and demonstrations, it is recommended that a law enforcement agency consult with their legal advisor or city attorney before implementing any regulations of speech through a city ordinance or adopting any new policies, including the newly required “Public Assembly/First Amendment Activity” policy, to ensure it is “substantially similar” to the board’s model policy. <br /><br /></p><p>If you have any specific comments or questions or would like to obtain the League resources mentioned above, you may contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org" target="_blank">tstille@lmc.org</a> or (651) 215-4051. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-44580179019480478042023-06-27T09:10:00.017-05:002023-06-27T14:25:45.843-05:00Finding Purpose in the Pain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i>Guest post from interview with Dr. Kiri Faul of Faul Psychological </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VM2DhT76kwxznz9z8nisHrsOszRVlJddllAwPXFXWW4Tt8kIcpSMowtckCD0xeX5sus40PAYbcqfNEXz-RBPN3lmoWaVDbvGOcp1XF3kX9b5zDPbqQeLoZmdNQ6-azjSmu5bIdqBexoAIO9TWHX7wj6gewacO_DfvsK9AWz4onUnNtYiXS52Zh0pyxU/s1322/PTSD%20awareness%20day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1322" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VM2DhT76kwxznz9z8nisHrsOszRVlJddllAwPXFXWW4Tt8kIcpSMowtckCD0xeX5sus40PAYbcqfNEXz-RBPN3lmoWaVDbvGOcp1XF3kX9b5zDPbqQeLoZmdNQ6-azjSmu5bIdqBexoAIO9TWHX7wj6gewacO_DfvsK9AWz4onUnNtYiXS52Zh0pyxU/s320/PTSD%20awareness%20day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As a matter of their jobs, public safety professionals regularly respond to stressful and potentially traumatic situations. What seems out of the ordinary – responding to serious injury and death scenes, witnessing the impact of violence and abuse, not being able to prevent a tragedy from occurring – becomes commonplace. These events may impact first responders in diverse physical, mental and emotional ways. Some emotional stress following a traumatic incident is a normal response. Typically, this could include anxiety, fatigue, irritability, problems sleeping, exaggerated response, change in appetite and feeling overwhelmed. <p></p><p>Over time, the frequency of these experiences can contribute to lingering effects and negative symptoms – intrusive memories, nightmares, changes in thinking and mood. These behaviors are often diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But there’s another phenomenon that first responders may experience when they commit to working through these emotions: post-traumatic growth. Developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the 1990s, <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/11/growth-trauma#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20growth%20(PTG),often%20see%20positive%20growth%20afterward." target="_blank">post-traumatic growth</a> is the ability to process trauma and emerge from a traumatic or stressful situation even stronger than before. </p><p>This PTSD Awareness Day, let’s learn about the profound and transformative experience of post-traumatic growth and strategies for cultivating a growth mindset after a triggering event. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Strength can come from the 'transformative power' of trauma</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3H9H2i5Bl0LWKP1NkmgG8uP7I8Dl8Xi34mym7lUGOM1fiKsdL7tARqfddxNMtazVHEmxFo_YDw4cFjKPNZc0MJg7omiv51oe9BhAKddkVTjQSd6cNpdfqNOlkaA162Kce9KzwU7-UG2j5D0isO2yRsUNTNEawR5Qe914sqQ4JCWWBHLo6ts8C6A_qQ0/s1024/Post%20traumatic%20growth.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Infographic with icons showing the key components of post-traumatic growth, including personal strength, close relationships, greater appreciation for life, new possibilities, and spiritual development." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3H9H2i5Bl0LWKP1NkmgG8uP7I8Dl8Xi34mym7lUGOM1fiKsdL7tARqfddxNMtazVHEmxFo_YDw4cFjKPNZc0MJg7omiv51oe9BhAKddkVTjQSd6cNpdfqNOlkaA162Kce9KzwU7-UG2j5D0isO2yRsUNTNEawR5Qe914sqQ4JCWWBHLo6ts8C6A_qQ0/w272-h272/Post%20traumatic%20growth.jpg" title="Post traumatic growth infographic" width="272" /></a></div>When people have positive coping strategies and find healthy ways to process their experiences, they can experience post-traumatic growth. Dr. Kiri Faul, a licensed psychologist who works with the public safety community, has seen many examples of post-traumatic growth throughout her career. But many people may not even realize how trauma and stress changes their outlook on life. <p></p><p>“Going through trauma can have this transformative power for an individual,” Faul said. “Post-traumatic growth is the idea that you can work through the pain and trauma with the goal of making oneself better and learning and growing from the experience. It’s about not just bouncing back to baseline, but to come back even stronger.”</p><p>Post-traumatic growth looks different for each individual, but Faul said it’s often described as “finding purpose in the pain.” People can experience improved relationships, a heightened sense of gratitude, improved self-esteem, and other positive emotions through this experience. Another outcome is that people often emerge with a different perspective that allows them to have a greater appreciation for the people in their lives and the experiences that they face. This new outlook can help them navigate future adverse experiences. </p><p>“While we recognize that pain can be present, we gain strength by redirecting that pain,” Faul said.</p><p>These experiences can also make first responders more compassionate and more relatable, helping them build a greater understanding of people in crisis and resulting in positive relationships in the workplace and in the community. </p><p>When public safety professionals experience trauma and stress, how they cope with the situation is a key factor contributing to post-traumatic growth, Faul said. Healthy coping strategies like exercise, quality sleep or connecting with loved ones can help individuals process and move through pain, while negative coping strategies like substance abuse and avoidance often lead to worse outcomes. Evidence also shows that a person’s level of resiliency, mindset, support systems, and past experiences can contribute to how much of an impact trauma has on an individual. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Peer support: Learning and growing from common experiences</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGzunu7sVpiGDHJq_fZlyTE6yxkZZvySzj_ySsT1a2y_O4Hd3_0XkH8yqbtmzxg0e_7y6pj-Of5CDLHXgMXCw4JjkMQBvgcLx1ryARVCgmH38XOiSWvD8vkU50d67UftlF_Y8q4BPKlxTHnOE1jhuhPTSkWcN1JHt7JOS3yDnjANZXx-erVROv4KwQoY/s1254/Peer%20support.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of two firefighters in uniform sitting on a fire truck and talking." border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1254" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGzunu7sVpiGDHJq_fZlyTE6yxkZZvySzj_ySsT1a2y_O4Hd3_0XkH8yqbtmzxg0e_7y6pj-Of5CDLHXgMXCw4JjkMQBvgcLx1ryARVCgmH38XOiSWvD8vkU50d67UftlF_Y8q4BPKlxTHnOE1jhuhPTSkWcN1JHt7JOS3yDnjANZXx-erVROv4KwQoY/w320-h214/Peer%20support.jpg" title="Firefighters talking" width="320" /></a></div>Another way to promote post-traumatic growth in the public safety community is by implementing peer support programs. <a href="https://www.lmc.org/ptsd-mental-health-toolkit/peer-support-standards-and-training/guidelines-for-practice-of-peer-support/" target="_blank">Peer support</a> is emotional and practical support between two people who often share a common experience. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14604086221079441" target="_blank">Recent studies indicate</a> that first responders who engage in peer support experience increased well-being and post-traumatic growth. <p></p><p>Normalizing conversations about traumatic experiences and stress in public safety workplaces can help first responders feel less alone after a triggering event. They can recognize a trauma response and tools to intervene early if needed to promote a healthy response. </p><p>Beyond normalizing the conversation, Faul said it’s important to create opportunities for public safety professionals to talk about their traumatic experiences. Whether that’s critical incident briefings at work, peer support after a tough call, family and friends with a listening ear, or structured counseling, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/201903/5-reasons-talk-about-trauma" target="_blank">talking about trauma is essential</a>. </p><p>Talking about the experience can help an individual focus on their thoughts and feelings about what occurred and create their own narrative about what happened. This gives them control and insight, preventing negative thoughts from spiraling, she said. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Compassion is key</h3><p>Lastly, Faul encourages community members to remember that first responders need our compassion and support – we can help the public safety community maintain resilience despite these significant exposures to trauma.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX99uHJ4vEQ2IpvLgzJOi2-gldzM0PULawY9GXW6AmLJr8ENXak6lT85gt8d9jq8ruZD5ZBOFRTTnc3r38gv8f4HPPfEyuNOJ145dGSXuVy8lGkf1YmPiUgVaUTMHakQ0t8pjvMHMnK8tKrYxYEgkh-0QLjziMa1NndgPjkZV1WlWgCT1U5SNa7V0jAT4/s1254/Flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a purple flower growing out of a crack in concrete." border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1254" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX99uHJ4vEQ2IpvLgzJOi2-gldzM0PULawY9GXW6AmLJr8ENXak6lT85gt8d9jq8ruZD5ZBOFRTTnc3r38gv8f4HPPfEyuNOJ145dGSXuVy8lGkf1YmPiUgVaUTMHakQ0t8pjvMHMnK8tKrYxYEgkh-0QLjziMa1NndgPjkZV1WlWgCT1U5SNa7V0jAT4/w320-h213/Flower.jpg" title="Flower in concrete." width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="p1" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s1"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-90422277222839903602023-06-07T16:14:00.001-05:002023-06-07T16:14:24.673-05:00 Campaign Aims to Build Trust Between Police Agencies and the Communities They Serve<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia_XkouzE-cd1T04lUCejq_iqcAGrGgXQ8wCaeuLnSSzWzuoggvM9A8fn12bE0Es_q5I1aiDtDO3zQdRu4BKuoauE1DlWElolxATVtuvywtqgnyy75R1MLAGZPECWeoGdvUCoKxuaj00GQUJgpMlN8S_N6uRuq5LOx56FJh_Tq6ZIIDxvNHEM452s/s1032/Officerwithdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A police officer talking to a young boy who is petting a K-9." border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1032" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia_XkouzE-cd1T04lUCejq_iqcAGrGgXQ8wCaeuLnSSzWzuoggvM9A8fn12bE0Es_q5I1aiDtDO3zQdRu4BKuoauE1DlWElolxATVtuvywtqgnyy75R1MLAGZPECWeoGdvUCoKxuaj00GQUJgpMlN8S_N6uRuq5LOx56FJh_Tq6ZIIDxvNHEM452s/w320-h220/Officerwithdog.jpg" title="Officer with dog" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pillar 1: Building Trust & Legitimacy</div><div style="text-align: center;">The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Credit: Plymouth Police Department</i></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table>In a world where information can spread so quickly, it is critical — now more than ever — that law enforcement agencies have the trust of their communities. For agencies to be truly effective, officers and agencies must have their community’s active support. Unfortunately, due to a small number of high-profile incidents, there remains a distrust of the policing profession in some cities.