What has traditionally been the focus of police psychologists and Employee Assistance Programs?

The focus of police psychologists and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) has traditionally been on resolving issues. These professionals are primarily engaged in providing support and interventions for law enforcement personnel who are experiencing psychological difficulties or stress related to their roles. The goal is to help officers manage the emotional and psychological toll that their work can entail, such as trauma exposure, stress, and burnout.

By focusing on resolution, police psychologists and EAPs provide tools, counseling, and therapeutic interventions that aim to address the specific issues faced by officers. This includes addressing mental health challenges and offering coping strategies for dealing with job-related stressors. The emphasis is on restoring an officer's well-being and functionality both in their personal lives and in their professional capacity.

Preventing issues, while important, is more of a secondary aspect of the work performed by these professionals, as their main role often comes into play once issues have already arisen. Training new recruits and enhancing community relations are distinct functions that focus on different areas of law enforcement than the direct mental health support that EAPs and police psychologists provide.