Resources
In our efforts to promote healthy marriages, healing and wholeness in our law enforcement community, we have compiled a significant number of resources. From books and seminars on marriage, to resources offering help for PTSD, suicide and domestic abuse, there is help out there for you. If you know of a resource that has helped you or someone you love that we don’t have here, please contact us so we can review and add it.
Law Enforcement Books
For Spouses
- A CHiP on my Shoulder, Victoria M. Newman
- A Marriage in Progress, Victoria M. Newman
- Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responder’s Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart, Dan Willis.
- Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement Officers, Kevin Gilmartin, PhD
- Hearts Beneath the Badge, Karen Solomon
- I Love a Cop, Ellen Kirschman, PhD
- Bullets in the Washing Machine, Melissa Littles
- Crazy Lives of Police Wives, Carolyn Whiting and Carolyn LaRoche
- Under Fire, Kristi Neace
- Lives Behind the Badge, Kristi Neace
- Standing Courageous, Kristi Neace
- Because I’m Suitable – The Journey of a Wife on Duty, Chaplain Allison P. Uribe.
- The Rite of Return, Karen Lansing (PTSD)
For Officers
- A Marriage in Progress, Victoria M. Newman
- The Rite of Return, Karen Lansing
- On Combat, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.
- On Killing, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.
- Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responder’s Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart, Dan Willis.
- Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement Officers, Kevin Gilmartin, PhD
- Hearts Beneath the Badge, Karen Solomon
- Warrior Mindset, Michael J. Asken and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
- Selfish Prayer, Emmett W. Spraktes with Victoria M. Newman
- Women Warriors: Stories from Behind the Thin Blue Line, John M. Willis
- Cadet Blues, Rob Krider.
- Arresting Communication, Jim Glennon
- Blue Line Baby – Chronicles of a Cop Kid, Christa Waaler-Trinchera
- The Will to Survive, Bobby E. Smith, PhD.
- Ruby Shoes – Surviving Prescription Drug Addiction, Michele Zumwalt
- CopShock, Allen R. Kates
- Surviving the Shadows: Bob Delaney with Dave Scheiber
- When Cops Kill, Lance LoRusso.
For Children
- A Day at the Police Station, Richard Scarry
- Policeman’s Safety Hints (Board Book), Giovanni Caviezel
- Daddy, I Worry About You, Clarke Paris.
- Police Officers on Patrol, Kersten Hamilton.
- Feeling Safe with Officer Frank, Linda Mobilio-Keeling
- Cops’ Night Before Christmas, Michael Harrison and David Miles
- Officer Buckle and Gloria, Peggy Rathman
- Adventures of Hoover the FBI Dog: Hoover Travels the World, Joe Altman and Jon Chad
Faith Based Books for Law Enforcement
- Spiritual Survival, Cary Friedman
- Cold Case Christianity, J. Warner Wallace
- The Book of Proverbs Through the Eyes of a Cop, Charles Gilliland
- The Book of Matthew Through the Eyes of a Cop, Charles Gilliland
- The Peacekeepers, Michael Dye
- Take Up the Shield, Tony Miano
- Devotions and Prayers for Police Officers, Steve J. Voris
- The Servant Warrior, Kevin McGinnis
- The Spirit Behind Badge 145, Jim McNeff
Non-Law Enforcement Books for Marriage
- Crucial Conversations, Kerry Patterson & Joseph Grenny
- For Men Only and For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn & Jeff Feldhahn
- The Five Love Languages, Military Edition, Gary D. Chapman & Jocelyn Green
- The Art of Dancing with Porcupines, Bob Phillips
- Daring Greatly, Brene Brown
- Leadership and Self-Deception, Arbinger Institute
- The Anatomy of Peace, Arbinger Institute
- The Anger Workbook
- Forgiving the Unforgiveable, by David Stoop (Excellent Book on Forgiveness, especially in extramarital affairs.)
Wounded Officers
- Dependence Day, Heidi Paulson.
- The Price They Pay, Karen Solomon
- Visions of Courage, Bobby E. Smith, PhD.
- Hunting for Heroes. Nonprofit organization that provides services and counseling for disabled law enforcement. www.huntingforheroes.org.
Website Resources for Police Spouses
- How2LoveYourCop.com. Resources for police families.
- wivesbehindthebadge.org– Perhaps the largest organization for wives, providing resources, emotional support and networking
- policewifelife.com– Online organization for wives, blog.
- policewives.org– Offers support forums and charitable efforts for families of law enforcement officers.
- National Police Wives Association. Support and assistance for families of law enforcement.