<p>Recently, I attended an International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) listening session that took place at the Bloomington Civic Plaza and was led by IACP President John Letteney. The listening session introduced IACP’s new Trust Building Campaign, and the discussions focused on three key questions: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is the biggest challenge facing your agency?</li><li>What is the biggest challenge facing the law enforcement profession?</li><li>What can IACP do to assist in addressing these challenges?</li></ul><p></p><p>The forum provided police leaders from across Minnesota an opportunity to share their experience and their views on the changing complexities and dynamics confronting the police profession. The discussions that took place will allow the IACP leadership to better represent the profession’s needs and help direct the association’s efforts as they develop critical assistance programs and advocate on behalf of law enforcement with White House and federal agency officials, as well as key leaders in Congress. </p><p>The IACP Trust Building Campaign seeks to enhance trust between police agencies and the communities they serve by ensuring positive community-police partnerships that promote safe, effective interactions; create strategies to prevent and reduce crime; and improve the well-being and quality of life for all. </p><p>The initiative involves implementing 25 key policies and practices within the following six focus areas that are essential to enhancing trust and collaboration between communities and police:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bias-free policing</li><li>Use of force</li><li>Leadership and culture</li><li>Recruitment, hiring, and retention</li><li>Victim services</li><li>Community relations</li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How Can Your Police Department Join the Campaign?</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqapidzSlVBYsy-wfZ5pzhSPloMP_ttsbINJa5rFjDNf2TiFOf5bhNxJeouh6cRwZe__ST39y-xn-o1LSgIjqOF4tTwS-OHD0KhRagHYNx0u_H2jIb0lClFPOxVesO2kew4gZjfrN3gS0JSmhaC8Ru7JOWGHts3R0P5me6gyaxQlnjmsGliZsvBdtp/s387/Trust%20Building%20Campaign.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="387" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqapidzSlVBYsy-wfZ5pzhSPloMP_ttsbINJa5rFjDNf2TiFOf5bhNxJeouh6cRwZe__ST39y-xn-o1LSgIjqOF4tTwS-OHD0KhRagHYNx0u_H2jIb0lClFPOxVesO2kew4gZjfrN3gS0JSmhaC8Ru7JOWGHts3R0P5me6gyaxQlnjmsGliZsvBdtp/s320/Trust%20Building%20Campaign.png" width="320" /></a></div>Minnesota police agencies are invited to join other agencies across the United States and globally in pledging to enhance trust and collaboration between police and the communities they serve. <p></p><p>To join the Trust Building Campaign, police agencies must pledge to prioritize actions to encourage positive community-police partnerships within the six focus areas and implement 25 key policies and promising practices. Agencies and organizations demonstrating a serious commitment to implementing the key action items in all six areas will become publicly recognized members of the Trust Building Campaign. </p><p><a href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/Trust%20Building%20Campaign/Trust%20Building%20Campaign%20Completion%20Checklist_0.pdf" target="_blank">Read the complete checklist of the 25 best practices to adopt as part of this campaign. </a>IACP also has many resources to assist agencies in developing and implementing these policies and practices on the <a href="https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign" target="_blank">Trust Building Campaign webpage </a>under the “Key Focus Areas and IACP Resources Available to Assist Agencies” section. </p><p>There is nothing more important to the success of policing than the trust of the public. Through the Trust Building Campaign, the IACP is committed to addressing this principle on a national and international level. For additional information, including how to take the pledge, a press and social media toolkit, and to <a href="https://vimeo.com/806781928" target="_blank">watch a video from Chief Letteney</a>, please <a href="https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign" target="_blank">visit the Trust Building Campaign webpage</a>.</p><p>Questions on this campaign can be sent to <a href="mailto:trustbuildingcampaign@theiacp.org">trustbuildingcampaign@theiacp.org</a>. If you have any specific comments or questions related to the IACP listening session, you may also contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org ">tstille@lmc.org </a>or (651) 215-4051. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-57178464611039887632023-05-22T16:04:00.003-05:002023-05-23T10:05:09.987-05:00Memorial Honors Minnesota’s Fallen Peace Officers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01_m-vGovKV71TXNYsegeCrX4SUBX6aGkqtkgKsX28h0pecWHlT-cM8oW6v12ZA6glvb3EQPG5UdnWUxrz6Mh4wLJE7hG-LY76gUS-Fu9stahqhmaXHMDDbNV79g9UYuWe2N5C8YjumDD6de0_3fDfteRayjftsu9lDzy5wT0wQ8gO0Q-H-FDJQJz/s4032/MN%20Peace%20Officers%20Memorial.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01_m-vGovKV71TXNYsegeCrX4SUBX6aGkqtkgKsX28h0pecWHlT-cM8oW6v12ZA6glvb3EQPG5UdnWUxrz6Mh4wLJE7hG-LY76gUS-Fu9stahqhmaXHMDDbNV79g9UYuWe2N5C8YjumDD6de0_3fDfteRayjftsu9lDzy5wT0wQ8gO0Q-H-FDJQJz/w274-h206/MN%20Peace%20Officers%20Memorial.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. </div><p></p><p>National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. On May 15, the Minnesota law enforcement community honored and remembered its fallen officers and their families with a 24-hour vigil at the memorial site located on the grounds of the State Capitol.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Lxsag0sZ1wENdApG1oFcHUpwmU6t5xgVg34jIW4HgX_-CkbzbEflgTOl0JCdmTA02VWkrSBDj_kt55N_oNJcRMEgNJ6VaDd0_m83dN1N8rHb5kxt6s9USl4qGS7JmnIhL9vt74eHK8nSaiBH4alas2v1QpqRyjxycyB3_D3Kwu6nqDDVh-ZR1tIl/s4032/Walking%20the%20line.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One officer standing in front of a memorial with another officer walking in front of him." border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Lxsag0sZ1wENdApG1oFcHUpwmU6t5xgVg34jIW4HgX_-CkbzbEflgTOl0JCdmTA02VWkrSBDj_kt55N_oNJcRMEgNJ6VaDd0_m83dN1N8rHb5kxt6s9USl4qGS7JmnIhL9vt74eHK8nSaiBH4alas2v1QpqRyjxycyB3_D3Kwu6nqDDVh-ZR1tIl/w203-h272/Walking%20the%20line.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the line, May 15, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Officers recognized during ceremony, vigil<br /><br /></h3>The event is hosted by Minnesota’s Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA), with municipal police officers, county deputies, state troopers, and officers from other law enforcement agencies from around the state providing an honor guard. LEMA is also the organization that assists departments and family members after an officer has died in the line of duty. <p></p><p>Two long-standing rituals and traditions take place during the ceremony — officers ”standing guard” and officers “walking the line” (where a peace officer continually walks the thin blue line that represents law enforcement standing between the public and chaos). As officers end their vigil, they announce a fallen officer’s name and ring a bell three times.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBogUgKzXeZc12_QYH5P_3l8-m6URdp0ozGtPahSgWHqiv_F-1R54RokB4mQHobqzQL9GXSlDK42PslzxAT1dq9tfg83eJ-06I6iTU-J2euiFw5TLe6NCjivIhibLq4Tt2PH56Ft3T7CBs7bf46uFJnc6JRkClt1sW-3nwO0GeIPGow-ICcL20E3B/s4032/standing%20guard.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBogUgKzXeZc12_QYH5P_3l8-m6URdp0ozGtPahSgWHqiv_F-1R54RokB4mQHobqzQL9GXSlDK42PslzxAT1dq9tfg83eJ-06I6iTU-J2euiFw5TLe6NCjivIhibLq4Tt2PH56Ft3T7CBs7bf46uFJnc6JRkClt1sW-3nwO0GeIPGow-ICcL20E3B/w207-h276/standing%20guard.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing guard, May 15, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table>The Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial is located at the southeastern corner of the mall, near the corner of Wabasha Street and 12th Street East. It consists of a series of tall white pillars that face downtown. A lighted thin blue line runs the steps through the pillars. The “thin blue line” is a well-known term that refers to the concept of the police as the line which keeps society from descending into violent chaos. When an officer is killed, the line is temporarily broken. The thin blue line at the memorial ends at a beautiful block of black marble which is engraved, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9.”<p></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F3GZMZxUho&t=2s">Watch</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F3GZMZxUho&t=2s" target="_blank"> highlights from a past MN LEMA memorial service</a>. For more information on the services and the law enforcement memorial, <a href="https://mnlema.org/" target="_blank">visit the LEMA website</a>. </p><p>If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or (651) 215-4051. </p><p>In the meantime, stay safe! </p><p>Tracy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-27312772606496884022023-04-20T16:41:00.007-05:002023-04-20T16:46:37.376-05:00Gibbon Fire Department Purchases ‘First of Its Kind’ Rural Rescue Response Trailer<p><b> A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh</b></p><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Gibbon Fire Department (GFD) recently acquired a Rural Rescue Response Trailer, otherwise known as R3. This specialty trailer is designed for rescues in the agricultural industry, including grain bins. