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Racism among cops as a symptom of burn out

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009



Philadelphia police officer William Thrasher has been put on desk duty after he was quoted making racist remarks about residents in the community he patrolled. His statements appeared in an article written by a Temple University journalism student. Police psychologists say Thrasher's conduct could be a sign of burn out.

Transcript:
Dr. Laurence Miller is a forensic and police psychologist who works with police departments all over the country. He says cynicism and bitterness are symptoms of burnout. Miller says several factors make an officer susceptible to burnout: personality, how well their department functions, and what kind of neighborhood they work in.

Dealing with the problems of a tough neighborhood can give officers a skewed view of the people they serve.

Miller: "The problem with patrolling a so-called bad neighborhood is that even in the worst neighborhoods it's still the minority of people who are the 'bad guys,' but it's the bad guys and gals are the people that police officers encounter every day as part of their job."

Miller says police departments should look out for officers expressing bitterness and cynicism and offer them counseling as well as additional training and coaching.

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One Comment

  • Raymond Carnation says:

    Hello,
    My name is Raymond Carnation. I was a Philadelphia Police Officer that opposed racism against African Americans in my department.
    I along with two other officers were then retaliated against and then fired for coming forward . This occurred under the command of William Colarulo now a chief inspector.
    In May of 2008 we won our Precedential Federal Racism Case Myrna Moore vs. The City of Philadelphia. D.C. Civil Action NOS. 99-cv-01163. This ten year nightmare has inspired me to campaign to ask President Barack Obama to place police racism on our national agenda. I am also aware this is a Global Problem. I am seeking to see Global as well as national attention on this serious problem. I want to write a book on our true stories and our findings on police racism.We hope that Oprah ,20/20 or Dateline can do a story so the world, and our President can take proper action. Below are the articles on my story so you will have a better understanding what had occurred in my career in Philadelphia Police department. Together we can make a positive change for all. I hope you and your staff can assisted us in our quest as well as yours. Thank You and God Bless.
    Yours Truly,
    Raymond Carnation
    email hidden; JavaScript is required
    Cell# 267-231-8143

    http://www.counterpunch.org/washington05162008.html

    http://www.officer.com/web/online/Top-News-Stories/3-Former-Philadelphia-Officers-Win-10-Million-Lawsuit-Against-City/1$41422

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