NCJ Number
192467
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 40-43
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the thoughts and feelings of a group of officers who experienced a fatal shooting from the point of view of a counselor who worked with them.
Abstract
During the officers’ group discussions with a counselor about a shooting incident they discovered that each experienced the same feelings and attitudes in the same time frames. The first feelings experienced by the officers were shock and denial. The attitude was, “I can’t believe that happened.” Officers then relived the incident, picturing the deceased as they lay dying or observing in a detached way the particulars of the incident. An important part of the recovery process is removing the officers from the scene. Later, the officers wanted details of the incident, which included the medical examiners report and other information. The counselor’s first contact with law enforcement came at the station where they had been isolated after a fatal shooting. They had already removed their weapons. The sergeant arrived and informed them that he would need their weapons for evidence. The sergeant also said that replacements would be given to the officers, which made it easier for them to give up their weapons without feeling as if they were being disciplined. The sergeant, who was the coordinator of the Critical Incident Stress Management team, joined the group. He told others to stay out of the room until the officers got settled; at which point they would go to detectives to make a statement. At this point, the counselors were able to talk to the officers individually and help them to sort things out. This initial isolation with trusted, trained peers or counselors is needed and helps officers gain control of their emotions. Officers should also be asked if they would like to contact someone, such as a family member. The officers should be told what they might expect physically and emotionally. They should be given as much information as possible about what to expect in the coming weeks and months of the investigation. It was discovered that frequent (intensive care) contact worked best. In the beginning, the counselor met two or three times a week for several weeks, then weekly, either individually, or as a group. Later on, it became monthly. Administrative leave can last up to a year in some cases until the officer is cleared of wrongdoing. If an officer is involved in a shooting, a few things need to be kept in mind: (1) be aware that good intentions might have a negative effect; and (2) be aware that a shooting incident could occur at any time during the course of a police officer’s day.