CONSEQUENCES OF CONSUMPTION
Having an alcoholic beverage is not a new concept, and it’s likely most people would agree that it can be both a tonic and poison. The defining factor typically depends on the amount of alcohol ingested; however, personal and family histories also play a role. I assume that everyone reading this could come up with […]
STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Lately, you find yourself working six overtime shifts a month, and you cannot stop thinking about incidents that happened at work. Then, you find yourself not having enough time to take care of your personal errands, missing important social events with friends and family, and struggling to take time off either when you are sick […]
THE STARTING POINT FOR CHAPLAINS
The role of a law enforcement chaplain is one that offers complex and often last-minute discernment in terms of what is happening en vivo (live at that moment). In my role as chaplain, I may have to forecast the outcome of an action. One question I ask myself is, “How will this incident affect my […]
The Emotional Hostage-Taker/Negotiator
Imagine what it may be like to be held hostage. Visualize wondering when you will be able to escape and constantly seeking an opportunity to experience freedom. Imagine not knowing when you will be released and if you will survive. Now, switch roles and imagine being the hostage-taker. What effort would it take to ensure […]
A TRAGIC RELATIONSHIP
The night is young. You’re looking forward to being with friends and having a good time. You know you’re going to have a few drinks and you’re feeling pretty good about the evening ahead. But your relationship ended just last week, you’ve been working a lot of overtime and you’re tired. Everything will be OK […]
SUPPORT
The Old Testament/Torah tells us of a remarkable event in Moses’ life that exemplifies unity, teamwork and support. When Moses was leading the people of Israel into battle after being freed from slavery in Egypt, something amazing happened. God instructed him to stand on top of a hill with his staff in hand, overlooking the […]
BAD HABITS
The stressors law enforcement personnel are exposed to daily surpass the typical range of stressful events that most people experience in their lifetime. The circumstances LASD personnel handle can range from the mundane to the horrific. The latter could include motor vehicle crashes involving critical injuries, drug addicts, incidents of domestic violence, mental illness, adrenaline-filled […]
PREVENTING BURNOUT
Employees who are unsatisfied with their jobs are problems waiting to happen. We know that employees who report that they are unsatisfied with their jobs use more sick time (both legitimate and illegitimate), report more job stress, have lower productivity and are more prone to depression than satisfied employees. They may also work against the […]
SUPPORT
The Old Testament/Torah tells us of a remarkable event in Moses’ life that exemplifies unity, teamwork and support. When Moses was leading the people of Israel into battle after being freed from slavery in Egypt, something amazing happened. God instructed him to stand on top of a hill with his staff in hand, overlooking the […]
PUSHING YOUR LUCK
There are many reminders from our Department about the number of alcohol-related arrests, most of them DUIs, that are occurring within our circle. Every time you log on to a Department computer, you are met with a message reminding you about policy violations and the consequences, or a notice about the number of arrests that […]