“Supporting Our Community:” Exploring the Impact of a Multi-Agency Police Peer Support Program
Article Information
Citation
Kilmer, M., Walsh, W., Iwama, J., Kelly, J., & Adoniou, Z. (2026). “Supporting our community:” Exploring the impact of a multi-agency police peer support program. NIJ LEADS Special Issue, 4-18.
Keywords
Peer support, officer wellness, mental health, multi-agency collaboration, police culture, stigma reduction
Research Summary
Policing is a high-stress career that can have a serious impact on officers’ mental health and wellness. This study examines one evidence-based practice to promote officer well-being: peer support programs. In addition to training with mental health professionals, peer support officers engage with colleagues on various mental health and wellbeing topics.
Using data from a multi-agency peer support program in southern New Jersey (the Multi-Agency Police Peer Support (MAPPS) program serving agencies in Camden County), the study describes experiences during the program’s development and design stages, as well as specific challenges faced by officers and administration. Descriptive analyses offer insight into the prevalence of wellness topics discussed among officers and the types of interventions taking place among peer support members.
The article fills an important gap in the research literature by examining both the early stages of a peer support program and the later stages evaluating ongoing program and participant processes. Findings offer practical guidance for future peer support program planning and execution.
Companion Videos
Building Multi-Agency Peer Support Networks
Captain Walsh discusses the research methodology and key findings from the multi-agency peer support study.
Implementation Lessons from Peer Support Programs
Janice Iwama shares practical insights on implementing peer support programs and overcoming organizational barriers.