When is it mandatory to report to MPEAP?

The requirement to report to the MPEAP (Mental Health and Employee Assistance Program) is mandatory when an officer is directly involved in a fatal incident or a serious wounding of another individual. This protocol is in place to ensure the well-being of the officer and to address any psychological impact that such events may have on them. Exposure to traumatic incidents can have lasting effects, and the MPEAP is designed to provide necessary support, counseling, and resources for employees coping with the aftermath of critical incidents.

Other scenarios, like minor incidents, vehicle malfunctions, or solely attending training sessions, do not carry the same level of immediate psychological risk or require the same type of support that could arise from being involved in serious harm to another. Hence, while officers might still seek assistance in those situations, it is the serious incidents that necessitate mandatory reporting to the MPEAP for comprehensive support.