As first responders, Banks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) personnel face balancing the demands of 24/7 law enforcement service with the stressors of the job.
To address these challenges, the BCSO has implemented a peer counseling and chaplain program, providing vital support for their deputies and detention officers.
The program offers a valuable resource for BCSO members, allowing them to access help from a certified chaplain or peer counselor whenever they need it.
Peer support helps build mental and emotional resilience, empowering personnel to navigate the emotional toll that can come with their work.
Currently, BCSO is supported by three chaplains and one peer counselor, with additional resources available through the Georgia Office of Public Safety Support.
Deputies and detention officers benefit from the program knowing that the chaplains and peer counselors not only understand the challenges of law enforcement but actively serve in the same capacity.
The deputies who take on the role of chaplain or peer support counselor do so out of a passion for serving their colleagues and helping them cope with the stresses of the job.
While the chaplain and peer counselor roles are not primary positions, deputies undergo extensive training to earn certification. Each BCSO chaplain completes accredited training from the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, which includes six online courses, a 20-hour in-person basic certification course, and specialized training in peer support for distressed individuals.
Peer counselors also undergo a variety of specialized training. Corporal Burns, a BCSO Peer Counselor, has completed courses such as the Georgia Resiliency Program, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Mental Health First Aid, and basic Peer Support Certification.
Unlike many other law enforcement agencies that rely on outside personnel, BCSO has found it more effective to provide support through its own team, ensuring that those who understand the daily struggles of law enforcement are there to help.
