The Power of Partnership
When Hendersonville Police Department (HPD) began their journey with Essential Personnel (EP), it wasn’t just about implementing a software solution—it was about forming a partnership rooted in shared values of accountability, innovation, and officer wellness. HPD, led by Chief of Police Blair Myhand and Accreditation Program Manager Monica Howard, was searching for more than a tool; they needed a partner who understood the unique challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
From the outset, HPD and EP developed a close working relationship. Chief Myhand, with his background in military leadership, recognized the need for a responsive, progressive solution that could support HPD's high standards for internal affairs, incident reporting, and early intervention efforts. The importance of a collaborative partner became especially crucial in light of North Carolina Senate Bill 300, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at increasing transparency, improving officer accountability, and enhancing the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel across the state. For HPD, EP's Safety & Wellness Suite aligned perfectly with the goals of SB 300, giving the department a much-needed platform to address the requirements for following agency standards of professionalism. Equally important, Hendersonville Police Department needed a modernized approach to putting their proactive and progressive standards into the right comprehensive people data platform.
The Solution: EP’s Safety & Wellness Suite
Essential Personnel’s incident reporting and case management tools, within its Safety & Wellness Suite, aligned with the bill’s requirements for greater accountability and intervention. HPD can track all incidents— traumatic calls, use-of-force, pursuits, complaints, and more — in a centralized system with simple, easy-to-use workflows. This approach has empowered HPD to set threshold alerts, make informed decisions on officer wellness and provide targeted support, such as referrals to Critical Incident Stress Managers (CISM), chaplains, and peer support.
Key features include:
- Incident & Case Management: Supervisors can open incident reports, assign cases/collaborate with those involved, and route for approval seamlessly.
- Early Intervention Triggers: Automatically alert safety and wellness leaders when officers reach customizable thresholds for critical incidents. Document early intervention discussions.
- Employee Wellness Tools: Comprehensive profiles provide HSAs (Health and Safety Administrators) with the full scope of an officer’s well-being, enabling better management and support.
- Reporting & Statistics: Leadership now has full situational awareness across the department, improving accountability and ensuring that all critical incidents are tracked and managed effectively.
Progressive Agencies Need Progressive Solutions
The future of law enforcement requires both accountability and care for the well-being of the officers. We have a duty to one another as well as to every citizen we serve. HPD’s use of Essential Personnel’s Safety & Wellness suite for internal affairs management ensures that every incident or complaint has a way to be captured, logged and properly reviewed. By providing immediate notifications to involved officers, EP’s platform helps foster trust both within the department and the public.
EP’s ability to provide workflows ensures that HPD’s leadership can maintain oversight of internal affairs and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment to Excellence
Hendersonville PD, as a CALEA-accredited agency, needed a partner that was equally committed to their forward-thinking approach to public safety. EP’s ability to continuously adapt to HPD’s evolving needs has been a key factor in the success of the partnership. Whether it’s making tweaks to workflows, adding new reporting features, or offering ongoing support, EP’s team has consistently delivered solutions that enhance HPD’s operational efficiency.
“The ongoing collaboration between HPD and EP highlights the importance of having a trusted partner who not only delivers cutting-edge solutions but also shares the values of service, accountability, and continuous improvement.” - Chief Blair Myhand, Hendersonville Police Department
