by Eric D.Graham-During this critical time in history, many police officers have become paranoid, fearful for their lives, stressed out, overworked, underpaid, and undiagnosed. As a result, many of them are walking around like ticking time-bombs, abusing their power and authority with a lethal weapon on their hips, while unknowingly suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.For this reason, some of them feel a sense of worthlessness, even though they are perceived to be heroes, which can lead to alcoholism, marital problems, depression and even suicide.
Unfortunately, these “protectors of justice" have difficulties sleeping, due to nightmares- that may involve crime scenes that they have witnessed while on duty like: the death of children, horrible car crashes, victims of sexual abuse, bloody murders and even, the death of a partner in the line of duty, while constantly questioning whether they have made the right decisions to shot or not to shot, which could lead to the death of another human being.
With this in consideration, law enforcement leaders should take personal interest in the MENTAL HEALTH OF THEIR OFFICERS by checking on them after a critical incident, keeping an open door policy, and instructing command staff and supervisors to look after their well-being. This, could, come in the form of, workers support groups, education and training workshops- on how to handle stress, death and grief as well as anger management classes along with annual psychologically evaluations. –Pocket Full of Ghetto Poems-
