Presidents Message
As I
write this today the snow continues to fall in the Des Moines metro area.
I am not a big fan of winter and even less a fan of snow. However has we
all know we are not in control of the weather only how we react to it.
That’s
not only true with weather but pretty much a lot of circumstances we
encounter. As law enforcement officers we have to deal with the choices
and behaviors people make on every shift. Whether it be the traffic
violator, shoplifter, intoxicated or impaired person, or the a victim of a
crime, the expectation is that when the law enforcement officer shows up he or
she will handle it and handle it correctly, professionally and legally.
The majority of the time that is how things play out. The issue that
tends to be forgotten is what effects were left as a result of that
interaction.
Not
only the effects on the citizens but also the officer. Most likely that will
be the only interaction of that type the citizen will have that day or
night, however the law enforcement officers go right on to the next interaction
and depending on how busy of shift could have several some of which may be back
to back. That can wear on an officer if they don’t have an adequate set
of coping skills will negatively affect their health and wellbeing.
We all
take care of our cars, trucks and SUVS because they are a substantial
investment and lack of care will decrease the life of that vehicle which
in turn will cause us to replace it earlier than anticipated, which
relates to spending money we may not have budgeted.
The
crazy thing is that take better care and give more attention to our vehicles
than we do with our own physical and mental fitness. We can replace a
vehicle but we only get one body and it comes with a pretty complex and
resilient set of parts.
It’s a
new year and that is a time when people make lists of goals, resolutions and
promises to themselves. My challenge to you as law enforcement officers
is that you make a commitment to be honest with yourself and that this is the
year you make the lifestyle changes that you need to for your health.
That you work to develop a toolbox of coping mechanisms that will
help you deal with the mental stresses of being a law enforcement
officer.
There
is no reason we can’t start to reverse the trends and statistics that are
showing law enforcement officers dying younger and having a higher suicide rate
than the general public, if we come to understand and acknowledge we have to
work a little harder to get through all the stress and negativity we deal with
every shift.
Find a training course such as Blue Courage to
steer you in that direction. Establish an accountability partner you
trust and can share things with, read and learn more about coping skills
and I am confident that 2019 will be a great year. Thank you for your
service and dedication and always BE SAFE!
Chief
David Lorenzen
Iowa
DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement
Our Family Protecting Yours
6310
Southeast Convenience Blvd
Ankeny,
IA 50021
Office
515-237-3215
Cell
515-250-3372
Email: david.lorenzen@iowadot.us
