COP-2-COP Hotlines: Programs to Address the Needs of First Responders and Their Families

This article discusses the factors that contribute to the high rate of stress-related disorders in first responders. It covers the rationale for COP-2-COP, a crisis intervention hotline in New Jersey designed to address the mental health needs of a high-risk population. The program provides peer support, clinical assessment, referrals to mental health practitioners, & critical incident stress management. Two newspaper reports of actual cases, including a police homicide-suicide, & 4 fictional case studies are used to illustrate the typical symptoms experienced by clients contacting this service. (12 refs.)