Officer-involved shootings, serious accidents and horrific crime scenes can take their toll on first responders, and the Oklahoma City Police Department is working to support officers.
The OCPD Wellness Unit officially began in 2020, due to an increase in mental health education.
The unit consists of on-scene peer support officers, trained civilians, clergymen, and Will the Wellness Dog.
OCPD Master Sgt. Scott Pope said that the main focus is awareness.
“We really focused on awareness,” Pope said. “How do you build that awareness within you to know when something is wrong?”
The Welfare Unit also provides counseling sessions to families of officers.
The unit plans to add more positions as it continues to grow.
.
