As we talked, I started reading a Facebook post from 10 days earlier written by Baton Rouge Police Corporal Montrell Jackson. He wrote about feeling physically and emotionally tired in the days following the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Cpl. Jackson talked about feeling “distrust, hatred and looks when he was in or out of uniform.” Jackson added “…whoever you are, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer. I got you,” he wrote in a July 8 post.

A moment later, I remembered that Corporal Montrell Jackson was murdered along with Officer Matthew Gerald, and Deputy Sheriff Brad the previous day.

“A deep sadness came over me and soon tears were streaming down my face.”

It was at that moment, that I knew something was wrong. I didn’t know Officer Jackson personally, but I’ve trained and worked with thousands of officers like him across the United States and around the world.

It took a full 3-years after to know and understand that the feelings, symptoms, reactions and emotions that I had been feeling were caused by PTSD.

I was truly blessed that an inquisitive Sheriff’s Lieutenant attending my seminar took the time to share his very personal story of PTSD.

Next, the Sheriff’s Lieutenant me asked some very personal questions and confronted me with his observations with “Chris you have PTSD.” I could hardly believe what he said so I asked him to repeat it. He again said, “Chris, you have PTSD!”  A wave of relief came over my entire body and I started feeling emotional.  My first words in response were “Yeah, I know, I’ve been lying to myself about it.”

— Instructor Chris Ryan–

She turns the suspect over to her backup and realizes that her wrist was badly injured. The officer is transported to the hospital and her broken wrist is put in a plaster cast meaning 6-8 weeks off patrol to heal. She returned to regular patrol after 7-weeks.

An officer physically injured on the job, gets support, time to heal and recuperate and return to the job.

What if the officer is dealing with a mental traumatic injury or psychological issue on the job? Does the officer get the support, time to heal, recuperate and return to the job?

— Instructor Chris Ryan —