Question

[Bryan]

I am looking for the name of a "syndrome" that occurs when a LEO is involved in a high stress incident, and during that incident the LEO spends more time thing about what will happen to them after the incident(Internal affairs). I think it is called Post-litigation stress or something to that affect. I actually heard of it though the RP Forum, but I can't find the thread anymore. Does anyone know what the correct name for this syndrome is and a link for more info..?

Thanks
Bryan

[sgtbear111]

PTSD = post traumatic stress disorder. It can happen to anyone, combat vets, police, firefighters, EMT's, crime victims, victims of horrible events, etc.

[Strijder]

Check out the home page (not forum homepage, the website one) for more info on police-related stress if you haven't already.

[scott715us]

PTSD = post traumatic stress disorder. It can happen to anyone, combat vets, police, firefighters, EMT's, crime victims, victims of horrible events, etc.

Probably PTSD. There were a large amount of Vietnam Vets that suffered from it. It is probably seen more often in EMT's/police/FF when children are involved or multiple casualty incidents (MCI). It is something I am worried about if we get a large commercial airliner go down out here where I am.

We have good counselors and officers who are part of the CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) team to help us cope. Many more counselors/fellow officers are available at our state police academy as well. ;)

[Bryan]

The syndrome I am looking for is different than PTSD. The syndrome itself is related to a LEO worrying about the all the bullSH*T after the fact. Example. LEO attends to a knife complaint. Service weapon is drawn with the intent that the LEO may have to use lethal force, but while the LEO has his weapon deployed, they (LEO)are thinking about what will happen to them after they shoot the bad guy(the internal review afterward,desk duty etc etc), which affects their judgement during the high stress incident they are currently dealing with. I have read this is has a clinical name in the USA, and it is primarly found in LEOS, it has a similar name as PTSD, but is not the same. "Litigation" is in the title of the disorder..

[mcsap]

I have never shot anyone but on two occasions I could have, I wasn't concerned or thinking about liability ( not that I dismiss it) but when it comes to a deadly force issue, you can't stop to ponder much.

In my case I chose QUICKLY to use an alternative means of force.

Months later when the defense attorney was grilling me on the stand, I told him in no uncertain terms " your client is lucky to be alive today, I had the right and the opportunity to kill him at the scene"

[Bryan]

MCSAP

I know exactly what you mean. We have few people in the office that were discussing their situations with encounters of near lethal force. The three members all said the same thing, they didnt shoot the SOB, because they feared the consquences. I was telling them about the syndrome I read somewhere here on RP, but I can't recall the dam thing.

[bpd35]

I can say that I was involved in use of deadly force and the thoughts or after thoughts ( double guessing ) and possible career ruining acts or what have you even though you were in the right run through your brain at lightning pace. I stayed up for days thinking about everything that could be coming after this incident because of all the F* lawyers that are out there looking to make a quick buck. Also the fact that the witnesses around me the night of the incident said i fired anywhere from 4 to 7 times. I only fired twice. In the end I am ok ( unless you talk to my wife LOL ) but those thoughts WILL flood your brain and god forbide you do get sued for doing the right thing then i am sure the stress or PTSD will most surely engulf your brain. I dont know what its called but i do believe i have heard of it .