Cop counselors

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Description

Police officers are exposed to more traumatic experiences in a few months on the job than most people experience in a lifetime. Yet despite the stress, relatively few seek the professional help of therapists, counselors or psychologists. And sometimes--as with the rash of police suicides in New York City in the late 1990's--the consequences can be tragic. Cop Counselors introduces three individuals who are working to change the stigma of cops seeking help. Stephanie Samuels is an independent therapist who works with officers through a referral system, and she is helping teach a new generation of cops how to recognize the warning signs of stress. Bill Genet, a former officer, quit the force to start the Members Assistance Program (MAP) as a response to skyrocketing suicide rates. He is on a national crusade to get the program recognized by police forces across the country. Finally, Dr. Forrest Fulton runs a model Behavioral Sciences Unit in San Francisco that uses outside therapists, peer support and advocacy to help police officers.