Does the Highway Patrol or Trooper required their officers

[jtvang125]

Usually the first person on the scene of a highway or freeway accident is a highway patrol officer or state trooper. They'll need to assess the situation and call in paramedics if someone already hasn't. Unfortunately not every one walks away safely from an accident so if they've been in the force long enough I'm sure they'll encounter one death related scene.

So my question is, are potential officers screened first to see if they can handle such a situation? I know I can handle mutilated animal body but surely can't with a human.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Police officers sometimes have to create said dead body.

Why the hell would you expect that they "wouldn't be able to handle seeing one"?

- M4H

 

[tfinch2]

My dad used to be a state trooper here in Texas. It's guaranteed you will see dead people.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I'd venture a guess that most cops have military background anyway. I'm sure they're very aware of the potential of carnage, ya know along with the potential of being shot at or otherwise killed and all.

I'd bet that firefighters and paramedics see more and worse carnage, more often than cops.

 

[Jeeebus]

every potential recruit goes through some sort of mental examination, at least in the larger cities.

 

[BoomerD]

If you know you can't handle it, why would you consider doing the job?
It's just about guaranteed that as a Highway Patrolman, you'll get to see all knids of gruesome deaths. The couple I've known over the years said it was seeing little kids mangled up that bothered them the most.

 

[Soundmanred]

Military background? Really?
None of the cops I know were ever in the military except an older guy.
They do have training for those kinds of things however.
This is in Oklahoma, YMMV.

 

[cardiac]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
Usually the first person on the scene of a highway or freeway accident is a highway patrol officer or state trooper. They'll need to assess the situation and call in paramedics if someone already hasn't. Unfortunately not every one walks away safely from an accident so if they've been in the force long enough I'm sure they'll encounter one death related scene.

So my question is, are potential officers screened first to see if they can handle such a situation? I know I can handle mutilated animal body but surely can't with a human.

I've been a firefighter/paramedic for the past 24 years, and have seen more than my share of death scenes. If a patrolman shows up on the scene and can't handle it, another one will come assist. The deaths from accidents haven't held a candle to some of the natural deaths I've worked. The ones where a neighbor finally realizes that they haven't seen Mr. Smith for a few weeks and it's been 90 degrees out every day.... Dead folks and high temperatures don't mix well :Q

If you really want to see if you can handle it, try and do a ride along with your local PD or fire department. Your initial academy training will address this also.

Good luck,

Bob