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTdvs9v-42WfYM6LXEEESvN0wrxJHlvPT1gV2SxWVsIkSV1WmoXoboOAm2eN_5avC0KuQN2r5DP-WWne2EebU0trhjLihqT1TpiXvoruCpDlpYx6k0fyBr3jfYTJFBJyDiLmVPCuacINCBoeFWvSVuLl9J2t3AGj1HsPh04x0UOJ2yrcXyCSTIdQ3/s292/R3%20-%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a red Rural Rescue Response Trailer." border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTdvs9v-42WfYM6LXEEESvN0wrxJHlvPT1gV2SxWVsIkSV1WmoXoboOAm2eN_5avC0KuQN2r5DP-WWne2EebU0trhjLihqT1TpiXvoruCpDlpYx6k0fyBr3jfYTJFBJyDiLmVPCuacINCBoeFWvSVuLl9J2t3AGj1HsPh04x0UOJ2yrcXyCSTIdQ3/s16000/R3%20-%201.jpg" /></a></div>Minnesota historically is in the top three states with the most grain entrapment cases, behind Indiana and Iowa, <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/agconfinespaces/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021-Summary-of-US-Ag-Confined-Space-FINAL-4.19.22.pdf" target="_blank">according to a report published in April 2022</a>. And with <a href="https://www.agweb.com/news/business/health/grain-bin-accidents-increase-nearly-10" target="_blank">grain bin accidents increasing nearly 10%</a> in recent years, the need for such equipment unfortunately persists. </div><div><br /></div><div>The R3 is a concept that became reality after the GFD conducted Minnesota’s only successful grain bin rescue in 2019, when the GFD, with the assistance of a neighboring farmer’s grain vac, rescued a local farmer who had become trapped.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2019 rescue emphasized the need for a specialized rescue trailer that could help not only Gibbon, but the entire region. The GFD is in the process of assembling a focused response team to specialize in operating the R3 and will hold training sessions for the entire department as well as the nine neighboring communities they serve under mutual aid agreements.</div><div><br /></div><div>The GFD was aware of special grain vacs on the market, but there was nothing designed for emergency use with all the needs for a grain bin rescue. The department worked with agricultural partners to obtain funding for a concept trailer that includes a powered grain vac and grain bin rescue tools. The R3 has tools to help a rescue crew protect the victim as the crew works to move the grain away in hopes of freeing the trapped individual. This specific trailer is the first of its kind and may pave the way for other departments to get similar specialty equipment. <br /><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Communities Come Together to Fund R3 Trailer<br /><br /></h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyGFVM-zJ8J5t56nWXPp_ZVZkMna_vNj6kIiSGEgzXbtjLana3N8ci--3yjH33VsSrFdx6wcb5TG_IoKZVBrNpLSXwVmJSzQ2MIXoNyfj1bSYGtCFS6aboDIrvTuyArKruVTHe1IA6vV6Rh5oiFyxrbNa9hklMmQ04kJ3BeJyCNAdrcq4vv0I1Ucn/s677/R3-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of seven people standing in font of a Rural Rescue Trailer." border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="677" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyGFVM-zJ8J5t56nWXPp_ZVZkMna_vNj6kIiSGEgzXbtjLana3N8ci--3yjH33VsSrFdx6wcb5TG_IoKZVBrNpLSXwVmJSzQ2MIXoNyfj1bSYGtCFS6aboDIrvTuyArKruVTHe1IA6vV6Rh5oiFyxrbNa9hklMmQ04kJ3BeJyCNAdrcq4vv0I1Ucn/w320-h233/R3-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Due to the unique specialization of the R3 trailer, the GFD was unable to use any existing grant funding. They had to rely on community donations and their experience and ingenuity for the R3 trailer’s creation. From the start, the GFD described this as not a local resource, but rather one that would serve several communities through existing mutual aid agreements. This regional focus aided in generating donations from the communities. </div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br />Farmers May Apply for State Funding to Install Safety Measures <br /><br /></h4><div>To prevent people from falling into or being trapped in grain bins or silos, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers a grant to Minnesota farmers for $400 per bin to install safety measures, including fall protection systems, engineering controls to prevent contact with an auger or other moving parts, and other grain storage facility safety equipment. The application period ends June 30. <a href="https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grainstoragesafetycostshare" target="_blank">Read more about this grain storage facility cost-share program. </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More information on the R3 can be found on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m94YgACJucQ" target="_blank">Gibbon Fire and Rescue YouTube channel</a>, or by calling firefighter Nate Firle at 320-979-4835.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs8joYG_1ogQfGCrerC6prBp2N-RNZp5ewp896p9eIdbVjZxPA8RRL-NHO-eA1Vg45hYFC2LiL5w-uNeo4lstvaws0c4m-uhHnuFNMbaxJgmfNOmqTRlq2kxGmKv14AP7xw66tRUsCqJiaH98Ikkz9rFzhbgCds_4jEG_YWPMIBNGoxBVPGJe4LIO/s488/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Headshot of Troy Walsh." border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="434" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs8joYG_1ogQfGCrerC6prBp2N-RNZp5ewp896p9eIdbVjZxPA8RRL-NHO-eA1Vg45hYFC2LiL5w-uNeo4lstvaws0c4m-uhHnuFNMbaxJgmfNOmqTRlq2kxGmKv14AP7xw66tRUsCqJiaH98Ikkz9rFzhbgCds_4jEG_YWPMIBNGoxBVPGJe4LIO/w178-h200/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><br />If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> or (651) 281-1231. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, stay safe!</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>Troy</div></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-36920620502470383272023-03-17T13:37:00.001-05:002023-03-17T13:37:04.295-05:00Your Department Needs a Mental Health Response Policy – Here’s Why<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CE2YL2dlEqzyc9lw1VMxxD0NomHhnHAsGzLs_Pd7SXVmeRw8lGm18JRlVYTDSeW8Rjz8PjzyaLwYUsECtSpt7l_U_a0NHu5dsB1LCZuQdr1Wgz6dHcN4LRyAj0etjezBGUqhyrt3NIGExoVWinTrSKReNTwSGo-pLsyRM8he68XOdfLy-LM5H835/s321/NAMI%20guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cover a booklet with the title "Navigating a mental health crisis"" border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CE2YL2dlEqzyc9lw1VMxxD0NomHhnHAsGzLs_Pd7SXVmeRw8lGm18JRlVYTDSeW8Rjz8PjzyaLwYUsECtSpt7l_U_a0NHu5dsB1LCZuQdr1Wgz6dHcN4LRyAj0etjezBGUqhyrt3NIGExoVWinTrSKReNTwSGo-pLsyRM8he68XOdfLy-LM5H835/w252-h320/NAMI%20guide.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <a href="https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis" target="_blank">NAMI resource guide</a> for those <br />experiencing a mental health crisis.</td></tr></tbody></table>In 2020, Minnesota enacted new legislation under <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.066" target="_blank">Minn. Stat., § 609.066, subd. 1a (4)</a> restricting the circumstances under which peace officers may use deadly force and, along the way, instructed that peace officers should use “special care” when interacting with individuals with known physical, mental health, developmental, or intellectual disabilities as an individual's disability may affect their ability to understand or comply with commands from peace officers. <p></p><p>At present, many law enforcement agencies are experiencing high demand for crisis services but have no clear answers for what to do about it. The statistics are concerning: One-fifth of adults and nearly one-half of adolescents in the United States live with a mental illness. </p><p>Additionally, estimates hold that between 6% and 10% of all police calls involve someone with a serious mental illness. These calls all too often end in tragedy — approximately 23% of those killed by officers in 2015 had a mental illness. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Best Practices in Law Enforcement Responses to Mental Health Crisis</h3><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR_XQXQWOwTdWfvQtDB4vg_gt4RBF0FiL7v5h-yiiLedSOF2DjREyx8YCMegk2JzV4TQp2mke725liuX4VXueMEHIxUIuQjaHX2aQnZIzUgI4XrTFelBspAN6aktsC0XFibI6V_63688GkVeP-ei4nC1nc5UaBvXk8UkMjS7GwxvfrJrLOnY5l8dm/s320/Crisis%20guide.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cover of a booklet with four faces looking toward the title, "Best Practices in Law Enforcement Responses to Mental Health Crises."" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR_XQXQWOwTdWfvQtDB4vg_gt4RBF0FiL7v5h-yiiLedSOF2DjREyx8YCMegk2JzV4TQp2mke725liuX4VXueMEHIxUIuQjaHX2aQnZIzUgI4XrTFelBspAN6aktsC0XFibI6V_63688GkVeP-ei4nC1nc5UaBvXk8UkMjS7GwxvfrJrLOnY5l8dm/w253-h320/Crisis%20guide.png" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Best-Practices-in-Law-Enforcement-Responses-to-Mental-Health-Crises.pdf" target="_blank">Responses to Mental Health Crises <br />guide</a> for law enforcement agencies.</td></tr></tbody></table>The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) partnered with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA), the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (MSA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and numerous statewide stakeholders to develop a best practice guide and model policy for law enforcement personnel responding to mental health crisis calls.</p><p>The guide chronicles current response challenges faced by agencies and identifies realistic solutions and approaches for addressing those challenges based on a set of mutually agreed-upon guiding principles. The best-practices guide explains why a mental health crisis became a police matter, the response goals, guiding principles, and what cities can do to assess their own needs and develop a local approach using Minnesota examples and initiatives. </p><p>The differences in resources from one place to another in Minnesota can be vast. Law enforcement managers using this guide are encouraged to consider whether there are gaps or needs for improvement in the services currently being provided in their community, and to explore whether it is possible to address them through additional resources, collaboration, or training.</p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Best-Practices-in-Law-Enforcement-Responses-to-Mental-Health-Crises.pdf" target="_blank">Download the guide, “Best Practices in Law Enforcement Responses to Mental Health Crises” (PDF).