Police mental health is in focus after the tragic shooting in Detroit

DETROIT — A deadly shooting in which Detroit police officers killed one of their own men is a haunting reminder of the intense trauma and stress police endure.

Police said officers were responding to a 911 call from the off-duty officer when he began shooting, injuring two officers. The officers shot back and killed him.

—> What we know: Off-duty police officer killed after shooting two other officers in Detroit

“It’s heartbreaking. “I am sure it is an ordeal for the men and women of this department – ​​especially the officers who were dedicated that day,” said Andy Arena. “They will live with this for the rest of their lives. But; I think it really adds to the stress that officers face every day.”

Arena said the stigma surrounding officers and mental health has changed compared to when he was an officer decades ago.

“The way law enforcement looked at mental health – you didn’t seek professional help,” Arena said. “Law enforcement professionals recognize the need to take better care of our officers.”

Dr. Gerald Shiener is chief of psychiatry at DMC Sina-Grace Hospital, which works fairly routinely with DPD.

“It’s always traumatic when a police officer has to use a firearm,” Shiener said. “It’s especially difficult when it’s one of them.”

The 45-year-old officer who died in this situation had been with the department for 13 years but was also battling a physical degenerative disease. However, DPD has a system in place to help officers when cases become too many.

“They have a mental health unit. They use referral psychiatrists in the community to evaluate police officers and determine whether they are fit to work or need help,” Shiener said. “So that help is available.”

But in the end, it’s up to the officer to ask for help.

“Police officers are expected to be strong, determined, always in charge, always helpful and always reliable,” Shiener said. “And it makes it very difficult to ask for help when they need it.”