The Weight of the Badge: Critical Incident Response for Law Enforcement

by W. Travis Tennill

More cops take their own lives than are killed on the job each year. The mental health crisis in the law enforcement profession is just beginning to be recognized yet most leaders fail to recognize most emotional trauma because it appears as deviant behavior handled as a disciplinary issue in the vast number of cases. The culture of law enforcement must acknowledge the innate harms that come from wearing the badge and the impact of those harms on the rank and file. This book takes an inside look at trauma, how to mitigate the innate harms, and how to care for officers following a critical incident, as well as the officers whose trauma has accumulated over many years on the job.

209 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Travis Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A recommended read for law enforcement officers and a must read book for law enforcement leaders. Add this to your tool kit of readings and make health and wellness a priority in your department and invest in those who serve your communities.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking from a civilian point of view, I believe this book should be read by each and every command of all agencies. I also believe this should be used as a training tool for new recruits. It can be a lifesaving tool for those who have been through a critical incident. Not only is this beneficial for law enforcement, but it is also for dispatchers, first responders, spouses, and families of law enforcement/first responders. Mental Health treatment after a critical incident is much needed and should be available for all who have endured such a traumatic event whether it involves a fatality, OIS (officer involved shooting), domestic violence, death of a partner etc. There needs to be help available. Travis's book gives information about a program that should be available to all law enforcement agencies and their spouse's. He gives statistics as well as stories, including his own of what the aftermath causes to one's mental health. I highly recommend anyone whether law enforcement or civilian to read this book. It raises awareness to mental health but also what law enforcement deals with daily from being on the job.

[Monty Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a LEO who has been part of multiple critical incidences over my career, and the cumulative effects they caused, I would recommend this book to police administrators to have a baseline from which to respond. It can be helpful to the involved officer as well.