UT Police Peer Support Program: A Lifeline for Officers, by Officers

In the often high-stakes and emotionally demanding world of law enforcement, the ability to talk to someone who understands—truly understands—can make all the difference. At UT Police, the Peer Support Program is providing just that: a confidential, informal, and readily available resource for officers and staff who need someone to talk to.

Available 24 hours a day, the Peer Support Program is designed to assist UT Police employees in dealing with the pressures of both personal and professional life. Whether someone is facing everyday stressors or working through the impact of a critical incident, the program offers a judgment-free space to speak with a trained peer—someone who’s been there, too.

“This program is about having someone to walk beside you during tough times,” said Captain Justin Taylor, who spearheaded the program in 2022 along with Captain Wayne Smith. “Sometimes all a person needs is a conversation with someone who gets it, who knows what it’s like to wear the badge and shoulder the weight that comes with it.”

The Peer Support Program is not affiliated with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and isn’t intended to replace professional therapy or mental health treatment. Instead, it serves as ‘preventative maintenance’—a first step toward addressing stress, uncertainty, or hardship before those issues become overwhelming.

The program’s peer supporters, known simply as ‘peers’, are fellow officers and staff who have undergone formal training in active listening and stress recognition. They are equipped to assist their colleagues by offering a safe, private space to talk and, when appropriate, connect individuals to further resources.

Taylor emphasized the unique value of having peer-based support: “Law enforcement work is a world of its own. Our peer supporters offer empathy, not just sympathy—they’ve lived it. They know the culture, the pressures, and the sacrifices. That makes all the difference.”

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the program. Because peers are not mental health professionals, there are no official records kept of those who seek support, and conversations remain private unless otherwise required by law. This structure ensures that those who need help can seek it without fear of stigma or reprisal. 

Beyond one-on-one support, peer supporters also facilitate group sessions, particularly following critical incidents. These sessions help officers and personnel process events collectively, strengthening the division’s resilience and reinforcing a culture of Caring. 

“Supporting our own is not just about being there in emergencies—it’s about being present in the day-to-day challenges, too,” Taylor said. “The Peer Support Program sends a clear message: You are not alone, and help is always just a conversation away.”

As UT Police continues to uphold safety across the campus community, the Peer Support Program is quietly, but powerfully, protecting the well-being of those who serve. It is an initiative rooted in trust, camaraderie, and the belief that no one should have to carry the weight of the job alone.