Port Hueneme Police roll out peer-support program and wellness upgrades

Port Hueneme Police Chief Mike Federico told the City Council Jan. 6 that the department has launched the second phase of a multi-year employee wellness program that adds a peer-support team, on-site critical stress debriefs and expanded confidential counseling for officers and their families.

Federico said the department selected two peer supportersRokey Lopez Jr. and Baltazar Tapiaemployees chosen by peers and trained for confidential intervention work. The department has contracted with Counseling Team International (TCI) to provide confidential counseling sessions and on-site psychologists for critical stress debriefings.

Why this matters

Federico framed the program as aimed at improving officer mental health and retention and reducing long-term trauma: "If you want compassionate, respectful police employees on the streets, we have to make sure that we treat everything they see and do ..." he said during the presentation. The chief emphasized confidentiality protections and that some limits apply where matters become criminal.

Program elements and staff explanation

- Peer support team: Two tenured employees selected by peers to serve as first-line confidential contacts and to coordinate referrals. - Counseling partnership: Confidential counseling for employees and family members through Counseling Team International; on-site critical stress debriefs available after serious incidents. - Facilities and fitness: The department is restoring a small station gym and will buy a wall-mounted fitness machine and treadmill; grants from the state will fund equipment. - Training and ergonomics: Plans include mindfulness and breathing training, mobility and ergonomics coaching, and supervisor consultation for performance concerns.

Council questions and staff answers

Council members asked about confidentiality, participation and program uptake. Federico said confidentiality is protected by California law for peer-support conversations; some statutory limits apply when criminal activity is involved. When asked whether many employees had used the program, Federico declined to give exact participation numbers citing confidentiality but said it had been utilized and cited examples where early interventions helped employees recover.

Next steps

Federico said the department will run monthly wellness campaigns, introduce nutrition and fitness challenges and continue to expand training and staff resources. Council members and residents praised the effort; no formal council action was required.