Help available to struggling officers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - After two recent arrests of Indianapolis police officers on drunken driving charges, 24-Hour News 8 investigated what resources are available for those officers who struggle with substance abuse or other problems.

There are a number of services available to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers to get help with problems outside of work. The department’s Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and help for behavioral, substance abuse, money and marital problems.

Officers can be mandated to utilize the program, but they can also use it voluntarily. If an employee enrolls on a volunteer status, his or her information can be kept confidential.

It’s estimated that about 10 percent of officers with IMPD take advantage of the program.

IMPD has not said if officers Matthew Elam or Morton Gallagher participated in the Employee Assistance Program. The two were arrested in separate allegations of drunken driving recently.

“The program works with officers as a case management to help officers that are working with the same issues,” IMPD spokesman Kendale Adams said.