- wivesonduty.com– Faith-based encouragement for cop wives, now in 5 states
- copswives.com– Offers support and encouragement for wives of police officers.
- lawofficer.com– More for the policeman himself, also a good resource for information
- nationalcops.org– Concerns of Police Survivors – an organization that assists families who’ve lost a family member in the line of duty.
- Hidden Partners – Several departments have created their wives’ groups with the help of Hidden Partners, including Los Angeles Police Department. See their website for details.
Conferences, Classes and Training
Conferences/Classes for Law Enforcement Couples
- Christian Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) Retreat, Danforth Maine. Hosted by Living Waters Bible Camp and held every second weekend of September. Call 207-448-2310 for more information.
- P.O.L.I.C.E. Families Class – Excellent class for police families by Stephen and Mendi Keatts of Virginia. Contact them through Wives Behind the Badge website.
- Backup for the Home – Four and eight hour seminar for police families by Victoria M. Newman. www.SAFETAC.org.
- Police Marriage Resource. Program and Resources for Law Enforcement Marriage specifically for police officers.
Training Companies for Emotional Survival & Relationships
- SAFETAC Training: Seminars on Officer Safety, Wellness, Relationships and more. www.SAFETAC.org.
- Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement Families. www.emotionalsurvival.com. Book; seminars.
- Seminars/Training by FranklinCovey: Specifically for Law Enforcement. Includes 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Speed of Trust, Nobility of Policing, and Leadership skills. Trainers are current and former law enforcement professionals.
- http://www.franklincovey.com/tc/solutions/law-enforcement-solutions/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-for-law-enforcement.
- Dave Smith and Associates: The Winning Mind courses and workshops for law enforcement. www.jdbucksavage.com.
- Street Smart Force: Videos and resources for law enforcement officers by Dr. Joel F. Shults, retired police chief from Colorado. www.streetsmartforce.com.
- Public Safety Training Institute. Training for law enforcement. www.psti-site.org.
- Blue Wall Institute: Officer Wellness Seminars. www.bw-institute.com.
- Calibre Press. Training for law enforcement. www.calibrepress.com.
- Cops Alive/The Law Enforcement Survival Institute: Information, strategies, and tools to help cops plan happy, healthy and successful careers, relationships and lives. www.copsalive.com
- 10-33 Foundation: Providing Prevention, Intervention, and Post-Intervention Services to those in uniform. www.1033foundation.org.
- MotorCop/The Crossover Show: Hilarious postings from a motor cop in California.
Domestic Abuse Resources
Domestic Abuse Resources for Victims
- Police Domestic Violence: A Handbook for Victims. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/388395
- S’entraider. Help for law enforcement spouses that are victims of domestic abuse. www.sentraider.webs.com.
- Man Up Crusade. Created by a deputy sheriff. Provides awareness, financial and educational support for domestic violence, using the cowboy ethic as a backdrop. www.manupcrusade.org
- Behind the Blue Wall: Blog for domestic violence victims married to police officers. www.BehindtheBlueWall.blogspot.com.
Domestic Abuse Resources for Abusers
- Emerge. Education, Anger Management Courses, Accountability and Counseling for those who batter. www.emergedv.com.
- Amend. 26 session program for men who abuse.
- Ohio: http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=agLGKXNOE&b=3990275
- Pennsylvania: http://www.dvscp.org/AmendProgram.html
- Colorado: http://www.amendcounseling.com/
Substance Abuse Programs for Law Enforcement Officers
- Confidential Recovery. Substance abuse outpatient recovery program for first responders in San Diego, California: www.confidentialrecovery.com
- The Champion Center, Heroes Program. Substance abuse recovery center for first responders in Lompoc, California: http://www.championrecovery.com/heroes-program
- Brattleboro Retreat, Uniformed Service Program. 1-800-738-7328. Vermont. http://www.brattlebororetreat.org/usp.
- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Springbrook Treatment Center. 1-800-866-4662. Newberg, Oregon. Specializing in addiction treatment and co-occurring trauma disorders.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: No dues or fees, just a desire to stop drinking is needed. www.aa.org
- Peace Officers Fellowship: Meetings for men and women to share solutions to problems with alcohol. Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceOfficerFellowship/info/?tab=page_info. Call 818-760-6966 for meetings and information.
