Written by: Kelly Robertson(She/Her) NCC, M.S., CJ, B.A.
Trigger Warning: The content in this blog contains real life of examples of policing that may be triggering form some to read.
Being a police officer these days is rough. Former colleagues have told me that even when they go out of their way to be patient and kind to people, they are spit on and screamed at to leave. Recruitment is at an all-time low all over the country, and the Pittsburgh Police are hundreds of officers below what a city this size should have.
Cops killed in the line of duty have risen over the years, as well as officer suicide. It seems clear that the solution, whatever it may be, needs to have many moving parts. You see, it’s not just about how police interact with mentally ill people on the street, but it’s the mental health of the officer that must also be considered. Day in and day out, the men and women in blue respond to unspeakable crimes that the rest of us don’t even want to know about. Whether it’s the homicide of a 10-month-old child caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between gang members, a victim of domestic violence whose abuser finally made good on their promise to kill their victim, or a call for a neglected toddler roaming the streets in nothing but a diaper in the middle of the night in frigid weather, these officers go from call to call with no breaks, and no moments to process and regroup. The closest they get to a break is when they call out of service to refuel their vehicle. Then they are back in the fray of chaos and danger, chasing the radio and often being forced to work overtime because of call-offs.
So, before we can adequately address how officers deal with mentally ill people, we need to remember that they, too, are hurting and traumatized. The crisis goes both ways. Cops also aren’t counselors or social workers. They are cops. Trained to secure a crime scene and apprehend dangerous suspects. If they take their eye off the ball for just a second, it can mean the difference between them going home to their families or being killed.
There are solutions, but the mental health field and law enforcement community need to unite as one unit and collaborate to develop a strong plan. And if that plan doesn’t work, we try again. And again. As many times as it takes until we get it right. The answer is out there. And we will get there with hard work, love, compassion, and acceptance on both sides of the aisle. Hopefully, the result will be safer communities, healthier police officers, and more trusting civilians. Together, we can do this. And if you can indulge me with one request, the next time you walk by a police officer, smile. I guarantee you; they will smile back.
If someone you love is a first responder who may benefit from services, or you are interested in collaborating with the Elements team to help mentally prepare and train officers, please email info@elementspgh.com or call 412-336-8832.
The content of this post does not replace professional medical or mental health treatment or diagnosis.
