Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch rolled out a new therapy program for deputies in his Major Crimes Unit, aimed at helping those who regularly see traumatic cases cope with stress that can linger long after a shift ends.
) - Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch rolled out a new therapy program for deputies in his Major Crimes Unit, aimed at helping those who regularly see traumatic cases cope with stress that can linger long after a shift ends.
The free counseling is available to every deputy, but the sheriff’s office says the program is designed for units most frequently exposed to disturbing investigations, including the Sgt. Julie McGuire, one of three deputies assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children task force created in 2023, said the work often involves viewing graphic material for hours a day — and that impact can build over time.Sgt. McGuire said she has seen the effects of the job surface later in life for some deputies. “I talked to a lot of guys — it didn’t bother them during the time, but once they retired, it all kind of comes back,” she said. Under the new program, deputies assigned to ICAC, the Child Advocacy Center and the Major Crimes Unit will be required to meet with a clinical social worker every six months. The sheriff’s office said the check-ins are intended to normalize mental health care and catch warning signs early. “Say we had a shooting or something — everybody from the sheriff’s office can go, everyone can go — but these particular units are required to go,” McGuire said., is contracted with the sheriff’s office for the program. Houston said the goal is to help deputies process what they’ve experienced before it affects their home life or catches up with them years later. “Trying to help them respond to what’s going on, respect how it impacts the soul and psyche and recover from it,” Houston added.“I’m also available to them for crisis incident debrief so if there’s a difficult situation — I’m on call for them to sit and process with that unit,” she said. The wellness check-ins will take place at Houston’s private office, not at the sheriff’s office, allowing deputies to seek help away from the workplace. “We think about people in the coal mines who get lung cancer — you don’t judge them for that — it’s the same thing,” Houston said. McGuire said she appreciates the sheriff’s office making mental health support a priority for deputies who handle the most difficult cases.Updated look at new Margaritaville Resort being built at The WharfTeacher’s wife wants charges dropped against students after sheriff says he was killed in prank gone wrong‘Is this what you want?’ Local activist calls for youth in Mobile to make better choices‘Is this what you want?’ Local activist calls for youth in Mobile to make better choicesWaterfront Rescue Mission launches 'Waterfront token' to help those in need of shelter
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