PTSD Apps and Resources
- Mindfulness Coach: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/MindfulnessCoach
- Breathe2Relax (Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise): http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/breathe2relax
- PTSD Coach: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/ptsd-coach
- mTBI Pocket Guide: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/mtbi
- Tactical Breather: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/tactical-breather
- BioZen (Biofeedback): http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/biozen
- Positive Activity Jackpot (Pleasant Events Scheduling) http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/positiveactivityjackpot
- Virtual Hope Box (coping skills): http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/virtual-hope-box
- T2 Mood Tracker (mood tracker): http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/t2-mood-tracker
- Parenting2Go: http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/Parenting2Go
- Stay Quit (for those who have quit smoking): http://t2health.dcoe.mil/apps/StayQuit
- Badge of Life Canada: www.badgeoflifecanada.com
Residential Retreats for PTSD and other job related issues
- West Coast Post-trauma Retreat, California. A five-day confidential program for first responders who are overwhelmed by job stress. http://www.frsn.org/retreats/wcpr.
- On-Site Academy, Massachusetts. A three-day confidential program for first responders and military who are suffering from effects of their job. www.onsiteacademy.org
Suicide Resources
- My Life for Your Life, Clarke A. Paris.
- SafeCallNow: Confidential 24-hour crisis referral service for members of public safety and their families. www.safecallnow.org.
- Serve & Protect: Confidential 24-hour crisis hotline and chaplain/therapist alliance for law enforcement families. www.serveprotect.org.
- Badge of Life: Organization that provides psychological survival awareness and education, data collection, and training for law enforcement officers. www.badgeoflife.com.
- The Pain Behind the Badge: Books, seminars, movie all designed for Suicide Prevention for Cops. www.ThePainBehindtheBadge.com.
- Langus, Pike & Associates. Provides psychological services, training, and critical incident debriefing services for law enforcement. California. www.drtoddlangus.net
- 11-99 Bridge: Nonprofit corporation dedicated to reducing law enforcement suicide. Information, counseling and opportunities that help prevent LE suicide. www.1199bridge.com.
Faith-Based Organizations for Law Enforcement
- Ten-Four Ministries: Practical and spiritual help for police officers. www.tenfourministries.org.
- Heirs of Restraint Ministries: Faith-based ministry to correctional officers. www.heirsofrestraint.com
- CODE 3 International Ministries: Equipping police officers for Christian leadership. www.code3im.org.
- Cop Church Chattanooga: Church for Cops, Chattanooga, Tennessee. www.copchurch.com.
- Fellowship of Christian Police Officers: Helps peace officers develop a Christian mindset using biblical truths to meet their spiritual needs. www.fcpo.org.
- Centurion’s Faith: Provides resources designed to encourage, strengthen and support the First Responder’s spiritual, professional, psychological and physical well-being. www.centurionsfaith.org.
- Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry: Christian law enforcement outreach, newsletter, Bible studies. www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org
- Peace Officer Ministries: Christian law enforcement chaplaincy program. www.peaceofficerministries.org
- Covered Law Enforcement: Promoting faith and solidarity with police officers. www.coveredlawenforcement.org.
- Christian Police Association: Encouragement and support for Christian police officers. www.cpa-usa.org.
- Badge of Hope Ministries: Christian peer support for law enforcement families. Seminars, newsletter, books, and more. www.badgeofhopeministries.com.
- Off Duty Partners for Life: Faith-based support, education, and encouragement for law enforcement families in Canada. www.offdutypartners.ca
- Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento: Named “The Model Chaplaincy In the Nation” because of its exceptional organizational structure, extensive training requirements, and rapid response capability. www.sacchaplains.com.
- Breaching the Barricade Conference: Christian law enforcement conference held the first Friday of every October in Indiana. For more information, contact Jim Bontrager at jim.bontrager@elkhartpolice.org.
Other Resources
Financial Resources & Assistance
- GPS Financial Coaching: Operated by a motor officer in California. Offers financial tips, classes, and coaching, especially for police families. http://gpsfinancialcoaching.com
- Dave Ramsey: Books, programs, financial advice. www.daveramsey.com
- Sheep Dog Impact Assistance: Sheep Dog IA provides assistance to military, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and other emergency personnel and their families in times of need and personal hardship. They also provide assistance to communities during disasters with a volunteer relief force, and educate people on the importance of disaster preparedness and survival. www.sheepdogia.org.
Miscellaneous
- Dave Ramsey’s Life insurance search link: https://www.daveramsey.com/elp/health-insurance.
- For sex-related issues in marriage, here’s a faith-based website that promotes healing in that area of life. Excellent books available. www.barbarawilson.org.
Events
- Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: For Cops and their families only—a day of fun, shooting, helicopter rides, zip line, food, prizes set in Indiana. Held the first weekend in October every year.
- https://www.facebook.com/nationallawenforcementappreciationday2015/
- Special Olympics Torch Run information: http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/Donate/Special_Olympics_Torch_Run.aspx