If an officer has been through a traumatic incident like a shooting, you may have a well-meaning tendency to say, “Tell me about it. What happened?” according to police psychologist Dr. Alexis Artwohl.
“Although you’re probably thinking that discussion will ease the officer, in reality it may subject him/her to more suffering,” she says. “Remember that this officer has likely gone through the event multiple times already with investigators and they’ve surely replayed it in their head countless times. They may very well be exhausted from thinking about it.”
Artwohl instead suggests saying to the officer, “I know you’ve been through a difficult time. I’m hear to listen if there’s anything you want to share with me.” Leave it to them to talk details if or when they want.
Editor’s note: Stay tuned for more tips on helping traumatized officers coming up on Policeone.