</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mental Health Crisis Data</h3><p>In 2022, Minnesota lawmakers amended sections of the Data Practices Act and the Health Records Act to provide law enforcement with clearer access to mental health information about persons in active crisis. When responding to a mental health crisis, Minnesota law now allows law enforcement agencies to obtain limited but private mental health information about the person in crisis to aid in managing the situation safely. Agencies that seek or use this sensitive information are required to have a written policy establishing privacy safeguards. </p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/mental-health-crisis-data/" target="_blank">View the informational memo and download the model policy, “Mental Health Crisis Data” (PDFs).</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Use LMC’s model policy to get started</h3><p>LMCIT has also created a model policy so agencies can point toward a tool that will help keep their officers and the community safe. The model policy establishes guidelines for officers responding to mental health crisis situations and supplements the information provided in the best practices guide. </p><p>A link to the LMC model “Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls” Policy can be found below and addresses several key areas:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The purpose of the policy.</li><li>The priorities and objectives established within the policy, including providing for the safety of all concerned.</li><li>The use of mobile crisis response teams and/or an embedded mental health professional or social worker including referrals to services and treatment.</li><li>The appropriate response, discretion, and disengagement in a crisis call.</li><li>Use of transport holds under <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/253B.051" target="_blank">Minn. Stat., § 253B.051</a>. </li><li>Required incident or admission reports.</li><li>The crisis intervention and mental illness training requirements of <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8469" target="_blank">Minn. Stat., § 626.8469</a>.</li></ul><p></p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/best-practices-in-law-enforcement-responses-to-mental-health-crises/" target="_blank">Download the model policy, “Responding to Mental Health Crisis Calls” (PDF).</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Benchmark Analytics Research Study</h3><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzfgcBDusckn8_SqgwFsO37YExXIb81SWoOMP86-AtTulDX_Nqrn9oWVFd-8NKSz8B9nrr6gK0VzvcTTeiryN0kkgoWx3m4EopSbLxiITGHPaOxxlANyz3VSU21yX3SLHmln9HweJa4V3ObL9rXkzXJn7pMubMOcp59aKJmO9ao0i4XEwSDSzLorr/s198/Benchmark.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Logo for Benchmark Analytics," border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzfgcBDusckn8_SqgwFsO37YExXIb81SWoOMP86-AtTulDX_Nqrn9oWVFd-8NKSz8B9nrr6gK0VzvcTTeiryN0kkgoWx3m4EopSbLxiITGHPaOxxlANyz3VSU21yX3SLHmln9HweJa4V3ObL9rXkzXJn7pMubMOcp59aKJmO9ao0i4XEwSDSzLorr/s16000/Benchmark.png" /></a></div>LMCIT recently completed the first year of a <a href="https://www.benchmarkanalytics.com/risk-solutions/" target="_blank">research study with Benchmark Analytics </a>to utilize predictive analysis to identify key risks facing Trust member law enforcement agencies and to provide evidence-based recommendations for approaches most likely to address these risks. <p></p><p>One of the identified evidenced-based practices focused on how an agency managed their response to mental health related calls. The research showed a moderate correlation to a reduction in liability claims for agencies that had a specific policy on identifying and engaging individuals in mental health crisis, and/or had extensive training for responding to mental health crises calls in their community. </p><p>If you have any questions or would like to have a summary copy of the Benchmark Analytics research study referenced above, please contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or (651) 215-4051.</p><p><br /></p><p>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful.</p><p>Tracy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-57150043040918885912023-02-17T13:13:00.001-06:002023-02-17T13:13:24.541-06:00Your Department Needs a Law Enforcement Emergency Vehicle Operations Policy – Here’s Why<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSWHb3-GEV4-gKSRZy37B0oNpbkYM35sYVOoJB9WT2Q8yFLzoZOLzCpnYCYXNyHGUhr08NnZs_j9CoPT5m77Npe43t3Thf7AarJVLOfSA-eRTVFwHvzfl-aQyqdR8llAd0vJ1RShh4bINM4RNK6mcLEvFmsgi4C7bwQ52iX5XEnmLMqfqUMUn0E9z/s633/Squad%20car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the roof of a squad car with lights flashing at night." border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="633" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSWHb3-GEV4-gKSRZy37B0oNpbkYM35sYVOoJB9WT2Q8yFLzoZOLzCpnYCYXNyHGUhr08NnZs_j9CoPT5m77Npe43t3Thf7AarJVLOfSA-eRTVFwHvzfl-aQyqdR8llAd0vJ1RShh4bINM4RNK6mcLEvFmsgi4C7bwQ52iX5XEnmLMqfqUMUn0E9z/w320-h236/Squad%20car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Law Enforcement in the United States is experiencing immense change through various police reform practices and policies. Emergency vehicle operations are an integral part of law enforcement’s commitment to public safety. Minnesota law states that law enforcement agencies shall make reasonable efforts to guide their officers in the safe and responsible performance of their emergency response duties. The law does not protect the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard for the safety of others.<p></p><p>Officers must exercise sound professional judgment in the operation of emergency vehicles, mindful of our overarching duty to protect public safety as it involves increased risks to persons and property. By state statute, officers must balance these risks against the need for a prompt response, while also driving with due regard for the safety of persons using the street. </p><p>While state statutes and rules provide the foundation for the conduct of officers, it is also important for law enforcement agencies to implement guidelines, policies, and continuous and effective training to ensure proper action during emergency vehicle operations. By statute, this training must be designed to give officers both skills and decision-making ability so that emergency vehicle operations can be resolved safely and successfully.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Benchmark Analytics Research Study</h3><p>The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) recently completed the first year of a <a href="https://www.benchmarkanalytics.com/risk-solutions/" target="_blank">research study with Benchmark Analytics</a> to utilize predictive analysis to identify key risks facing Trust member law enforcement agencies and to provide evidence-based recommendations for approaches most likely to address these risks. One of the identified evidenced-based practices focused on how an agency managed emergency call response. The research showed a strong correlation to a reduction in liability claims for agencies that had an emergency vehicles operation policy for responding to incidents such as medicals, crimes in progress, and fire calls.</p><p>We recommend all law enforcement agencies consider adopting a specific emergency vehicle operations policy, like the one created by the Trust (see model policy below), in addition to the vehicle pursuits policy required by law. Officers are also mandated to train in emergency vehicle operations and in the conduct of police pursuits when the chief law enforcement officer determines that the officer may be involved in a police pursuit of a vehicle being operated in violation of <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.487" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 609.487</a> given the officer’s responsibilities. This training shall consist of at least eight hours of classroom and skills-based training every five years.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Use LMC’s model policy to get started</h3><p>LMCIT has created a model policy so agencies can point toward a tool that will help keep their officers safe and fulfill the statutory obligation of <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8458" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 626.8458, subd. 1</a> and <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.17" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 169.17</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/law-enforcement-emergency-vehicle-operations/" target="_blank">This LMC Model Law Enforcement Emergency Vehicle Operations Policy </a>addresses:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The purpose of the policy</li><li>When officers are expected to use their sound professional judgment in the operation of emergency vehicles</li><li>When officers should discontinue an emergency response</li><li>What vehicle equipment must be activated when operating in emergency status</li><li>Exemptions that exist for emergency vehicles under Minnesota’s traffic code</li><li>Training requirements </li></ul><p></p><p>The policy developed by LMCIT does not encompass the mandatory statewide policy governing the conduct of peace officers who are in pursuit of a vehicle that is being operated by someone who is fleeing a police officer. Agencies can find a model policy and more information about that requirement through the <a href="https://dps.mn.gov/entity/post/model-policies-learning-objectives/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)</a> and at <a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.8458" target="_blank">Minn. Stat. § 626.8458, subd. 3</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful.</p><p>Tracy </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-76287570864562260142023-01-31T16:06:00.001-06:002023-01-31T16:06:12.051-06:00Applications Open for the Firefighter Turnout Gear Washer/Extractor 2023 Award Program<p><b>A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJIS6OeDf9t8h3AC1Ze3PMOZdLG_yHRNvh_rR0ICx0Jh0JwdJRxV1U95dWEwn5nnX5XV5UdCQv1LAIF44jQKg7VUY_-LB0_2LEQvkcI-Wz16pduGPSSJ4fx4jajHP-8S-8j3lk33in3IUc1jSmLcoKsTN8fJMwBrw3utkYdUTG9vJCysJ34YoOn_q/s624/dryer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a gear dryer." border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="543" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJIS6OeDf9t8h3AC1Ze3PMOZdLG_yHRNvh_rR0ICx0Jh0JwdJRxV1U95dWEwn5nnX5XV5UdCQv1LAIF44jQKg7VUY_-LB0_2LEQvkcI-Wz16pduGPSSJ4fx4jajHP-8S-8j3lk33in3IUc1jSmLcoKsTN8fJMwBrw3utkYdUTG9vJCysJ34YoOn_q/w212-h244/dryer.