‘Shootouts are not that exciting in real life’
Police officers suffer from trauma too.
Police officers have a tough job of trying to keep the citizens safe and then fighting against those who do not abide by the law. They’re not always the heroes and heroines at the end of the day but they still put their lives in danger every day.
Some manage to get away from shootouts and others, unfortunately, do not make it. During the Safety and Security Day at the Nasrec Expo Centre organised by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Provincial Community Safety’s Head of Department Yoliswa Makhasi, made it clear that the department will not tolerate the killing of law enforcement officers.
“We are calling on communities to disclose information which will help us identify who the murderers are. It is not acceptable to kill law enforcement officers or any living being for that matter,” said Makhasi.
For those [law officers] who survive shootouts, it’s a whole different story. In movies, it seems as though shootouts are exciting and hardcore but the reality of it isn’t so.
Have you ever thought about what goes on in the mind of the police officers whilst preparators are shooting at them?
Psychologically, they usually think about making it out alive because of their loved ones. However, after they have experienced such trauma, some have to go for counselling especially those who had a near-death experience.
“Miners, employees of the South African Police Force, Traffic and Fire Departments and Medical Rescue personnel experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress and burn-out as result of their exposure to traumatic events.
“These employees may themselves become victims and therefore require support,” said psychologist Dr. Stella Potgieter.
Officers who have been traumatised by the experience have their emotions affected, other things that are affected are: the nervous system, immune system, cognition, social system, spiritual life, and their bodies take a strain on it as well.
It’s not always easy speaking to a police officer about their experiences because their stories may influence the case if its still under investigation and even in the court system if the media interferes with the back story it could impact the trial.
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