From the FLEOA Office of Mental Health & Peer Support Services: Moral Injury
The symptoms of moral injury for police officers can be like those of other forms of trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there are some specific symptoms that are unique to moral injury for police officers. These may include:
1. Emotional detachment - Police officers may become emotionally detached from others to protect themselves from the trauma they have experienced.
2. Hypervigilance - Police officers may be hyper-vigilant or overly cautious in their interactions with others to avoid future moral injury.
3. Substance abuse - Police officers may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
4. Loss of trust - Police officers may lose trust in their colleagues, their department, or the criminal justice system as a whole.
Recognizing moral injury for police officers can be difficult, as it often manifests as a complex and multifaceted set of symptoms. However, there are some key signs that can indicate the presence of moral injury. These may include:
1. Persistent guilt or shame - Police officers who have experienced moral injury may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame that do not go away with time.
2. Questioning of moral beliefs and values - Police officers may question their moral beliefs and values or feel as though they have lost their sense of purpose or meaning.
3. Anger and frustration - Moral injury can lead to feelings of anger and frustration towards oneself or others, which may be out of proportion to the situation.
Coping with Moral Injury for Police Officers Coping with moral injury for police officers can be a challenging and ongoing process. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful in managing the symptoms and promoting healing.
These may include:
1. Seeking support - It is important for police officers to seek out support from others who can provide empathy, validation, and understanding. This may include peer support groups or therapy.
2. Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
3. Engaging in activities that are aligned with one’s values and beliefs can help to promote a sense of purpose and meaning. This may include community service or advocacy work.
With proper care and support, it is possible to heal from moral injury and reclaim a sense of well-being and purpose. It is important for departments to recognize and address the impact of moral injury on their officers, providing support and resources to promote healing and prevent long-term negative outcomes. With increased
awareness and attention to this important issue, we can work towards creating a culture that supports the mental health and well-being of our law enforcement professionals.
This column from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) is part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee and law enforcement groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDagent audience.
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