SHIELD trains police officers how to be safe, healthy, and more effective when performing their duties during the overdose crisis. It is a vital resource when police are being asked to do more with less, while facing high risks and reduced public support.
SHIELD's skills-based learning is delivered peer-to-peer by the SHIELD training team, which is led by a retired police chief and includes research staff at Northeastern University and public health experts. Using an interactive instructional design and customized local information, the three modules are delivered in a single session in person or by Zoom.
Module 1: Resilience. Provides key facts about stress
and burnout. Builds skills for recognizing and
problem-solving to remedy the effects of vicarious
trauma, compassion fatigue, and toxic stress.
Module 2: Officer Safety. Provides essential
information about risk levels and operational safety
techniques for needlestick injuries, infectious disease
transmission, field exposure to fentanyl, overdose rescue,
and stimulant-involved encounters.
Module 3: Public Safety. Provides strategies and best
practices for improving health and safety and
reducing stress burdens through linkages with
treatment and supportive service providers.