I think you just proved my point. I said, based on my limited experiences, that it affects everyone differently. I am certain of that in the cases I worked. No second hand observations needed. As to why that happens, everyone is just guessing.
As to Marshall, it doesn't surprise me. The current methodology of funding research is driven by having a contrary opinion. No one gets funded who simply agrees with previous research. I'm not saying anyone is wrong or dishonest, just that there is lots of impetus to reject all previous research and dismiss earlier conclusions when your paycheck depends on such.
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Return to “Psychological Effects on Police Officer of Killing Suspects”
- Tue May 12, 2015 4:34 pm
- Forum: Gun and/or Self-Defense Related Political Issues
- Topic: Psychological Effects on Police Officer of Killing Suspects
- Replies: 4
- Views: 598
- Mon May 11, 2015 6:40 pm
- Forum: Gun and/or Self-Defense Related Political Issues
- Topic: Psychological Effects on Police Officer of Killing Suspects
- Replies: 4
- Views: 598
Re: Psychological Effects on Police Officer of Killing Suspe
My 2 cents worth. I have personally counseled around 10 officers involved in an OIS. I can say this with certainty. It affects everyone differently.
I distinctly remember two officers who both fired at an actor simultaneously resulting in his death. The veteran (5 years) was sitting in his cruiser and stated he was fine, didn't need to talk about anything. This was his second OIS. I never had occasion to talk to him again. He handled it with no discernible reaction.
The other officer was a 2 year plus man and was quite different. He was sitting in his cruiser with tears streaming down his face and I had to position myself between him and the body just a few yards away. I reassured him that he did the only thing he could have done and to remember that he was going home to his family in a little while. I talked with this officer off and on for a couple of years. He told me all he could see was the actors eyes as the bullets hit him.
The assertion that the vast majority of officers are only worried about legal problems would trouble me if it were true. That the military has a continuing issue with PTSD and my own experiences tell me that that assumption is false. They are humans, not machines. Killing has a very well documented effect on those who must kill. It does affect everyone differently though.
About Col. Grossman. His research covered several decades and many years of conflicts. He is primarily a soldier, not a psychologist. His book has been required reading at the U.S. War College for a long time. If there was nothing to his work, it probably wouldn't be quite as widely read and accepted.
I distinctly remember two officers who both fired at an actor simultaneously resulting in his death. The veteran (5 years) was sitting in his cruiser and stated he was fine, didn't need to talk about anything. This was his second OIS. I never had occasion to talk to him again. He handled it with no discernible reaction.
The other officer was a 2 year plus man and was quite different. He was sitting in his cruiser with tears streaming down his face and I had to position myself between him and the body just a few yards away. I reassured him that he did the only thing he could have done and to remember that he was going home to his family in a little while. I talked with this officer off and on for a couple of years. He told me all he could see was the actors eyes as the bullets hit him.
The assertion that the vast majority of officers are only worried about legal problems would trouble me if it were true. That the military has a continuing issue with PTSD and my own experiences tell me that that assumption is false. They are humans, not machines. Killing has a very well documented effect on those who must kill. It does affect everyone differently though.
About Col. Grossman. His research covered several decades and many years of conflicts. He is primarily a soldier, not a psychologist. His book has been required reading at the U.S. War College for a long time. If there was nothing to his work, it probably wouldn't be quite as widely read and accepted.