Rolling Sessions: Squad Car Therapy
Crisis Intervention, Police Psychology, Early Intervention
Dr. Betty Winter Laura Battle, MSSW
Memphis Police Department The University of Memphis
Early Intervention Program 9711 Cutter Lane
201 Poplar Suite 12-12A Lakeland, TN 38002
Memphis TN, 38103 Day (901) 484-5664
Office (901) 545-4632 Evening (901) 382-5282
Home (901) 320-7011 Lmbattle@msn.com
This presentation will highlight the Early Intervention Program of the Memphis Police
Department. The goal of early intervention is to identify and intervene before negative behaviors
become problematic for the officer, the department, or the community. An overview of the
presenters' experiences of working with law enforcement personnel and a synopsis of the current
research in the field of police mental health services will be presented.
Discussion will focus on a unique approach to developing a therapeutic relationship with a
population that is traditionally resistant to psychological interventions. These 'Rolling Sessions'
are in may ways similar to house calls once common in the medical profession. This squad car
therapy is instrumental in overcoming barriers, such as: removing the stima of seeking help;
working with the tough guy image and helping to "save face"; and overcoming the constraints of
work schedules. It also helps to increase therapeutic success by: getting to understand the
stresses of the law enforcement environment; establishing trust; and empowering the officer by
recognizing and valuing the sacrifices necessary for the job. This strategy goes where the officers
are rather than expect the officers to come to the counseling office.
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