Mission & Vision
In order to enhance the safety and wellness of first responders and their families, the National Policing Institute’s Center for Targeted Violence Prevention (CTVP) has partnered with UCF RESTORES. Established in 2011 on the core mission of restoring lives, families and communities, UCF RESTORES is working to change the way PTSD is understood, diagnosed and treated.
Program Details
Although law enforcement officers are thought to be more resilient and are frequently exposed to threatening and potentially traumatic events at a higher frequency than other professions, law enforcement officers who maintain negative or traumatic information in long-term memory are vulnerable to mental illness, unstable emotional and behavioral responses, interpersonal problems, and impaired social relationships. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), many police officers struggle with alcohol abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other challenges over the course of their careers.
Recognizing the impact of mass violence events, whether they are targeted attacks or violence in the context of 1st Amendment protests, the CTVP is collaborating with the UCF RESTORES, the National Center of Excellence for First Responder Behavioral Health, to conduct research, provide training, and consultation to law enforcement, fire and EMS first responders and their families regarding trauma, stress, wellness and suicide prevention.
In 2021, the CTVP received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to develop and pilot a Trauma Certificate Training Program for First Line Supervisors in Public Safety.
