As the neighborhood police officers are called to manage incidents under the influence of alcohol or substance use, a meeting-experiential workshop with the police officers took place on Monday, December 10 at the Achilles Prevention and Counseling Station (KENTHEA) in Avgorou.
As part of the efforts of the ACHILLEA station (KENTHEA) to cooperate with the wider province of Famagusta for the better management of citizens who need help in matters of dependence, the station officials (Dr. Vassilis Vassilios & Dr. Eleni Miltiadou) discussed with the Police reducing the intensity or use of force in incidents - citizens in crisis.
The meeting aimed at exchanging views-good practices on the role of the Neighborhood Police in managing citizens with addiction problems as well as learning techniques for effective communication with citizens in crisis.
At the end of the three-hour meeting, the neighborhood police had the opportunity to know:
- Special communication skills in managing incidents involving alcohol addicts
- counseling principles of effective communication with a citizen under the influence of intoxication
- mobilization techniques to a citizen with substance or alcohol problems to seek help
- communication with a member (eg, family) of a person with addiction problems
Finally, the need for more frequent cooperation of the station officials with the Neighborhood Police on issues of addiction was emphasized, as well as the on-site cooperation in cases that require immediate intervention.
In January 2019, a new meeting will be held with the Neighborhood Police on the subject of mobilizing a person with problematic substance or alcohol use to seek treatment as well as identifying and managing suicidal ideation cases. Also, there will be information on self-care behaviors of the Neighborhood Police (eg, stress reduction, relaxation activities, good health practices) that reduce the risk of burnout, a consequence of police practice.
Famagusta.News