On Sunday night, a Des Moines man was shot twice by two police officers responding to a robbery call. The shooting was the sixth major act of violence involving Des Moines police this year. Many of the incidents have affected the same shift of officers and leaving those men and women with more than their share of physical and emotional trauma.
"Things happen. That's part of the job," said Captain David Huberty. But in 25 years on the DMPD, Huberty says things have never happened quite like this: Since July officers have been confronted with six major incidents ranging from a mob scene to a stand-off. Three officers have suffered serious injuries--one was shot and two were run over.
The string of violence is enough to break even the most seasoned officers, but the incidents have fallen largely on the newest members of the force--Third Watch.
"A lot of young officers have gone through a lot of traumatic events in the last six months," said Huberty. During roll call for third watch Wednesday, Captain Huberty says a third of his announcements involve officer safety. He also discusses plans for another critical incident class to help officers address the effects of emotional trauma. The classes are held in conjunction with the Red Cross. During a class, a first responder who has dealt with a traumatic incident previously explains their experience and offers advice for coping with stress-related issues.
The department also had a peer support team made up of a dozen officers who have received special training to handle traumatic incidents. A chaplain, rabbi, and psychologist are available as well.
"Things happen. That's part of the job," said Captain David Huberty. But in 25 years on the DMPD, Huberty says things have never happened quite like this: Since July officers have been confronted with six major incidents ranging from a mob scene to a stand-off. Three officers have suffered serious injuries--one was shot and two were run over.
The string of violence is enough to break even the most seasoned officers, but the incidents have fallen largely on the newest members of the force--Third Watch.
"A lot of young officers have gone through a lot of traumatic events in the last six months," said Huberty. During roll call for third watch Wednesday, Captain Huberty says a third of his announcements involve officer safety. He also discusses plans for another critical incident class to help officers address the effects of emotional trauma. The classes are held in conjunction with the Red Cross. During a class, a first responder who has dealt with a traumatic incident previously explains their experience and offers advice for coping with stress-related issues.
The department also had a peer support team made up of a dozen officers who have received special training to handle traumatic incidents. A chaplain, rabbi, and psychologist are available as well.
