Should veterans be targeted like this? Does it unfairly stereotype vets?

2014-11-06T08:03:22-05:00

http://www.stripes.com/program-trains-police-to-defuse-confrontations-with-troubled-veterans-1.312280

Program trains police to defuse confrontations with troubled veterans

Stanley Gibson’s name went unspoken during the two-day program this past summer at the headquarters of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. But the fallout from his shooting has influenced reforms to the agency’s deadly force policies and its tactics for handling veterans in crisis.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 8:20 AM

2014-11-06T08:20:57-05:00

Working in the Public Safety sector, I do not think that it is targeting. It can only benefit everyone. Most Law Enforcement Officers and call takers have no idea whatsoever how to deal with a Veteran or someone with PTSD. Any tool that can be put in the tool box to prevent another incident is a plus.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:34 PM

2014-11-07T12:34:00-05:00

Yes, it's unfair targeting. It also might save someone's life. Funny how a governmental organization doing something here is right, and doing something similar to a nurse is wrong.

I would in general like to see the police have better access to non-lethal hardware for every confrontation, not just those with troubled vets. It's a lot easier to recover from being tasered than from being shot. And if you do manage to have a heart attack and croak, well, you might well have done so from being shot.

Police, like us in the military, have agreed to stand between civilians and harm. They are our brothers and deserve to be treated as such.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 4:02 PM

2014-11-07T16:02:11-05:00

I definitely think that specifically targeting veterans as "dangerous" is wrong. I think that yes, training for de-escalation is good but it should be something the police should be aiming for in each and every encounter, whether it be a veteran or not.

I know this may sound paranoid but I decided not to get the "veteran" designation on my drivers license because why would I actually want a cop to know I'm a vet?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 7 at 2014 9:27 PM

2014-11-07T21:27:24-05:00

I think they need to focus on programs that deal with this before it escalates to police involvement. Seriously, outpatient programs with paid for PTSD therapy so these guys aren't paying out of pocket for something they can't afford because they can't get a job and the unemployment has run out.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 11:13 PM

2014-11-07T23:13:23-05:00

I don't think it unfairly stereotypes vets because some have real mental issues due to what they have experienced. That said, its much like how we treat things like suicide prevention and sexual assault; you may never need it, but if it happened, you'll glad you have it.

Having read over the entire article, I do like that police forces are turning to training courses to try and prevent shooting and killing a vet who may be experiencing an episode. I also like that in one part of the article they describe how sometimes it may take hours of talking to get through, but to be patient. Honestly I see a lot of good coming from this... people are seeing what our fellow soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen may be experiencing, and are trying to help them. I think its great!

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 8 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-11-08T11:44:02-05:00

Thought provoking, and at least they acknowledge that law enforcement is becoming more militarized. gaining the ability to communicate should always come first.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 2:49 PM

2014-11-08T14:49:14-05:00

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, I read the article and viewed the photos. I'm thinking that the police training is a good thing. I don't see it as unfair stereotyping. I see it as a step in the right direction when any police force takes the time to learn about veterans' issues and trains on how best to deal with people who have those issues. Maybe it will help a police officer make the right decision or take the right action and prevent another tragedy like the Stanley Gibson episode.