Power in Peers: Harnessing Positive Psychology to Improve Peer Support for Law Enforcement

Power in Peers, a new standardized curriculum in law enforcement peer support, has been developed collaboratively by the National Fraternal Order of Police and the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS Office. Crafted by including the best in existing peer support practices and informed by direct input from officers who will become potential consumers of peer support services, the Power in Peers curriculum is an updated model that aims to get in front of stressors rather than merely responding to crises. This presentation provides an overview of the curriculum, focusing on unique facets of the program, research bases of course content, information on obtaining the training for peer support teams, and a review of how its inclusion on current peer support toolbelts will increase access to services.