Isle of palms, south carolina, police department (IOP PD) will use FY24 lemhwa funding to support to establish south carolina's first certified trauma-informed program for officers, providing…

Isle of palms, south carolina, police department (IOP PD) will use FY24 lemhwa funding to support to establish south carolina's first certified trauma-informed program for officers, providing comprehensive training to IOP PD's 31 sworn and non-sworn personnel, extending services to over 50 officers from local agencies, and ultimately offering resources to law enforcement officers across the state. This training will create certified trauma informed specialists within the department who will guide the development of a strategic plan focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of IOP PD officers, staff, and their families while extending trauma-informed services to neighboring departments, facilitated by the formation of a peer support team. The project will leverage 24/7 access to the lexipol cordico wellness APP which will provide officers, retirees, and their families access to essential resources, including self-assessments, coping strategies, and resilience-building tools. By fostering partnerships between IOP PD, area departments, and community agencies, this initiative will not only broaden access to mental health resources but also deepen understanding of trauma and mental health within the law enforcement profession and lifestyle. Ultimately, this collaborative effort will destigmatize police mental health needs, provide preventative mental wellness resources, enhance officer resilience and recovery from acute/chronic stress, and strengthen community relations and policing initiatives.