New Officer & Family Support Options

Welcome to the Department Night

Welcome the families to the department, mingle, and get to know them

Basic overview of the department, Chief/Sheriff Introductions, and Q & A time

Family Academy

Many families have concerns and fears as their spouse, child, or family member joins law enforcement. A basic family academy while their recruit is in the academy provides the families with tools and knowledge to ease those fears. We suggest that the family academy be held a few months into the academy and every other week. Each night will have a 1-hour classroom portion paired with a fun law

enforcement experience (driving, shooting, K9 demo, arrest control, etc.). Beyond the Badge will provide setup of the family academy, a welcome introduction for each day, classroom instruction (1 hour), and materials. The department will provide units for the hands-on portion of each night (1 hour).

Classes include:

Introduction to Family Academy and the Department

The class will be built to fit the department. Providing basic information about what the department is proud of and what the resources are.

Strong Bonds

Law enforcement can be difficult on relationships. The family academy teaches families how to react to this new life change and how they can support their officers in the best way possible.

Communication in Law Enforcement families

The changes officers experience during the early years of their careers often lead to communication struggles with their spouses and families. This class will examine the changes these officers experience and provide both officers and their families with the skills and tools they need to maintain a healthy, open family environment.

Critical Incident Night

We will discuss the process of what may happen during various critical incidents so that families are aware of the “what if’s”. Will also have an officer and a spouse that has walked through a critical incident share their story. Recruits are encouraged to attend this night.

FTO & Beyond

The class will discuss what happens after the academy and what the recruits and families should be prepared for. Provide tips and resources and answer their questions. Recruits are encouraged to attend.