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Community Debriefings -
Crisis Intervention After Major Incidents
Serious crimes and/or traumatic events can have a significant impact on the lives of the communities which we serve. This was recently experienced in Fort McMurray, Alberta when an armed individual held police at bay for ten hours. During this time, the suspect fired between 60-75 rounds of ammunition in the vicinity of sleeping residents and the responding members.
In the following days, it became apparent that this event had a greater impact on the community than first realized. This incident caused a stir in the community and quickly became the topic of discussion amongst residents. Several residents became concerned for their personal safety after internalizing the events which had transpired. Others indicated that they were experiencing difficulty sleeping and that their regular routines had been disrupted. At this point, it became apparent that the community would benefit from a “community debriefing”.
The purpose of a community debriefing is to reduce the fears/anxieties of the community after a serious incident has transpired. This is achieved by discussing the psychological impact of serious incidents and by linking individuals with the various support groups/professionals available in their community. Community debriefings are appropriate for any issue or incident which negatively impacts a community. This may include a fatal motor vehicle accident, the loss of a young person, or a person charged with a variety of sexual offences who compromised a position of trust.
Community debriefings focus on the emotional aspects of the occurrence. They are not a forum where investigational procedures are discussed. Nor, are they a forum where the investigation is discussed. Guidelines are established by the moderator to ensure that this policy is adhered to. This forum is best promoted through the use of local television, radio or newspapers. Residents are invited to gather (e.g. in a church, gym) and discuss the effects which the recent occurrence has had on peoples' routines. Various support agencies/professionals are asked to volunteer their services and offer expertise in the area of stress management. The following individuals/support groups should be considered:
- a designated
RCMP psychologist or local psychologist;
- MEAP members;
- crisis intervention
personnel, i.e. local crisis line;
- victim assistance
advocates;
- detachment
members; or
- any other support group/agency
which has expertise in the field of stress management.
The various groups are asked to prepare a 5-10 minute presentation in which various stress management techniques/strategies are covered. In turn, this provides each of the support groups in attendance with an excellent opportunity to educate residents about stress management strategies and the services which each organization offers. Prior to concluding the forum, a general question and answer session is held where residents can ask questions of the panel. The debriefing concludes with a social in which light snacks and refreshments are made available to the participants. This allows residents to liaise and interact with the panel members in an informal setting.
This approach is in keeping with the highest standards of client-centered service and service delivery. Community debriefings provide an excellent opportunity to develop positive relations with the communities we serve. Existing partnerships, along with newly developed partnerships, are fostered by enlisting the assistance of the various support groups and our media partners. Community debriefings demonstrate that the RCMP is sensitive to the needs of the community. This type of response develops a trusting relationship with the community. In addition, the image of the RCMP is enhanced through positive media coverage and newly formed relationships.
| Corporal John L. HANEY
c/o Fort McMurray RCMP 9912 MacDonald Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1S8 Phone: 780-799-8850 E-mail: ROSS (JHANEY) Fort McMurray Detachment |
