Trauma-informed approach

Speaking with someone from a Trauma-informed approach gives both the investigator and the suspect/victim an opportunity for better understanding. Had I had this training before or at any time during my 20 years working with the RCMP, my approach to situations would have been much different.

The world is paying attention to how the police handle suspects/victims. The current system is not working and I can only speak from the Canadain perspective as a retired RCMP. Do I feel there is systemic racism in the policing practices, I say it is the systemic problem of bullying. The BULLYING UMBRELLA, in other words, bullying is systemic and what is under that umbrella is racism, misogyny, homophobia, exclusion, conflicts, and targeting 'the other'.

Changing attitudes is going to take time, training, and a willingness by all leaders to hold those who continue to work with racist attitudes, show them the exit door.

From a trauma-informed approach, there could be several contributing unknown factors when being stopped by the police, such as perception (real or imagined) harassment by police, childhood experience with the police was one of fear and terror, an embarrassment of being stopped, flashing lights are a trigger for fear and heightened anxiety, implicit memories. Our feelings experiences result in our behaviors and coping skills. This is my own opinion based on experience with policing, in the possibility of looking from a trauma-informed approach that can possibly de-escalate a potentially violent and fatal interaction. It is the training needed to at least be willing to try better communication. Is this the answer to fix all the problems, no, merely an opportunity to seek to understand and find another way.

We can learn and re-learn better skills in communication and deeper understanding. Taking these new skills and using them in my day to day life has created tremendous compassion and improved relationships. Taking the 'I' out of a conversation and really listening. WOW!

Has this ever happened in your work or life, learning a new skill that would have saved, assisted or helped in your career?

#mentalhealth #understanding #kindness #selfcare #compassion #listening #fear #hope #curiosity #RCMP #reduceviolencewithunderstanding #violenceisnottheanswer #speakup #communication #listeningskills #safety #humanity #nonjudgemental #validating #respond #reflect #explore #respondwithcare #traumainformedapproach #trauma #poverty