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Since 2015, the first year of the Turnout Gear Washer/Extractor Program, the Department of Public Safety has awarded more than $2.1 million to 265 Minnesota fire departments for the purchase of turnout gear washers/extractors and/or gear dryers. Individual awards will again be granted in amounts up to $10,000 for gear washer/extractors and up to $8,000 for gear dryers.<p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Apply by April 14</b></h4><p>Applications are now available for the <a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/for-fire-departments/Pages/turnout-gear-washer-dryer-grant-program.aspx" target="_blank">2023-2024 firefighter washer/extractor award program</a>. If you have any questions, please contact Nolan Pasell at (651) 201-7218. A complete application packet must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, April 14, preferably by email to <a href="mailto:nolan.pasell@state.mn.us">nolan.pasell@state.mn.us</a>. </p><p><a href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/for-fire-departments/Documents/2023-washer-extractor-award-program-application-packet.pdf" target="_blank">Download the application packet. </a></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1QS5WQLhMa5-hJUmGwoCUIs5d-V60Tih4jy7DEHRclYGI2OQ8gfJmulMfuM65r8TD6_j0OrqE2suH5Z7Pt6ZmdtMU-MqkkQa3xrCecou1KhqSksqnHxjANk1MhbX8lr5WHqEomGQia6hc7g7UFC4PkYy02dLgN9jzR_p5R5NkeJwXjU0LFzw9Wl/s234/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Headshot of Troy Walsh." border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1QS5WQLhMa5-hJUmGwoCUIs5d-V60Tih4jy7DEHRclYGI2OQ8gfJmulMfuM65r8TD6_j0OrqE2suH5Z7Pt6ZmdtMU-MqkkQa3xrCecou1KhqSksqnHxjANk1MhbX8lr5WHqEomGQia6hc7g7UFC4PkYy02dLgN9jzR_p5R5NkeJwXjU0LFzw9Wl/s16000/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" /></a></div>If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> or (651) 281-1231. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, stay warm and be safe!</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>Troy</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-59473168795967670272022-12-15T10:30:00.000-06:002022-12-15T10:30:18.038-06:00Social Media Misuse Is Costly. Are Your Fire and EMS Departments Prepared? <h4 style="text-align: left;">A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh</h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFxmVupZvLAnVGKGg1JgZWr9BjgbTpx2OjErZwN-LxUDecgMPjMKvMjR-yMDIAbhvXoCo0OjVx_JORlM_6h8VbHy1iyHM9GkN_cjJ0Gm1kpvJP-i_mcw2RtZ0Kim14FhO4X5rHNNATYONkT677quzPqwmyYySnInhZWMqLCF3ZCF1ZwaG88w8B-I8/s272/Crash%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a crashed car and three firefighters in the background." border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFxmVupZvLAnVGKGg1JgZWr9BjgbTpx2OjErZwN-LxUDecgMPjMKvMjR-yMDIAbhvXoCo0OjVx_JORlM_6h8VbHy1iyHM9GkN_cjJ0Gm1kpvJP-i_mcw2RtZ0Kim14FhO4X5rHNNATYONkT677quzPqwmyYySnInhZWMqLCF3ZCF1ZwaG88w8B-I8/s16000/Crash%20photo.jpg" /></a></div>I’m sure by now you have all heard about the unfortunate events surrounding the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others, including the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-24/jury-vanessa-kobe-bryant-photos-trial-sheriff-deputies" target="_blank">$31 million in damages</a> awarded to family members for the graphic photos that sheriff deputies and firefighters took at the scene.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about the emergency responders, investigation photos, or just the conversations that occurred around this tragic event? Social media is ever-changing, and it’s becoming increasingly more important to manage from a liability perspective. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a plan if a high-profile incident happens in your community? Do you have a policy? These types of events happen every day, and we need to look at the ramifications of social media if it’s misused. In this day and age, it is essential for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments to understand that the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act also applies to video and digital images, including the use on a privately owned device. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">Check Out LMC’s Model Policies for Social Media and Digital Images</h4><div><br /></div><div>The League of Minnesota Cities has a <a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Social-Media-Policy.docx" target="_blank">model social media policy</a> for fire and EMS departments to ensure that the information shared is not private, confidential, or sensitive. Additionally, all fire and EMS department should have a policy on taking images (digital, video, or otherwise) while on duty and the dissemination of those images, including on social media. A <a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Social-Media-and-Digital-Images.docx" target="_blank">model social media and digital images policy</a> is also available for your considered use. </div><div><br /></div><div>These policies are great starting points for anyone in public safety to educate your staff members in the proper use of social media and the protections of digital images. Additionally, there are many other liability topics addressed in the <a href="https://www.lmc.org/resources/fire-department-management-and-liability-issues/" target="_blank">LMC fire department management and liability issues information memo</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1QS5WQLhMa5-hJUmGwoCUIs5d-V60Tih4jy7DEHRclYGI2OQ8gfJmulMfuM65r8TD6_j0OrqE2suH5Z7Pt6ZmdtMU-MqkkQa3xrCecou1KhqSksqnHxjANk1MhbX8lr5WHqEomGQia6hc7g7UFC4PkYy02dLgN9jzR_p5R5NkeJwXjU0LFzw9Wl/s234/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Headshot of Troy Walsh." border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V1QS5WQLhMa5-hJUmGwoCUIs5d-V60Tih4jy7DEHRclYGI2OQ8gfJmulMfuM65r8TD6_j0OrqE2suH5Z7Pt6ZmdtMU-MqkkQa3xrCecou1KhqSksqnHxjANk1MhbX8lr5WHqEomGQia6hc7g7UFC4PkYy02dLgN9jzR_p5R5NkeJwXjU0LFzw9Wl/s16000/Troy%20Walsh.jpg" /></a></div>If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> or (651) 281-1231. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, stay warm and be safe!</div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>Troy</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-75508611434906445512022-11-22T11:42:00.006-06:002022-11-22T11:43:48.176-06:00Nationwide 9-8-8 Hotline Connects Callers With Mental Health Crisis Counselors <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKSaZOihF5zqh9KhdGt7pcwqxb8uk8SVrbjEpA72bfv27ooqGoN6tbvSXE1M7Z5YrPadh4X3o3tc-oS1xnv6amBNrdzozxgGt_cb8FQ9s8HKHwW7nrVPs5jPaZ5gRJHYA4qQv5xI_R3pdYmxgwEsdg3rW0GKTCGzrrDkPP5AR4tn-d2G6V-Sn-qF4/s755/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="755" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKSaZOihF5zqh9KhdGt7pcwqxb8uk8SVrbjEpA72bfv27ooqGoN6tbvSXE1M7Z5YrPadh4X3o3tc-oS1xnv6amBNrdzozxgGt_cb8FQ9s8HKHwW7nrVPs5jPaZ5gRJHYA4qQv5xI_R3pdYmxgwEsdg3rW0GKTCGzrrDkPP5AR4tn-d2G6V-Sn-qF4/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div>In the past, most people in a mental health crisis would call the general 911 emergency line for help. Although the 911 system is convenient for deploying first responders, it can be an ineffective way to connect people to behavioral health services that do not always require a police response. <p></p><p>Additionally, each year millions of Americans, including emergency responders, experience thoughts of suicide but do not call 911.</p><p>To better serve our country’s growing mental health needs, the Federal Communications Commission recently designated and transitioned to “9-8-8” as a nationwide mental health crisis and suicide prevention phone number. The new 988 dialing code directly connects callers to trained mental health crisis counselors and responders within the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network, creating a valuable opportunity to increase connections to accessible mental health crisis care. </p><p>The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is an easy-to-remember code for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use related crisis. Since the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched on July 16, call centers have seen a 45% increase in use – primarily in people texting or sending messages seeking help – compared to last year, according to new data from the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.</p><p><a href="https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet.pdf" target="_blank">Download the FCC “988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Fact Sheet” (pdf)</a> </p><p>People who call or text 988 will be connected to a crisis center near them. Lawmakers and mental health advocates also see this new hotline as an opportunity to transform the mental health care system, reduce confrontations with law enforcement, and make additional crisis care services easily available in communities across the United States. Cities and counties nationwide are building or expanding their own community responder programs to meet their local needs.