The Illinois Law Enforcement Peer Support Team follows the guidelines of the law and the professional regulations within the fire service. ILLEOPS is assisted by licensed mental health professionals who also follow the guidelines of the law and the regulations within their professional licensure.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Peer Support Team members will complete a 2 day training on the practice and technique of law enforcement peer support. There are continuing education requirements for law enforcement professionals to maintain their peer support status. A licensed psychology professional is available to guide and supervise trainings and services. Peer support is not a professional service regulated by the State of Illinois; and therefore Peer Support does not try to claim to be or practice as any such regulated service (i.e. mental/physical health). It is not a substitute for specialized services –but may act as the liaison between peers and needed professionals in complex cases.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Peer Support Team measures: 1) the number of those seeking peer support, 2) the presenting issue, 3) the referral source and if the peer followed through with an initial appointment, 4) satisfaction with the peer support and with service if referred, and 5) overall comfort/satisfaction with peer support presence in law enforcement.