The Early Intervention Unit is committed to making your mental health a priority. We provide many services that you may not realize are available. As one of the Department's Employee Assistance Programs, we have dealt with thousands of officers. Therefore, we are aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced life. We see a similarity in the types of personal problems experienced by police officers. More often than not these problems center on relationship issues. The stress of balancing police work and home life can seem overwhelming at times. We have found that maintaining some simple principles within your relationships can be the key to their success. We believe that giving officers and their families an awareness of the potential pitfalls in this area can aid them in maintaining strong personal relationships. When questioned about their overall priorities, officers frequently cited their families as their number one concern. Because of this, we have compiled the following list of suggestions which can help relationships remain the supportive mechanisms they should be in their lives.

• Have clear, honest, and frequent communication with your loved ones.
  At times officers may try to shield their families from some of the more harsh aspects of the job. While this is based on a noble desire, it can lead to an officer telling their families less and less, and to a break down in communication.
  
  
• Create an environment where both of you can be honest when something is bothering you.
  The schedule an officer must work is dictated by the Department. This makes finding time to discuss and resolve issues difficult; and there may be a tendency to let uncomfortable issues go unresolved. Take the time to work problems out. Don't use this time as a gripe session or for retaliation. Complaining will not make things better; understanding through good communication will!
  
  
• Take some time to familiarize yourself with the true nature of police work. At times it may involve an officer working beyond their expected tour.
  There are situations an officer will encounter such as an arrest which will require the officer to work beyond the regular tour. Other times, due to the needs of the Department, an officer may be required to respond to emergencies, demonstrations, or other major events. He or she may be required to work on a regular day off. This can cause the officer to miss important events and family functions. Fortunately, as an officer gains seniority, things change for the better. In time, vacation picks improve! Requests for changes in assignment are honored and career goals come within reach.
  
  
• Become aware of the close bonds and camaraderie police work creates in its members.
  Police officers are trained alike, dress alike and even have their own language. The nature of police work forces officers to develop close friendships with partners and other members of their command. The closeness and support they share is a big part of what allows them to survive on the street and, therefore, arrive home safely. Officers need support from both home and their peers in order to function properly. This means that the officer must learn to balance family and work.
  
  
• Create family traditions; such as family dinners, outings, and other important events.
  Gathering the family together as one group promotes unity and helps to keep members informed and up to date. Easier said than done? Not really, providing that you stay creative and flexible. We know of a family in which four of its members are police officers. They celebrate Christmas on the first day they can all schedule the same day off. Everyone keeps one present to open on that day.
  
  
• Work as a team to accomplish tasks.
  Just like partners on patrol have to count on each other to make it through their tours, partners in a relationship should work together in every aspect including accomplishing tasks around the house if the relationship is to remain healthy. Working together is a natural way of bonding and prevents decision making in relationships from becoming lopsided.
  
  
• Maintain or establish religious/spiritual beliefs.
  Those with spiritual beliefs tend to be more optimistic and better able to accept the realities of life.

While all relationships can hit a rough patch now and then, keeping these pointers in mind may help smooth those rocky times a bit more quickly. Share these thoughts with your loved ones when times are good; and you may just soften those inevitable bumps in the road ahead.