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Law Enforcement-Mental Health Collaboration Support Center provides free </b><b>resources, training </b></h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xloI2fJP_IjKfoXfSUofN8yHlHuVSozlQ0znBS7PoUiRfHexgf3tD5EIZyY6hN5NlIjRui5mtGOq7610TZPfWOrUrPIoh2XnXAGmeDVzXWZafWUJbvhWUDZ9OCKPd3qtKgLHZpjbjW1A8v3nMO30lH4IgUkERtauPX-Ry_3g6b4if1aERplHGSGm/s329/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="329" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xloI2fJP_IjKfoXfSUofN8yHlHuVSozlQ0znBS7PoUiRfHexgf3tD5EIZyY6hN5NlIjRui5mtGOq7610TZPfWOrUrPIoh2XnXAGmeDVzXWZafWUJbvhWUDZ9OCKPd3qtKgLHZpjbjW1A8v3nMO30lH4IgUkERtauPX-Ry_3g6b4if1aERplHGSGm/s320/Picture2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The <a href="https://csgjusticecenter.org/resources/le-mh-collaboration-support-center/" target="_blank">Law Enforcement-Mental Health Collaboration Support Center</a> is administered by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and offers free training, resources, and support to communities wanting to improve their law enforcement and community response models to people with behavioral health conditions or intellectual and development disabilities. Learn more about the community responder models by checking out the CSG Justice Center’s <a href="https://csgjusticecenter.org/publications/expanding-first-response/the-toolkit/?mc_cid=93776281e6&mc_eid=4b8328545d" target="_blank">Expanding First Response Toolkit</a>. Additionally, the CSG has just released the <a href="https://csgjusticecenter.org/publications/expanding-first-response/assessment-tool/?utm_source=CSG+Justice+Center&utm_campaign=56e981b6c0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_10_06_09_03_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db9d88bcfb-56e981b6c0-42643432&mc_cid=56e981b6c0&mc_eid=4b8328545d" target="_blank">Expanding First Response Assessment Tool</a>, which will help communities determine where they are in planning, implementing, and sustaining community responder programs that position health professionals and community members trained in crisis response as first responders. The assessment tool provides valuable insight and practical information for law enforcement agencies exploring alternative responses to mental health related calls.<p></p><p>This resource is supported by a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. Any state, locality, or federally recognized tribal government, as well as organizations such as non-profit behavioral health organizations, criminal justice agencies, and service providers, can request assistance from the Law Enforcement-Mental Health Support Center. </p><p>Send your questions or comments to <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or give me a call at (651) 215-4051.<br /><br /></p><p>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful.</p><p>Tracy</p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-7840947153795792702022-11-08T17:09:00.001-06:002022-11-08T17:10:12.666-06:00Grant Program Strives to Equip Every Law Enforcement Vehicle in Minnesota With Lifesaving Device<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuTz3GrUSBnqAs3xYOkACOxSIBsXlOXsEkfvYQyJPDtR1tKXUxmB74mQ7hBqkowdkpsJD-YHwwliXePwMYqsMYLcbc08buotQcJ8HkA5p26vzRXkaimu3AWQd1b7ZPFzI6bUgw9DV9uAGqvsCXw8gYpTPShaKBfbdQquxf_fGR_AYjsqj2Iw0eRfO/s308/AED%20pic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="308" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuTz3GrUSBnqAs3xYOkACOxSIBsXlOXsEkfvYQyJPDtR1tKXUxmB74mQ7hBqkowdkpsJD-YHwwliXePwMYqsMYLcbc08buotQcJ8HkA5p26vzRXkaimu3AWQd1b7ZPFzI6bUgw9DV9uAGqvsCXw8gYpTPShaKBfbdQquxf_fGR_AYjsqj2Iw0eRfO/s1600/AED%20pic.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />A <a href="https://helmsleytrust.org/news-and-insights/18-million-grant-to-provide-aeds-across-minnesota/" target="_blank">grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to the Center for Resuscitation Medicine (CRM) at the University of Minnesota</a> will provide law enforcement, state and national parks, and other first responders with automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to improve cardiac arrest survival rates. <p></p><p>The three-year project funded through an $18.8 million grant from Helmsley aims to equip every law enforcement vehicle in the state with a Stryker CR2 AED and train law enforcement professionals to deliver immediate care prior to arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The investment is the latest effort from Helmsley to increase access to these lifesaving devices, which are key to treating victims of cardiac arrest and improving patient outcomes. In partnership with the University of Minnesota Medical School, 8,300 AEDs will be distributed to local, state, and federal agencies across urban, suburban, and rural Minnesota. The AEDs will be distributed throughout the state by region. A plan is also in place to consider urgent needs so that an agency does not need to wait for their region to be eligible.</p><p>The grant is to replace all devices in an agency plus any additional needs. Any department participating must accept units for every vehicle in their fleet; the grant is not for single or additional needs. This will ensure that your department has the newest equipment and can benefit from the comprehensive service and quality assurance plans that are included with the AED.</p><p>The requirements of the grant are very easy. One person from your agency must attend regional training and they will be given tools to bring back to share with the entire department. Once the training at your department is complete, AEDs will be shipped directly to your department, typically within a couple weeks. A team at Stryker and the CRM will be available to assist with implementation. </p><p>There are several additional benefits of this program, including an 8-year service plan that includes a case review and unit management tool for free. </p><p>Using Wi-Fi connectivity, these self-monitoring devices can report their status to a centralized online data repository, allowing law enforcement agencies to know their devices are ready or in need of maintenance. For more information about this unique grant program, <a href="https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/new-program-aims-to-send-aeds-to-agencies-throughout-minnesota/" target="_blank">watch this KSTP news story</a> or <a href="https://med.umn.edu/research/programs-centers/center-resuscitation-medicine/minnesota-aed-project" target="_blank">visit the Minnesota AED Project website for additional materials</a>. </p><p>Applications are submitted through the <a href="https://helmsley.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new" target="_blank">Helmsley Trust’s Grants Portal</a> and you may email <a href="mailto:mnaed@umn.edu">mnaed@umn.edu</a> with questions about this grant or contact me direct at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org </a>or by phone at (651) 215-4051. </p><p>Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful!</p><p>Tracy </p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-53698946882427131882022-10-11T16:04:00.003-05:002022-10-11T16:04:44.200-05:00Stretch N’ Bend Exercise Program Aims to Reduce Firefighter Injuries<p><b>A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh</b></p><p>Fire service is a physically demanding job, and firefighters are often called “tactical athletes” as they require physical training aimed at optimizing their occupational physical and mental performance. </p><p>Firefighters must be prepared at a moment’s notice to respond to an emergency. Their personal protection equipment (PPE) needs to be assembled and ready, apparatuses should be cleaned and organized, and equipment must be fueled or charged for quick deployment, but what about “us” — the firefighters? Are we physically prepared? </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Think like an athlete</h3><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXSR4OgOJfIJIzT8Z_j775pxfqG2Ej64Pi8kdnHFpI9qzO-qs_li-gnpE4RCW8B2B-Xabu-MnB1PkBB7BJ9yeAPBr8vLBKKaSvqc9wiQSVtF1fHcNHwh5vuhkTMgy2XpKNJr9FNF0rtOrfCUcol9iLit-C01TC_r7n4_yrnbhVt1EfeLP5fi_g6y5/s567/Firefighters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXSR4OgOJfIJIzT8Z_j775pxfqG2Ej64Pi8kdnHFpI9qzO-qs_li-gnpE4RCW8B2B-Xabu-MnB1PkBB7BJ9yeAPBr8vLBKKaSvqc9wiQSVtF1fHcNHwh5vuhkTMgy2XpKNJr9FNF0rtOrfCUcol9iLit-C01TC_r7n4_yrnbhVt1EfeLP5fi_g6y5/w314-h320/Firefighters.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of physically demanding <br />firefighter training.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Let’s look at athletes and their preparation for a competition that requires a certain level of physical fitness and skill. Baseball players are frequently stretching their legs and bodies to be ready to make a quick run to first. They play catch to warm-up their arms, shoulders, and wrists since they will need to throw and catch at some point in the game! </p><p>How about you? If you play golf, do you walk up to the first tee box and just tee up the ball and swing away? No, 99% of us will hit the driving range or take a few practice swings at the tee box, while others have a whole routine before they play. If we do this for a game, why aren’t we doing this as firefighters? Remember — firefighters are tactical athletes.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Incorporate physical preparation into your training</h3><p>There are different staffing models in the fire service, including career firefighters, part-time, paid-on-call, duty-crew, and volunteers. We almost never know when an emergency is going to come in, and it’s sometimes difficult to prepare our bodies for the physical demands of the job. Depending on your staffing model, you can incorporate some physical preparations into your crews. </p><p>Let’s look at training, especially physical training. This should be a controlled environment, and in most cases a lot of preparation is included in a successful training event. The goal of training is to educate members, sharpen-skills, and build muscle memory. If this is such a controlled event, why are sprain & stain injuries the largest claims in firefighter training? Are we preparing for the physical demands of the training event by warming up our bodies for the hands-on skills we are about to complete? </p><p>Again, firefighters are tactical athletes … </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Simple stretches can help prevent injuries</h3><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bEtZD4C_mIqxhF3bY81JW_7HX5bS6OGuONVFRRCbV0i18jxxC4wsyqUD5UVB6Qv1H4TYaeSH5HV2iClMeBqhq0bwYquLNPbtdKLiN82OJ8ZNwxFgzIQHd0mqARqLJbXhGSMN53OQJOEjaeVt_SToPQccFDhNnAY_qvEOE8XsgJNfV0_KUMnaKBGQ/s773/Stretch%20N%20Bend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="773" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bEtZD4C_mIqxhF3bY81JW_7HX5bS6OGuONVFRRCbV0i18jxxC4wsyqUD5UVB6Qv1H4TYaeSH5HV2iClMeBqhq0bwYquLNPbtdKLiN82OJ8ZNwxFgzIQHd0mqARqLJbXhGSMN53OQJOEjaeVt_SToPQccFDhNnAY_qvEOE8XsgJNfV0_KUMnaKBGQ/s320/Stretch%20N%20Bend.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefighters do Stretch N' Bend <br />exercises prior to training.</td></tr></tbody></table>The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust promotes a Stretch ‘N Bend Program for Public Safety to reduce worker injuries. This program is modeled after the Stretch ‘N Bend Program at Mortenson Construction.