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Noticing the Signs: How to Spot a Struggling Officer
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Episode 017
We gotta pay attention to our partners, folks. In this episode, we dive into the signs that indicate one of our own might be struggling. It's about noticing the small changes that can lead to big problems down the line. We share the story of two Texas officers — one who nearly fell through the cracks because no one saw the signs, and another who made sure that didn't happen again. We’re not here to diagnose or play therapist; we’re here to teach you how to recognize the need for support before it’s too late. This is about operational readiness, keeping your squad intact, and knowing when to step up. So, let’s get into it and make sure we’re looking out for each other, because that’s how we stay mission-capable. The episode dives deep into the story of two Texas officers, Derek Webb and Daniel Ochoa, and how each faced their own battles after traumatic calls. Derek's haunting experience after a shooting incident almost led to his downfall, but it was the quiet intervention from Roy Delgado that changed everything. Derek learned the hard way that sometimes, we’re too good at hiding our struggles, and that’s when we need our fellow officers to step in. This episode emphasizes the tactical skill of paying attention to our fellow officers. Noticing the changes in their behavior can mean the difference between sinking or staying afloat. The Appreciate phase is about being aware of these signs and understanding that sometimes it’s not just about what’s happening on the street but what’s happening in our squad room. We’re all in this together, and it’s crucial to recognize when someone is struggling. This first installment in the All Protocol series serves as a wake-up call to officers everywhere about the importance of peer support and being proactive in noticing when someone needs help.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Takeaways:
- Noticing patterns in behavior is critical for spotting when an officer's struggling.
- Situational awareness isn't just for calls; it should apply to your team too.
- Being proactive in checking on fellow officers can prevent crises before they escalate.
- The signs of distress can be subtle but stacking them can reveal a larger issue.
- It's vital to reach out before someone asks for help; often, they won’t ask until it's too late.
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.
COPLINEPhone: 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.
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.
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:
Get Your Copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Today!
Click the link here and get your copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol. Don't worry, it's completely FREE.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Get Your Critical Incident Recovery Protocol HERE!
Click the link here and get your copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol. Don't worry, it's completely FREE.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
View all episodes
By Police SpeakFREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Episode 017
We gotta pay attention to our partners, folks. In this episode, we dive into the signs that indicate one of our own might be struggling. It's about noticing the small changes that can lead to big problems down the line. We share the story of two Texas officers — one who nearly fell through the cracks because no one saw the signs, and another who made sure that didn't happen again. We’re not here to diagnose or play therapist; we’re here to teach you how to recognize the need for support before it’s too late. This is about operational readiness, keeping your squad intact, and knowing when to step up. So, let’s get into it and make sure we’re looking out for each other, because that’s how we stay mission-capable. The episode dives deep into the story of two Texas officers, Derek Webb and Daniel Ochoa, and how each faced their own battles after traumatic calls. Derek's haunting experience after a shooting incident almost led to his downfall, but it was the quiet intervention from Roy Delgado that changed everything. Derek learned the hard way that sometimes, we’re too good at hiding our struggles, and that’s when we need our fellow officers to step in. This episode emphasizes the tactical skill of paying attention to our fellow officers. Noticing the changes in their behavior can mean the difference between sinking or staying afloat. The Appreciate phase is about being aware of these signs and understanding that sometimes it’s not just about what’s happening on the street but what’s happening in our squad room. We’re all in this together, and it’s crucial to recognize when someone is struggling. This first installment in the All Protocol series serves as a wake-up call to officers everywhere about the importance of peer support and being proactive in noticing when someone needs help.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Takeaways:
- Noticing patterns in behavior is critical for spotting when an officer's struggling.
- Situational awareness isn't just for calls; it should apply to your team too.
- Being proactive in checking on fellow officers can prevent crises before they escalate.
- The signs of distress can be subtle but stacking them can reveal a larger issue.
- It's vital to reach out before someone asks for help; often, they won’t ask until it's too late.
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.
COPLINEPhone: 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.
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.
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:
Get Your Copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol Today!
Click the link here and get your copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol. Don't worry, it's completely FREE.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol
Get Your Critical Incident Recovery Protocol HERE!
Click the link here and get your copy of the Critical Incident Recovery Protocol. Don't worry, it's completely FREE.
FREE Critical Incident Recovery Protocol