One audience question requests that the panel comment on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse among law enforcement officers, which the audience member notes has not yet been addressed in the seminar, but which is often an officer's coping mechanism for dealing with stress. Panel members suggest the importance of dealing with the underlying stress and trauma rather than focusing on substance abuse as the major problem. Another audience member focuses on the application and testing process for hiring officers as a means of screening persons for their capabilities in managing stress. Another issue addressed in audience questions and panel responses pertains to the role of police supervisors, particularly sergeants, in preparing and guiding officers in recognizing stress symptoms and accessing resources for managing it. Other issues addressed in the audience Q and A are officer suicide prevention; the effectiveness of "mindfulness" training in managing stress; research on techniques used by the military and Veterans Administration to address mental health issues; and changing an organizational culture to facilitate prevention and treatment for officer mental health issues.
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