</p><p>Included in your training plan, you can complete the Stretch ‘N Bend exercises in less than 10 minutes. These quick and easy exercises can be completed during your training briefing, safety review, or a stand-alone practice. </p><p>The goals of the Stretch N’ Bend Program are not only to help reduce —if not eliminate —injuries, but also to prepare your body for work activities, increase flexibility, promote blood circulation, improve range of motion, enhance muscle coordination and body awareness, delay muscle fatigue, and increase team morale. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Free Stretch ‘N Bend Program PowerPoint</h3><p>Interested in learning more about the Stretch ‘N Bend program for everyday use within your fire department? Please email me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> and I will send you a free PowerPoint template that outlines the exercise program and can be personalized for your department! </p><p>If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> or (651) 281-1231. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvrb-lI8O7O3DTPRyhEOWPia2NKbw0q5DFge0aAmkrPkyi_qxXTBu2OrlA36cRlC_ITzI8Q1eV1H_NHYlAkgYhKpwkI-xAqSN8mjK5fESJpXJtekj53RqDVfmkeb77DBhcM88GUtn3ruM7aBRj1AsE7HnWQRlLxnoEIzjCmC7AoXc6YHIAZpm7dpq/s452/Troy%20Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvrb-lI8O7O3DTPRyhEOWPia2NKbw0q5DFge0aAmkrPkyi_qxXTBu2OrlA36cRlC_ITzI8Q1eV1H_NHYlAkgYhKpwkI-xAqSN8mjK5fESJpXJtekj53RqDVfmkeb77DBhcM88GUtn3ruM7aBRj1AsE7HnWQRlLxnoEIzjCmC7AoXc6YHIAZpm7dpq/w176-h200/Troy%20Pic.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><br />Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety<p></p><p>In the meantime, stay warm and be safe! </p><p>Troy</p><div><br /></div>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-31431084405125503042022-09-26T11:09:00.003-05:002022-09-26T11:11:10.038-05:00Best Practices in Law Enforcement Responses to Mental Health Crises <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhaIw7Ae3s_TUoLstnhpW7QRT4EMeqtULCxkNbNl2cDjQs5fgBGfWoiyVRFD9ivXbc5Pbfj98MaTAx9sXHYD3Zv2ugmMt_rADZ-kIuJz2YTdDDdszECA3gEUqpFQzqIBZoZECKdAPfSTxRArNflFwgi0glKuZ4aDoYeWM74WJF-TKg0z1d9CpB363/s317/Picture1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="258" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhaIw7Ae3s_TUoLstnhpW7QRT4EMeqtULCxkNbNl2cDjQs5fgBGfWoiyVRFD9ivXbc5Pbfj98MaTAx9sXHYD3Zv2ugmMt_rADZ-kIuJz2YTdDDdszECA3gEUqpFQzqIBZoZECKdAPfSTxRArNflFwgi0glKuZ4aDoYeWM74WJF-TKg0z1d9CpB363/s1600/Picture1.png" width="258" /></a></div><br />Many law enforcement agencies are experiencing a high demand for crisis services but have no clear answers for what to do about it. <p></p><p>Recent statistics show about 20% of adults and 50% of adolescents in the United States live with a mental illness. Estimates also show between 6% and 10% of all police calls involve someone with a serious mental illness. These calls can all too often end in tragedy or people with a mental illness end up in jail. Studies have also estimated that up to 25% of all police shootings in recent years have involved people with a mental illness.</p><p>The League of Minnesota Cities recently partnered with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Minnesota Sheriffs Association to develop a guide for best practices in mental health crisis response among law enforcement personnel. The guide’s content was written by attorney Bill Everett, principal of Everett Law LLC and a former police officer, and is based on a series of meetings with key law enforcement and mental health professionals from all areas of the state.</p><p>The best practices guide outlines the current response challenges faced by agencies and identifies realistic solutions and approaches for addressing those challenges based on a set of mutually agreed-upon guiding principles.</p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Best-Practices-in-Law-Enforcement-Responses-to-Mental-Health-Crises.pdf" target="_blank">Download the guide, “Best Practices in Law Enforcement Responses to Mental Health Crises” (pdf)</a></p><p>Send your questions or comments to <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or call me at (651) 215-4051.</p><p><br />Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful - </p><p>Tracy</p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-48966247766103285342022-09-12T11:36:00.003-05:002022-09-12T14:00:48.603-05:00The Power of Peer Support: Low-Cost Peer Support Training Available This Fall <p><b>A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Program Coordinator Lora Setter,<a href="mailto:lsetter@lmc.org"> lsetter@lmc.org</a></b></p><p><i>“When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” - </i>Fred Rogers </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o05PtQJx3M4IsfpuRqvpGrv0YTA8phnfiq3VjOtiFt_VQjj-etYPFIQGOf-Ck1qc1C1kPiS7bbUDLOVFzRrjY80PqDU4OY9SG-Dj4UTf8V2XNwhxU7pVKlh6N33Gi-JKkkykk2lG3n0bWeEa12vjJmUgUmcQS08GlcVoSPyyBp9_O0O_84EtQSEi/s1200/Larger%20Peer%20Support%20Graphic.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o05PtQJx3M4IsfpuRqvpGrv0YTA8phnfiq3VjOtiFt_VQjj-etYPFIQGOf-Ck1qc1C1kPiS7bbUDLOVFzRrjY80PqDU4OY9SG-Dj4UTf8V2XNwhxU7pVKlh6N33Gi-JKkkykk2lG3n0bWeEa12vjJmUgUmcQS08GlcVoSPyyBp9_O0O_84EtQSEi/s320/Larger%20Peer%20Support%20Graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />This quote from Mr. Rogers captures the spirit of public safety peer support. Because of the nature of their job duties, public safety professionals see and do things that are outside of the normal human experience. They are routinely exposed to trauma and death, which can take its toll on their mental health. Talking to a specially trained peer, can provide the psychological first aid needed to minimize or help negate the impact of those experiences. <p></p><p>Peer support personnel are trained in specific knowledge areas such as active listening, confidentiality, suicide prevention, chemical dependency behaviors, signs and symptoms of PTSD, basic wellness, and positive relationship-building. Talking to a trained peer can provide trusted communication, encouragement, and an increased understanding of the emotional impact of critical incidents and traumatic events. When needed, peer support team members can afford colleagues with resources and referrals for a higher level of support before a psychological illness may become career-ending. </p><p>Public safety departments are facing hiring and retention challenges, which make it even more important to create supportive, caring organizations that focus on employee wellness. The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) encourages public safety entities to invest in the vital resource of peer support in the prevention, recognition, and support of public safety mental health. To help promote peer support initiatives, LMCIT has created a Peer Support Advisory Board made up of police, fire, and mental health professionals. The board provides recommendations and assists with the prioritization of LMCIT initiatives regarding peer support. </p><p>One of the Board’s initiatives is to provide peer support training to public safety entities across the state. To aid in that initiative, this fall the LMCIT is hosting <a href="https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/2022-safety-and-loss-control-workshop-peer-support-training/" target="_blank">Peer Support Training</a> at three locations: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nov. 1-2 — Cottage Grove<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li><li>Nov. 3-4 — Marshall</li><li>Nov. 29-30 — Waite Park</li></ul>Fee: $100 for League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust members; $450 for non-members (fee includes lunch and refreshments)<p></p><p>A survey of public safety leaders across Minnesota showed that both police and fire leaders view peer support programs as a helpful public safety mental health strategy. They see the power in peer support. </p><p>For more information about this fall’s peer support training and to register, <a href="https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/2022-safety-and-loss-control-workshop-peer-support-training/" target="_blank">visit the League’s Peer Support Training webpage.</a></p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-50574690346132588272022-07-27T16:53:00.006-05:002022-08-11T09:01:37.752-05:00Join Us for the Police Force Science Workshop<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj264SP5D-5GOWNO6YJcmtT-U1VprGjLRp3FNkcNjWwINAhmIB0n5naDR-HKbzcWD5pg7khIGVQEzaa_upCDJnQwgaXbhsy-_8dV6a_7CR5_NZwaNd2IuObv-dtSrpV2LbByDrevb9hwf-zi20tnxLct8hbJ-RThqkPFnIzTKgTcM9fysqgSSwGMLs1/s275/Picture1.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="247" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj264SP5D-5GOWNO6YJcmtT-U1VprGjLRp3FNkcNjWwINAhmIB0n5naDR-HKbzcWD5pg7khIGVQEzaa_upCDJnQwgaXbhsy-_8dV6a_7CR5_NZwaNd2IuObv-dtSrpV2LbByDrevb9hwf-zi20tnxLct8hbJ-RThqkPFnIzTKgTcM9fysqgSSwGMLs1/s1600/Picture1.png" width="247" /></a></div><br />During this era of police reform, de-escalation training is one of many hot topics that are being discussed and highly embraced by law enforcement professionals as well as the community. De-escalation and response to resistance techniques have the potential to help prevent the need to use force in many encounters between police and community members. <p></p><p>As with many issues in law enforcement, the entire concept of de-escalation and the use of force is complex. Every day, law enforcement officers across Minnesota and the nation deal with challenging encounters on the job. Most of these incidents result in successful and peaceful non-forceful resolutions, although some don’t always go smoothly — especially when dealing with a combative and uncooperative individual. </p><p><a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/de-escalation-use-of-force" target="_blank">The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Center for Police Research and Policy (UC) </a>recently published <a href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/Research%20Center/Combined%20v3.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> on how to begin evaluating an agency’s de-escalation practices. These guidelines were developed using versions of the <a href="https://www.policeforum.org/about-icat" target="_blank">Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) </a>training program by a multi-disciplinary group including police officers, attorneys, and subject-matter experts and are designed for police leaders interested in assessing and enhancing their agency’s capacity to implement, evaluate, and monitor de-escalation training and policies. </p><p>As a police officer for many years, I can attest that police officers would like to avoid the need to use force whenever possible, although there are times when force is necessary to resolve a situation and avoid an escalation of an incident which could lead to a dangerous outcome including a critical incident.