The idea of peer-on-peer counseling has gained momentum over the past few years. It is the idea of cops counseling cops. The major precept of this theory is that peer-on-peer counseling is better for officer experiencing difficulties and in need of support than outside professional counseling. Analyze the main advantages of choosing peer on peer counseling other than outside professional counseling when officers are in trouble. Next, examine the possible short-term and long-term effects of using peer-on-peer counseling. Justify your response.

Imagine that you are the new chief law enforcement officer in the community where you live. There have been numerous officers involved in shootings and police misconduct issues in the media as it relates to your department over the last two (2) years. Propose how you would work with the local media to reduce unnecessary stress for the officers in your department. Provide a rationale for your response.

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

Peer-on-Peer counseling for officers tends to be more effective as compared to professional counseling since an officer is bound to be more transparent with their colleagues based on their relations. This may, therefore, be of greater benefits in building better relations among officers as this situation tends to bring individuals closer. In addition, this can be an effective way of building transparency in regard to working as well as personal matters (Maddonna & Kelly, 2002). This creates a more favorable culture that encourages cooperation as well as high engagement in activities by combining efforts so that efficiency can be attained. Policing requires effective cooperation among those that are involved so that efficiency can be made and through building better relations it becomes easier to solve even the challenging issues (Maddonna & Kelly, 2002). The long-term effects of the conduct are that it will create a surrounding that emphasis on teamwork while the short-run advantage is that better relations are created and communication improved.

The media plays a critical role in informing the general public of matters that would have remained in hiding for a significant period (Isenberg, 2009). Since the reporting of the media of the misconduct by officers has been causing pressure on my department I would collaborate with them in ensuring that such matters are eliminated through asking them to report any findings to me for resolution and for action prior to informing the public. This would work in lowering the amount of tension within the department and allow officers to perform their tasks with less pressure. In addition, this would ensure that only those that are responsible are dealt with without affecting the performance of the department in general. The objective is to achieve efficiency, solve issues and accomplish tasks as required.