Officer Involved Spouse

I WAS AN "OFFICER INVOLVED SPOUSE"

This career endearingly defines your marriage.
You become an entity all on your own and
you now stand a world apart from
other marriages.
The spouse involved in this
law enforcement marriage has most
likely entered into a whole new,
alien-like world.
The officer involved in the marriage
has his or her own obstacles to face
when attempting to satisfy both
work life and home life.

After wandering through a 32 year career as
a LEOW, I wrote "Officer Involved Spouse"
as a way to gather our collection of stories and
as an opportunity to ask you some strategic
questions that have possibly been avoided.
I invite you to participate weekly into a better rhythm
of communication and a healthier outlook
on the often unspoken need for licensed counseling.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT :
THE "WHY" BEHIND OUR PASSION

On July 7, 2016, Dallas, Texas officers were
ambushed and five of them perished. The
journey that followed in our own department
after this massacre was one that
prompted the creation of a spousal support
group that was sorely needed and evidently
lacking as spouses and family
members were terrified to send their
officer to work, fearing the worst.

We, as law enforcement family members,
do not get to pick and choose what calls
they go out on, what days of the week or
hours of the day they work, and as a bonus -
we watch them walk out the door knowing
they will be dressed in a bullet-proof vest
and a target-seeking uniform to
complete their job duties for the day.
It is unnerving, but rewarding.
It is pride-filled, but terrifying.

We need each other, which is why we are
proponents of some type of Spousal/Family
Support within your own department.
We would love to help you form your own
group within your own department.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT RESOURCES:
FREE PDF'S

LEO Resources and Hotlines

Why Spousal Support Groups are Crucial

Steps to Develop and Maintain a
Spousal Support Group

The Difficulties of Maintaining a
Spousal Support Group

We will come ready with tips and tools to
help the marriages and families
within your sworn staff. A law
enforcement officer, marriage and
family that is better supported and
equipped for the journey gives you an
officer that is better able to perform
his/her job duties.

Brian and Linda have had the opportunity
to speak for the IACP Conferences
(2018 & 2019), 2020 IACP Symposium
and local Regional Trauma Support trainings.
All speaking topics are geared toward the
health, wellness and family support for
the officer, marriage and home life.

See Published Articles:
Focus On Officer Wellness:
Educating the Police Spouse
The Police Chief Magazine, an IACP Publication

Supporting Cops By Supporting Spouses,
Article by Calibre Press