Required to chat with the "shrink"??

**Mem** · 01-23-06, 10:07 PM

After what type of situations do officers normally have to visit the police shrink or such for a chat? For example, I know an officer that after a mother killed her child in a nasty way and officers found her and the child they had to stay and chat before going off duty. Who decides....the officer or the department and do most officers welcome it or prefer to avoid it. Thank you.

FishTail · 01-23-06, 10:13 PM

It was offered to me after a road accident involving the death of a 4 yr old girl in front of me. It wasn't compulsory.

**Terminator** · 01-23-06, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mem

After what type of situations do officers normally have to visit the police shrink or such for a chat? For example, I know an officer that after a mother killed her child in a nasty way and officers found her and the child they had to stay and chat before going off duty. Who decides....the officer or the department and do most officers welcome it or prefer to avoid it. Thank you.

Different departments dictate different policies. Anytime you shoot someone here, you have to have a "shrink" clear you before you can return to work.

Other situations where you meet with a "shrink" would be on a voluntary basis...unless you experience something so completely traumatic that the department requires you to do it.

Signal_W · 01-23-06, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Terminator

Different departments dictate different policies. Anytime you shoot someone here, you have to have a "shrink" clear you before you can return to work.

Other situations where you meet with a "shrink" would be on a voluntary basis...unless you experience something so completely traumatic that the department requires you to do it.

that plus if you get a lot complaints they will send you to the shrink (right before they fire you)

**Andrewtx** · 01-23-06, 11:54 PM

Along the lines of this question, are you required to attend critical incident stress debriefings with the other responders involved? Is this a formal requirement?

**Terminator** · 01-23-06, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Andrewtx

Along the lines of this question, are you required to attend critical incident stress debriefings with the other responders involved? Is this a formal requirement?

Not at my department. That's another thing where it depends on your department. I do think it's a good idea, however.

**Retdetsgt** · 01-24-06, 02:08 AM

We're required to have at least three visits after an officer involved shooting where someone is killed.

We can request it anytime we feel we need it. The dept will pay for four, then you have to use your insurance.

**StanSwitek** · 01-24-06, 10:28 AM

I saw the shrink after my last shooting. He asked me what I felt. I told him, "Recoil doc, nothing but recoil."

**Garda** · 01-24-06, 10:47 AM

It was offered to me as a trainee after I assisted with with a suicide case (tried to get him down and revive but didnt) but on that occasion I declined and had no problems.

It was offered again after I was injured on duty and again I declined. Started to get panic attacks and stressed out and was diagnosed with PTS so went to councelling and lo and behold, here I am fightin' crime again.

Some departments its compulsary after any high stress incident or tragedy, others just offer and its your call but ultimately only the officer can decide if hes gonna use it or sit there wasting time.

Also, in each station there is a 'peer supporter' which is an officer with councilling training and you can go to them to talk something out and they can liase/organise additional external help if need be. My Sergeant is the one in our station.

The important thing is to take it if you need it. I declined initially bacuse I was worried about the reaction from my colleagues and losing their confidence but the effects of not going worried them far more.

**jmur5074** · 01-24-06, 10:50 AM

My dept let's you decide, unless it's something they think needs to be done, or they suspect your having problems.

**Cochese** · 03-04-06, 04:07 AM

I have to meet with my chiefevery month or so now.

does that count?

**BEK** · 03-04-06, 11:33 AM

We have a group chat with a shrink for traumatic death things, bad accidents mostly. We have not had a shooting in ever and a day. Mostly its people talking about their feelings the EMS and Fire talk alot so the cops dont. Our attention span aint that long so we just want to get going. what was i talking about again