Police Speak

When Reporting Makes You the Problem: One Officer's Fight to Stay


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Episode 014:

This episode dives deep into a tough but critical topic: the reality of facing assault from within the ranks. We're talking about Jessica Ramirez, a rookie officer who found herself in a nightmare scenario with her field training officer. Instead of letting that betrayal crush her spirit, Jess turned her pain into purpose, fighting to create change in a system that often silences victims. We’ll break down what it takes to report an assault, how to navigate the fallout, and why resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital skill for survival on the job. If you’ve ever felt like you’re battling alone, trust me, this episode’s for you. Key takeaways: - Reporting doesn't make you a traitor; it takes real guts. - Building resilience is about survival, not therapy. - Peer support can change the game for struggling officers. - Jess's journey shows the power of turning trauma into advocacy. Episode highlights: - Jess's story of assault and survival (0:00) - The breakdown of the culture around reporting (10:00) - The creation of a new role for assault response (20:00) Resources mentioned: - PR6 assessment tool for resilience - Links to RFA certification for peer support training Don’t forget to check out the free PR6 assessment at policespeak.org/pr6!

Nobody signs up for this job thinking they'll get blindsided by betrayal, especially not by someone who's supposed to have their back. Jess Ramirez's experience as a rookie cop-turned-FTO nightmare is a wake-up call for all of us. In this episode, we dive deep into what happens when the system fails you and how Jess turned her trauma into a mission to help others. She didn't just survive; she fought for change, creating a role within her department that didn’t exist before—the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Liaison. It’s about resilience, operational readiness, and making sure no officer feels alone in their fight. This isn't just a story; it's a rallying cry for law enforcement to stand together against misconduct and support each other on the streets and in the station. Jess's story isn't just hers; it's a reflection of the struggles many officers face but often keep quiet about. When you report an assault, it feels like you’re stepping into a minefield, and Jess shares the painful reality of that experience—the isolation, the whispers, and the struggle to maintain your identity as a cop. But through her journey, she also highlights the importance of having a supportive community and the need for actionable resilience skills that can be implemented right from the start. From understanding the PR6 model to practical peer support, this episode emphasizes that resilience is not just about bouncing back; it's about building a system that protects us all. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to recognize the signs of distress in your partners and yourself. You’ll understand that staying in law enforcement after trauma isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your strength. Jess has shown us all that while trauma changes us, it doesn't have to define us. With a little help, we can turn our experiences into powerful tools for change. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get into it—because every officer deserves support, and every story deserves to be heard.

Takeaways:

  1. Officers need to build resilience skills to handle the tough calls we face daily; it's not therapy, it's survival.
  2. Reporting an assault in law enforcement can feel like a career suicide, but it's a necessary step for integrity.
  3. Jess's story shows us how the system often fails those who report; we need to change this together.
  4. Peer support in the department could prevent isolation and help officers recognize when a partner is struggling.
  5. Don't wait until you're drowning in stress; start building your resilience toolbox now with practical skills.

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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.

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Get Your Critical Incident Recovery Protocol HERE!

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Police SpeakBy Police Speak