The Unseen Load of Law Enforcement
I recently participated in a roundtable discussion on best practices for responding to sexual assault and gender-based violence. A police officer from Washington State made an insightful comment: the push for trauma-informed responses seems to include everyone except law enforcement. This observation highlights a crucial issue.
Self-care is challenging for first responders like EMTs, firefighters, nurses, and police officers. Despite the strong public support for their work, law enforcement often faces a different landscape. The scrutiny and politicization of their profession, along with the psychological toll, create unique challenges. It’s essential to provide perspective on the difficulties officers face and encourage the same grace and understanding that other first responders receive.
The Mental and Emotional Toll of Policing
To appreciate why this grace is necessary, we must recognize the mental and emotional toll of the job.
1. Dealing with the Darkest Aspects of Society
Maintaining a positive outlook is nearly impossible when constantly confronted with society’s worst. Officers in high-crime areas experience this even more acutely. I experienced a significant change in just four years with the City of Atlanta Police Department. Many of my colleagues, still in urban law enforcement, continue to navigate this reality day after day.
2. The Impact of Politicization
Law enforcement is one of the most politicized professions. Politicians, who may never have walked a beat, often comment on policing practices. During my time in New York, I saw how transactional politics made the job harder, with narratives often driven by political expediency rather than the realities of policing.
3. Changing Standards and Expectations
Unlike firefighters, whose roles are more defined, policing evolves with shifting political and social climates. I was hired under the Clinton Crime Bill, where proactive policing was encouraged. Over time, however, methods once praised became criticized, leading to a complex environment where many officers operate in survival mode.
4. The Challenge of Leading a Normal Life
Years of hyper-vigilance profoundly affects personal life. Social settings become a juggling act of logistics when deciding whether or not to carry firearms or when to disclose one’s profession, leading many officers to minimize interactions outside work, which is detrimental to mental health.
5. The Burden of Trauma
The exposure to death, abuse, and exploitation is deeply impactful. For instance, my first dead body and many traumatic incidents haunt me long after they occur. The trauma extends to cases involving children, which are emotionally taxing and necessitate an urgent response from support systems.
6. Investigating Child Exploitation Cases
Officers dealing with sexual assault or crimes against children carry an immense burden. While it can feel fulfilling to help a survivor, the emotional toll is substantial. After years of this invisible load, it’s evident that structured, trauma-informed support is essential.
Moving Forward: Supporting Officer Wellness
Research on cumulative PTSD among law enforcement is gaining traction. As trauma-informed care becomes a standard for crime victims, it should also extend to police officers. They deserve the same grace, empathy, and support that is offered to other first responders.
Here are actionable steps toward establishing trauma-informed approaches in law enforcement:
- Training in Trauma-Informed Practices: Departments should provide training that encompasses recognizing trauma within communities and its effect on officers themselves.
- Embed Mental Health Support: Regular mental health check-ins and counseling services can create a culture where wellness is prioritized.
- Revise Policies to Alleviate Administrative Trauma: Small changes, such as reducing excessive overtime and facilitating non-punitive mental health options, can greatly benefit officers.
- Encourage Leadership Buy-In: Command staff should exemplify support for wellness initiatives, requiring managerial courage.
- Enhancing Public Perception: Public education about the realities of law enforcement trauma can improve community relations and advocacy for better resources.
Conclusion
Officers are expected to handle society’s worst without breaking down, but they are human, just like the victims and the individuals they work with. It’s time to extend the understanding of trauma to the men and women who show up when others cannot. This is not an appeal for special treatment, but a call to acknowledge the costs of service and equip officers with the necessary tools, support, and compassion.
In our commitment to trauma-informed care, we must include everyone — especially those in uniform.
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