Reawakening the Nation
On November 29, 2024, I was privileged to deliver my first official presentation since my appointment as NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker.
The presentation NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis © occurred at the state-of-the-art police academy in Queens, New York.
Gratitude
- Before continuing, it is essential to express gratitude for the NYPD officials whom made my appointment possible.
- Former Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon for his visionary leadership and confidence in me.
- NYPD Executive Staff for their time during our meetings, and brainstorming an action plan for my initiative.
- Chief John Benoit, Director of Personnel for his time with Commissioner Donlon and myself, and the professionalism of his staff during my appointment processing.
- Chief Supervising Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleinman M.D. M.P.H for his time during my conference call with him and Dr. Lokesh Reddy M.D., Psychiatrist; and for his invitation for me to speak to the Police Self Support Group (PSSG) on November 14, 2024.
- Inspector Mark Wachter, Commanding Officer of the Health and Wellness Section for developing an actionable plan on my appointment for the Police Commissioner.
- PSSG Training Coordinator Peter Pallos for his admirable dedication to assisting others, and his invitation for me to speak today.
- NYPD legal matters, POPPA, the New York City Police Foundation, and many NYPD officials whom made my appointment possible.
- NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor for his support of my appointment and dedication to his profession.
- In particular, it is imperative to express my admiration for all NYPD personnel dedicated to protecting our communities, and to the Police Self Support Group and Peer Support Group for their inspiring commitment to helping their colleagues.
Dr. Stephen Wakschal
Before memorializing my presentation today, it is imperative to note the extraordinary dedication of Dr. Stephen Wakschal.
Dr. Wakschal was the lead instructor for the NYPD Peer Support Group today.
He is a New York State Psychologist with over 40 years’ experience in the field of suicidology, trauma, and law enforcement.
He is also a New York State Trooper PBA Surgeon, a certified grief counselor specialist, and the Clinical Lead for the Northwell Health Finest Program.
Dr. Wakschal representing ConQueR© today, delivered a powerful presentation titled A Suicide Awareness and Intervention Program for Law Enforcement Professionals.
His insights included the following:
- Suicide Prevention Innkeepers
- Why is this training necessary?
- Am I my brother’s keeper?
- Suicide by the Numbers
- The Six Pillars of Police Suicide
- Suicide Myths, Risk Factors
- Early Behavioral Indicators of Suicide
- Early Emotional Indicators of Suicide
- Early Voiced Indicators of Suicide
- The Lethal Equation
- Typical Responses to a Suicidal Person
- Connection Basics / Listening
- Empathy and Acknowledgement
- Why Police Officers Hesitate to Talk About Suicide
- Response Considerations
Dr. Wakschal’s insights made it abundantly clear to the Peer Support Group that this knowledge was pivotal for addressing mental health concerns.
The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
Today’s remarks were a continuation of my initiative The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©. It was customized for the Peer Support Group, and the following was addressed:
The challenging times for law enforcement throughout America, with alarming levels of stress, wounded morale, senseless acts of violence, and suicide.
The NYPD is not immune to these challenges. Each of us must be catalysts of change to ignite a culture of respect, affirmation, and gratitude.
The necessity of principled leadership, morale enhancement, emotional resilience, and suicide prevention.
The paramount mandate of inspiring ethical protectors; personified by character, empathy, and compassion for others.
A laser-focused goal of inspiring a culture that values the physical, spiritual, and mental well-being of every member of the NYPD.
The Wounded Healer
As with my initial presentation for the initiative on November 14, my remarks also included my commentary on the wisdom from the 1979 book The Wounded Healer © by Henri Nouwen.
My commentary addressed the following excerpts (some paraphrased):
“When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”
“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.”
“Our service will not be perceived as authentic, unless it comes from a heart wounded by the suffering we encounter in others.”
“The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but ‘How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”
“To enter into solidarity with a suffering person does not mean that we have to talk with that person about our own suffering. We must be sympathetic listeners as speaking about our own pain is seldom helpful for someone who is in pain.”
“A wounded healer is someone who can listen [and empathize] to a person in pain without having to speak about his or her own wounds.”
“When we have experienced pain, we can listen with great attentiveness and compassion to another in pain without spotlighting our own wounds.”
“Mostly, it is better not to direct a suffering person’s attention to ourselves. We have to trust that our own damaged wounds will allow us to listen to others with our whole being. The empathetic listening leads to healing.”
Prevent a Tragedy: See Something, Do Something
Each life is sacred and deserving of respect, support, and encouragement.
The maxim “if you see something do something” is applicable not only to crime prevention, but to protecting the lives of all who serve, and all experiencing emotional trauma.
We must continually have our eyes wide open to warning signs of suicide, and the moral courage to respond.
Before concluding, some wise words from a retired police chief colleague on officer mental health and suicide prevention:
“We rightfully spend a lot of time assessing a recruit’s psychological status.
“However, all officers need to be regularly assessed as their careers and experiences move forward.
“Some agencies order officers to attend PTSD screening for certain incidents.
“A good start, but given the nature of the job and the amount of negativity shown by those who hold the purse strings, screening should be at regular intervals throughout a career.”
Note Well: A Tribute to Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon
Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon’s visionary leadership was the catalyst behind this unprecedented initiative. He already initiated expanding the initiative through an unparalleled partnership with the FDNY Commissioner which began with a conference call on September 27, 2024 with the three of us.
Next on the agenda, a first of its kind police-fire department unity of effort. This will take place at police precincts and fire houses. The initiative will have my unwavering support for the NYPD and FDNY; inspiring ethical leadership, building morale, emotional resilience, and suicide prevention.
Spotlight NYPD Resource: A National Model
Mental Health Resources for NYPD Members
Related Bove Published Works from the NACOP:
- 21st Century Policing: Issues and Response
21St Century Policing: Issues and Response
- 21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
- Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
- America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
- Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession
Understanding the Profession
- Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
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