I Love a Cop, What Police Families Need to Know [Paperback Book]
Book Description
Nothing worth doing is easy–and that includes loving a cop. Being a member of the law enforcement community is a source of pride for officers and families alike. But long hours, unpredictable shifts, and the crisis-driven nature of the profession can turn life on the home front into an emotional roller coaster ride. Dr. Ellen Kirschman, a psychologist who’s worked with police officers for more than 20 years, gives you practical ways to deal with the challenges that come with the territory. Packed with stories from cops and their significant others, this book explains how to reduce spillover from on-the-job stress and cope with loneliness or worry during extended deployments. Dr. Kirschman acknowledges the tough realities of post-9/11, post-Katrina law enforcement, and she offers frank, realistic suggestions for handling serious issues like alcohol abuse and domestic violence. She also covers special topics for women and minorities on the force. Whether you read it from cover to cover or reach for it when problems arise, I Love a Cop is an indispensable tool that everyone in your family can depend on.
Review
“This book is as necessary for the overall survival of our law enforcement officers as their vests, weapons, and officer safety tactics. The realities of the job have changed in the post-9/11 world, and the revised edition arrives just in time. Dr. Kirschman provides an in-depth look at the daily challenges facing the law enforcement officer and family, and offers specific strategies for overcoming the pitfalls that potentially take such a heavy toll. This book should be issued to every recruit entering the profession.”–Kevin M. Gilmartin, PhD, author of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement
“When I was Police Chief in Toronto, every graduating police officer received a copy of I Love A Cop. The revised edition convinces me even more that it is the right thing to do if you wish to promote wellness in your organization. This is a ‘must read’ for all progressive police leaders who really care about officers and their families.”–David Boothby, Chief of Police (Retired), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
I. Hi Honey, I’m Home
1. The Way It Is: Givens and Realities of Policework
2. The Police Officer’s Paradox
3. Growing Old in a Young Person’s Profession: How Officers Change With Time
4. Organizational Stress: Looking For Love in All the Wrong Places
II. Remarkable Events
Trauma
5. Critical Incidents, Stress, and Trauma
6. From Victim to Survivor: Working Through Trauma
7. From Battlefront to Homefront: Families and Trauma
8. Kids and Trauma
Emotional Extremes
9. Domestic Abuse: The Best Kept Secret Shame of Policing
10. Alcohol Abuse and Suicide
Getting Help
11. Getting the Help You Need When You Need It
III. Special Families, Special Issues
12. Swimming Upstream: Special Challenges Facing Women, Minorities, Lesbians, and Gay Men in Law Enforcement
13. Cop Couples
IV. Summing Up
14. Success Stories
About the Author
Ellen Kirschman, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and consultant who works with peace officers and their families. She has written extensively about police culture and is sought after as a speaker and seminar leader. Dr. Kirschman has been an invited guest at the FBI Academy and is a member of the Psychological Services Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. She is a cofounder of www.policefamilies.com and maintains a website for the public at www.ellenkirschman.com. In 2000, Dr. Kirschman was named Woman of Distinction by the Police Chiefs Spouses Worldwide. She lives in Redwood City, California.