concerns that a peer supporter is likely too close to the officers and employees to offer unbiased opinions or assistance.The third question posed to community members asked if there were services that they felt should be included in or would be particularly beneficial to the program. Responses included family counseling services, substance abuse services, depression coping, and the fact that confidentiality must be stressed.The third question posed to community members asked if there services they felt should not be included in or would not be particularly beneficial to the program. Responses included a belief that no services that are beneficial to the officers and employees should be excluded from the program, and a belief that only professionals should address substance abuse issues.The fifth question that was posed to community members asked if they would encourage officers and employees to participate in the program. Sixty-seven percent of the community members who returned their questionnaires said they would encourage officers and employees to participate in the program. Comments expressed dealt with a belief that officers and employees should seek out any and all assistance that is available to them, and concerns regarding confidentiality.The sixth and final question that was posed to community members asked if they would be willing to allocate or provide monies to financially assist the program’s funding. Sixty-seven percent of the community members who returned their questionnaires said they would be willing to allocate or provide monies to financially assist the program’s funding.EVALUATIONThe S.E.A.R.S. program is evaluated through the use of an eight-question evaluation form, which is completed by an officer or employee, after he or she has participated in the program. The program’s goal is to provide the officers and employees of the Davison Area Police Departments with the best possible services...
