Summary of "Digital Social Hour" Podcast Episode: How Trauma Shapes Law Enforcement: A Candid Talk | Joe Smarrow DSH #873

Podcast Information:

• Title: Digital Social Hour
• Host: Sean Kelly
• Guest: Joe Smarrow
• Episode Title: How Trauma Shapes Law Enforcement: A Candid Talk | Joe Smarrow DSH #873
• Release Date: November 10, 2024
• Description: Sean Kelly engages in a deep conversation with Joe Smarrow, exploring the profound impacts of trauma on law enforcement officers. The discussion delves into personal anecdotes, systemic issues within policing, mental health challenges, and actionable insights for creating positive change.

Introduction

Sean Kelly welcomes Joe Smarrow as the first guest from San Antonio, expressing gratitude for his participation. The conversation begins with a brief exchange about Joe’s background and upbringing, setting the stage for a candid discussion about trauma and its effects on law enforcement personnel.

Joe Smarrow’s Background and Path to Policing

Joe Smarrow recounts his journey from Upstate New York to Southern California, and eventually to San Antonio. His decision to join the Marine Corps was influenced by personal circumstances, particularly becoming a father in high school.

• Key Quote:

  "[...] I was definitely the only reason I joined the Marine Corps was because I had my first kid my senior year of high school."
  (00:59)

Joe’s transition from the military to the police force was driven by practicality, seeking stability through a pension and consistent employment benefits post his service in the Marine Corps.

The Impact of Military Culture on Policing

The discussion highlights the similarities between military and police cultures, particularly the paramilitary mindset that emphasizes constant vigilance and preparedness, often fostering power dynamics that contribute to current policing issues.

• Key Quote:

  "It creates a lot of the issues that cops are facing today. Right."
  (04:00)

Joe points out that approximately 30-35% of law enforcement officers have prior military experience, which influences their approach to policing but may not always align with community-oriented practices.

Personal Trauma and Its Effects on Policing

Joe opens up about his childhood trauma, including sexual and physical abuse, and how these unaddressed issues carried into his adult life and career in law enforcement. His narrative underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing personal trauma to prevent it from negatively impacting interactions with the community.

• Key Quote:

  "If you're just to look back like 72 hours of what I call a situational autopsy and just look into this officer's life, I guarantee you there's more going on."
  (06:00)

Joe shares a pivotal moment when he unintentionally caused an in-custody death early in his police career, exacerbating his mental health struggles and leading to a deep personal crisis.

• Key Quote:

  "I'm putting out for eight weeks thinking I'm gonna lose my job. The media portrays this guy by his name [...] and I'm contributing to someone else's death."
  (07:00)

Mental Health Challenges in Law Enforcement

Joe discusses the prevalence of mental health issues among police officers, attributing a significant portion of officer misconduct and tragic outcomes to unaddressed trauma and lack of support within the system.

Lack of Adequate Mental Health Training

A critical point raised is the insufficient mental health training provided to officers, with only about 50% receiving proper training even as of 2024.

• Key Quote:

  "About 50% of the police officers still don't have mental health training. Whoa. In 2024."
  (25:22)

Joe emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive training that goes beyond basic presentations to include continuous education and practical de-escalation techniques.

Personal Journey Towards Healing and Advocacy

Joe shares his personal transformation through therapy and self-help, becoming a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar issues. His dedication to mental health extends to founding Solution Point Plus, a company focused on training first responders in de-escalation and mental well-being.

• Key Quote:

  "The more I was willing to help myself, the more I could see myself in other people and realize that even if you have a serious mental illness, you're not different than me."
  (15:10)

Joe's advocacy work includes speaking at conferences and conducting keynote sessions, where his authentic sharing of trauma resonates deeply with first responders.

Systemic Issues and Proposed Reforms in Policing

Joe critiques the current policing system, highlighting how dependence on pensions traps officers in unfulfilling and traumatic careers. He calls for significant reforms, including:

1. Mandatory Mental Health Training: Regular, in-depth training to prepare officers for the psychological demands of the job.
2. Higher Wages: Increasing police salaries to attract and retain better-trained individuals.
3. Age and Education Requirements: Setting a minimum age of 25 for officers and requiring at least two years of experience in health and human services.
4. Comprehensive Support Systems: Implementing mandatory therapy and continuous mental health support from the onset of an officer’s career.

• Key Quote:

  "Why is there not a requirement for proficiency and liability to train our minds to not suffer?"
  (48:44)

Joe advocates for treating mental health training with the same importance as firearms training, ensuring officers are equipped to handle both the physical and psychological aspects of their roles.

The Vicious Cycle of Trauma and Suicide in Law Enforcement

A poignant part of the conversation centers on the high rates of suicide among police officers, positioning it as the leading cause of death in the profession. Joe attributes this to unprocessed trauma, lack of support, and societal pressures.

• Key Quote:

  "Suicide is the number one killer of policing."
  (45:56)

Joe discusses how the normalization of mental health struggles and the stigma surrounding seeking help prevent officers from accessing the support they need, perpetuating a cycle of despair.

The Role of Community and Societal Stigma

The conversation extends to the societal perception of police officers and the lack of empathy towards their mental health struggles. Joe argues that the community often fails to understand the internal battles officers face, exacerbating tensions and misunderstandings.

• Key Quote:

  "We don't watch other videos of cops doing dumb things nearly as much as we watch the citizens of our communities ambushing us."
  (40:36)

Joe calls for a cultural shift in how society views and supports law enforcement, advocating for greater awareness and empathy towards the psychological challenges officers encounter.

Joe Smarrow’s Vision for a Healthier Policing System

Joe envisions a policing system where officers are mentally and emotionally supported, allowing them to perform their duties without the burden of unaddressed trauma. His solutions focus on proactive mental health care, continuous training, and systemic reforms to create a sustainable and humane law enforcement environment.

• Key Quote:

  "If we don't learn to love ourselves and prioritize ourselves, you're going to be a shell of the person you could be."
  (51:13)

Joe emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal growth for officers, suggesting that prioritizing their well-being enhances their ability to serve the community effectively.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sean Kelly and Joe Smarrow conclude the discussion by reaffirming the necessity of addressing trauma within law enforcement. Joe provides resources for listeners to connect with him and his work, encouraging ongoing dialogue and action to reform policing practices.

• Contact Information:

  • Books on Amazon
  • Website: JoeSmarrow.com and SolutionPointPlus.com

• Key Quote:

  "Our stories are what unite us... sharing them from a place of truth."
  (31:13)

Sean expresses his appreciation for Joe’s insights and the impactful message he brings to the forefront, highlighting the importance of such conversations in fostering understanding and change.

Key Takeaways

1. Unaddressed Trauma: Many law enforcement officers carry unresolved trauma from childhood and military service, which negatively impacts their roles as police officers.
2. Mental Health Crisis: The lack of adequate mental health training and support systems within policing contributes to high rates of suicide and misconduct among officers.
3. Systemic Reforms Needed: Comprehensive changes, including mandatory mental health training, higher wages, age and education requirements, and continuous support, are essential for improving the well-being of law enforcement personnel.
4. Cultural Shift: Society must adopt a more empathetic and supportive stance towards officers, recognizing their mental health struggles and fostering a community of understanding and assistance.
5. Personal Accountability and Growth: Officers must prioritize self-care and personal growth to effectively serve their communities and break free from the cycle of trauma and despair.

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a profound exploration of the intersection between trauma and law enforcement, providing valuable insights and actionable solutions to create a healthier, more empathetic policing environment.