I conducted this interview with retired officer, William Dennis. William explains what occurred in his childhood that led him to becoming a police officer. Once becoming a police officer, he describes the fast-paced work and what he learned through observation and department culture, with some minor gaps in leadership and supervision. What you might see is that William was doing what he believed was expected of him by the organization. Depending on your view, this demonstrates how a person can change in 7 years as an officer. Mental health is a large component to use of force issues, community, and working relationships that doesn’t always get addressed. From an ethical standpoint, doesn’t the organization have an obligation to the officer to keep them healthy, and in this case, wouldn’t that also serve the community better? Something to think about.
Assignment:
Watch the video and respond to the following questions:
How do you think the organization should guide their officers?
Keep in mind we don’t not know the side of the organization, but how can an organization function properly if it allows its officers to burn out?
Any other thoughts?
Narrative to be added
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_taf036LGZOzt9qcNox1C1QG5dVOGi-/view?usp=sharingLinks to an external site.
