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Episode 003: Detective James Keller dedicated seven years to investigating crimes against children. He believed he was managing the emotional toll of this work until one case shattered his defenses. This episode examines the neuroscience behind cumulative trauma, explaining why the brain's processing systems can fail under prolonged exposure to distressing experiences. It also highlights how the intervention of a peer support officer helped save his life and career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sleep deprivation kills BDNF production—your brain can't heal trauma without the raw materials to do it
• The health domain isn't wellness advice; it's the neurobiological foundation that everything else sits on
• Intrusive thoughts aren't a weakness; they're your hippocampus failing to process memories properly
• Early intervention at month three prevents crisis at month six—RFA training teaches peers to spot the signs
• High-exposure units (Special Victims, Homicide, SWAT) need HART training before assignment, not after breakdown

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• PR6 Resilience Model (Vision, Composure, Tenacity, Reasoning, Collaboration, Health)
• EMDR therapy for reprocessing traumatic memories
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) research
• 85% resilience threshold research (178 critical incidents over career vs. 2-3 for civilians)

TIMESTAMPS:

4:29 - First year in Special Victims: building walls

11:21 - The case that broke through: when compartmentalization fails

17:09 - Composure domain collapse: 0 to 10 with no warning

37:20 - What departments owe detectives in high-trauma units

TAKE ACTION:

Download the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol: FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol

Or learn peer intervention strategies: RFA Certification: RFA

Resources for Officers

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. These trauma-informed resources are confidential, available 24/7, and staffed by people who understand the unique challenges of law enforcement.

COPLINE

Phone: 1-800-267-5463 (1-800-COPLINE)

Website: www.copline.org

COPLINE is a confidential 24/7 hotline exclusively for current and retired law enforcement officers and their families. All calls are answered by trained, retired law enforcement officers who understand the job and provide peer support for any issue—from daily stressors to full mental health crises. Your anonymity is guaranteed. COPLINE is not affiliated with any police department or agency, and listeners will not notify anyone without your explicit consent.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Phone: Call or text 988

Online Chat: www.988lifeline.org

Veterans: Press 1 after dialing 988

The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health struggles, or thoughts of suicide. Trained crisis counselors are available by phone, text, or online chat to provide compassionate, judgment-free support. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out—988 is here for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

Safe Call Now

Phone: 206-459-3020

Website: www.safecallnowusa.org

Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive 24-hour crisis referral service designed specifically for all public safety employees, emergency services personnel, and their family members nationwide. Founded by a former law enforcement officer, Safe Call Now is staffed by peer advocates who are first responders themselves and understand the unique demands of the job. They provide crisis intervention and connect callers with appropriate treatment resources while maintaining complete confidentiality.

Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve support, and these resources are here for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Content Warning

Before we begin, a brief content warning is in order.

This episode contains discussion of crimes against children, including a child homicide investigation. While graphic details are minimized, the subject matter is extremely sensitive and may be triggering for parents and those who work with child victims.

If you're a first responder currently struggling with mental health challenges, crisis support resources are available.

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