</p><p>An important component of effective de-escalation of an incident is training, and a cornerstone of good training is stressing the importance of communication that involves the incorporation of physical practice and scenario-based role-playing exercises in all areas of law enforcement operations. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAmUCj3thvs_IQ0a0FWiFK71FbnwlhWq64V0GJQ1KjC6nqMuR8alPfX9dzRlym8eBbk2uqn2RyMIRbySJv7C-GHWPJo4zP5AtoFNe4Z1HOGgx_1OW-jDqNq8V_eJ_0KGtsIScb4rMvmBsq3mB1a3v2BFbzyVsJyBZyOxRvUkx2D8OHTmeSABbYuds/s296/Picture2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="296" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAmUCj3thvs_IQ0a0FWiFK71FbnwlhWq64V0GJQ1KjC6nqMuR8alPfX9dzRlym8eBbk2uqn2RyMIRbySJv7C-GHWPJo4zP5AtoFNe4Z1HOGgx_1OW-jDqNq8V_eJ_0KGtsIScb4rMvmBsq3mB1a3v2BFbzyVsJyBZyOxRvUkx2D8OHTmeSABbYuds/s1600/Picture2.png" width="296" /></a></div>This fall, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) is sponsoring a workshop developed by the <a href="https://www.forcescience.com/" target="_blank">Force Science Institute</a> that will teach police officers how to best handle these critical situations —while keeping both officers and the public safe. <p></p><p>Just recently, Force Science achieved national certification and international recognition for their Force Science courses thru the National Certification Program (NCP) of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). The course will cover many aspects of human psychology, police tactics and techniques, and negotiation strategies.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Register Today!</h3><p>Registration for Force Science Institute Realistic De-escalation Training workshop is now open at <a href="http://lmc.org/22policeworkshop">lmc.org/22policeworkshop</a>. This workshop has been approved for eight hours of POST credits for conflict management/mediation.</p><p>This workshop will be held at two locations, and the course fee has been reduced to $50 for LMCIT members (the fee for non-members is $295).</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sept. 27 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), <a href="https://www.herocentermn.org/" target="_blank">Hero Training Center</a>, Cottage Grove</li><li>Sept. 28 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), <a href="https://theparkeventcenter.com/" target="_blank">The Park Event Center</a>, Waite Park</li></ul><p></p><p><a href="https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/2022-safety-and-loss-control-workshop-force-science-institute-realistic-de-escalation-training/" target="_blank">Additional information can be found here </a>and registration questions can be directed to Carlie Derouin, event coordinator, at (651) 281-1258 or <a href="mailto:cderouin@lmc.org">cderouin@lmc.org</a>.</p><p>If you have any questions about the content of this training opportunity, you may contact me at <a href="mailto:tstille@lmc.org">tstille@lmc.org</a> or give me a call at (651) 215-4051.</p><p><br />Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety</p><p>In the meantime, stay safe and be careful - </p><p>Tracy</p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311151423586426373.post-66421580690378941142022-07-11T10:47:00.005-05:002022-07-11T10:47:35.860-05:00OSHA’s New Heat Safety Directive and Key Points for Public Safety<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboUDn0q9SO42ncmiRbTqTOA1kkcz3XL0N_WEuehgkFY2vBB1nZTkIlVojDejpwvXYeu7OrvsIRyXHp8Ice6R1_9AaTBal9U_T9gRFtchOh4UZ1tig3rtcoj5j_Hy4STOEhAmIv7vVacX1KTfJfWxxBuxesiKRuZegKEci6pikDeoFcZPaf5K2UWmU/s2133/FiremanSufferingfromSmokeInhalation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2133" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboUDn0q9SO42ncmiRbTqTOA1kkcz3XL0N_WEuehgkFY2vBB1nZTkIlVojDejpwvXYeu7OrvsIRyXHp8Ice6R1_9AaTBal9U_T9gRFtchOh4UZ1tig3rtcoj5j_Hy4STOEhAmIv7vVacX1KTfJfWxxBuxesiKRuZegKEci6pikDeoFcZPaf5K2UWmU/s320/FiremanSufferingfromSmokeInhalation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><b>A guest post by LMCIT Public Safety Specialist Troy Walsh</b><p></p><p>In public safety we don’t always get a choice to change our schedules or move an emergency to another day. How does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) new heat safety directive affect public safety and the weather that we just can’t wait out? If your organization is already doing some type of recycle or rehab cycles for staff you may be already in compliance, but if you’re not it needs to be implemented! </p><p>OSHA implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) in April to reduce health-related hazards and resulting injuries and illness caused by excessive heat in the workplace. This article will provide you with the basic information you’ll need to know and give you quick access to additional information. </p><p>Many of you are probably already following this directive: Much of it is common sense. But it’s a good reminder of how to prevent heat-related injuries and illness. Remember, heat stress can happen indoors too. </p><p>Let’s look at the key points of the NEP.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">NEP at a glance:</h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The NEP is a nationwide initiative modeled on existing Regional Emphasis Programs (REP) in southern states.</li><li>It applies to indoor and outdoor workers where the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit.</li><li>There will be unannounced on-site visits by compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) who will “observe workers performing strenuous work in heat.”</li><li>Visits may occur based on heat-related complaints, referrals, and reported heat illness. </li></ul><p></p><p>Employers should:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Create a written plan to prevent heat-related illness.</li><li>Provide awareness training to employees.</li><li>Provide specific steps to prevent, identify, and treat heat-related illnesses.</li><li>Identify and control heat hazards.</li><li>Monitor workforce health and consider the current heat index and expected weather-related changes.</li><li>Provide water, rest, and shade. For workers with two-hour or greater exposure times, fluids containing electrolytes must also be accessible.</li><li>Recognize early symptoms of heat stress.</li><li>Administer first aid for heat-related illnesses.</li><li>Activate emergency medical services quickly when needed. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What if you <i>are</i> 911, do you have a plan?</b></p><p></p><p>Most of you are already doing this! Plan your work cycles in accordance with the weather, allows for more frequent and longer breaks in the air-conditioned areas or at least in the shade, drink extra water, keep an eye on each other, and if you or someone else is showing symptoms of heat stress, get additional help! </p><h3>A handy heat reference</h3><p>Last thing, to remember, heat related safety is in the palm of your hand. Literally. Yep, there’s an app for that. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool includes everything you need including current local weather, a heat index calculator, diagnosis information, and treatment steps for heat illness. Go to <a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app">https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app</a> or the app store of your iPhone or Android and download the “OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool.”</p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Resources:</h3><a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat" target="_blank">OSHA Heat Illness Prevention</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure" target="_blank">OSHA Overview of the standard, impact, rationale, and more </a> <p></p><p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/prevention" target="_blank">OSHA Overview of prevention of heat-related illness</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid" target="_blank">OSHA Overview of treatment and first aid</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/resources" target="_blank">OSHA Additional resources and technical information</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha_heattraining_guide_0411.pdf" target="_blank">OSHA guide for employers (pdf) </a></p><p><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOL/bulletins/315a094" target="_blank">Trade Release from U.S. Department of Labor</a></p><p><b>Training Videos (free from LMCIT via Coastal Flix)</b></p><p><a href="https://www.coastalflix.com/safety-matters-heat-stress/HEA012/ " target="_blank">Safety Matters - Heat Stress</a></p><p><a href="https://www.coastalflix.com/take-two-for-safety-a-new-t-a-k-e-heat-stress/DUP027/" target="_blank">TAKE TWO...for Safety A New T.A.K.E.: Heat Stress</a></p><p><a href="https://www.coastalflix.com/pause-for-performance-heat-stress-safety/MLHE01/" target="_blank">Pause for Performance: Heat Stress Safety</a></p><p><a href="https://www.coastalflix.com/heat-stress-code-red/HEA010">Heat Stress: Code Red</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKfK49rEBIgOZAm7-45Urvc5UlyhknuRqWql8kP8JBJ2cHGVOaLpFyTi-6dkpILv9M7YOJ7BenMSGTFAb-9KvnFW7kFJ7jmWinj-AbFz3n3bYej6xuAnuJfC_Mau9wHQJrsX_QxtmRRd4Hc_pih9qTLcz1k-hICvkFDtECbo8J6YxB-R9QR7OMERK/s197/Troy%20Walsh%20headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="197" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKfK49rEBIgOZAm7-45Urvc5UlyhknuRqWql8kP8JBJ2cHGVOaLpFyTi-6dkpILv9M7YOJ7BenMSGTFAb-9KvnFW7kFJ7jmWinj-AbFz3n3bYej6xuAnuJfC_Mau9wHQJrsX_QxtmRRd4Hc_pih9qTLcz1k-hICvkFDtECbo8J6YxB-R9QR7OMERK/s1600/Troy%20Walsh%20headshot.jpg" width="197" /></a></div> If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at <a href="mailto:twalsh@lmc.org">twalsh@lmc.org</a> or give me a phone call at (651) 281-1231. <p></p><p></p><br />Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety<p></p><p>In the meantime, stay cool and be safe!</p><p>Troy</p><p><br /></p>tstille@lmc.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14169109215890025964noreply@blogger.com0