Robert Underwood makes some very good points about the tangled web of commissions, councils, and unions that all try and manage police issues.

However, what was not discussed why the same problems reoccur over and over.  For too many years, all these groups, including the mayor think and act on the “bad apple” theory. A “ bad apple” gets hired , gradually the rot spreads and a “ incident” occurs and its resolution makes it way thru all the groups.

There is a more useful way to look at this other than apples.  It is viewing “the job” as one that almost everyone will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The military recognizes it and has taken steps to help treat it.

No one can spend years “on the job” witnessing the worst the city has to offer.  They witness child abuse, domestic violence, murder, fatal accidents to name a few.  Over the years it takes it toll.  Police personnel experience alcohol abuse, marital problems, anger issues, or become “cowboys,” engaging in questionable behavior.

What does this mean for the police department?  It means looking at “the job” with different eyes.  Creative staffing to give respite from the street, mandatory anger management and debriefing after a traumatic event, naming a few.

Just today there was a long piece in The Springfield Republican about the Attleboro Fire Department and how critical incidents chip away at spirit.  Two firemen tell how they live with this. Finally, someone breaks the silence and describes how it affects them and the job.

Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood “gets it.”  However, if all these unions, groups and commissions don’t “get it” and get out of the way, it will be business as usual.    

Marjorie Morgan
Longmeadow